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STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION ON TUESDAY 6th NOVEMBER 2018
Independent Review of Head Teacher Appointment Process – First Tower School
During Questions without Notice at the Assembly sitting of 10th July 2018, Deputy C.S. Alves asked me what action I had taken in response to the concerns of parents following the appointment of a new head teacher at First Tower School. I advised the Deputy that I would be asking the Jersey Appointments Commission to review the appointment. [1]
I am able to confirm that The Jersey Appointments Commission have completed an independent review at my request and found no evidence to suggest that the appointment to the position of head teacher was not made on merit. There were aspects of the appointment process that could have been improved and the Commission has met with Department officials to discuss the results and the areas where improvements should be made.
The concerns of the parents and question from the Deputy have provided a challenge to our processes which I welcome. They have served as a catalyst for the independent audit and identification of opportunities for improvement. The delivery of these improvements will assure me, parents, teachers and all stakeholders that our appointments are robust and fair, and in accordance with best practice principles and procedure.
I am pleased to advise members that the Commission are providing further support to the Department by actively overseeing the appointment of head teachers until they are assured that improvements are embedded.
The recent appointment of a new head teacher for Springfield School was the first to be overseen and the Commission have confirmed to me that the process was fair, efficient and conducted in accordance with best practice principles and procedure.
I thank the Commission for their independent review and ongoing assistance and I welcome their comments on the constructive engagement of Department officials and the improvements that are already evidenced. I hope Deputy Alves and members recognise the proactive steps we have taken to provide assurance on the First Tower School and future head teacher appointments.
Appendix A
- Question and answer
- Letter from Jersey Appointments Commission, First Tower School review
- Letter from Jersey Appointments Commission, Springfield School appointment
1.
5.4 Deputy C.S. Alves :
As I am sure the Minister is aware, parents of children from First Tower School have raised concerns regarding the recent appointment of a new head teacher. What action, if any, has the Minister taken to ensure that their concerns have been taken on?
Senator T.A. Vallois:
This was raised with myself only last week with regards to the head teacher. Of course, the appointment happened before my appointment as Minister for Education and also because I am Chairman of the States Employment Board I want to ensure that the process was properly carried out, independently processed and ensure that we can give some reassurance to the parents that the way that this was conducted was in the appropriate manner. So, I have asked the officer to the States Employment Board to request the Jersey Appointments Commission to independently audit that process that was carried out, to give me the reassurance and the parents' reassurance that it was the correct and robust way of achieving that result.
