This Is Guernsey

By Gemma Hockey

Former Le Rondin School head teacher Jane Stephens, whose case triggered a review of Education. (Montage by John O’Neill, 0542890)

THE woman whose case brought it about has urged the need for action following the review of the Education Department.

Former Le Rondin School head teacher Jane Stephens was successful at an industrial tribunal in her claim that she had been unfairly dismissed. She said it was important that the Policy Council kept a watching brief on what happened with the report.

‘Of great importance is the recommendation that this review is followed by further reviews at set intervals. This will ensure that progress is made and this particular report is not left in a drawer and forgotten,’ she said.

‘It would be a great pity if the impetus to review and revise is allowed to drift.’

She said she was pleased to read praise in the report for the commitment of staff in schools and the Education Department.

‘It is recommended that changes are made to the ways in which politicians and civil servants work together to provide the service and in the organisational basics of the Education Department where they are urged to “get this right” in institutional terms,’ she said.

‘Included in this revision should be changes to the structure of the senior team to build in balance and deal with low morale.’

The department is asked to address issues related to capital spending and to give school governors powers to influence action.

‘Repeated mention is made of communication as an issue and this will be an area that Education will be anxious to deal with,’ she said.

‘The annexe to the report brings in many issues that are outside the brief of this review, but are listed as areas to be improved.

‘All comment in the report indicates that the matters referred to need immediate and careful attention as they are not being satisfactorily dealt with at present.’