Slap case head's future still uncertain

Mrs Evans' suspension has been lifted, but she remains on paid leave

Head teacher Marjorie Evans, cleared of slapping a 10-year-old pupil, has still to learn if she will face disciplinary action for the alleged mistreatment of pupils.

Governors of St Mary's Junior School in Caldicot met Monmouthshire County Borough education director Phil Cooke for four hours on Tuesday, but failed to decide on what to do.

She could still face disciplinary action

Paul Cooke

Mr Cooke said afterwards he and the governors had decided to draw up a "plan of action" in consultation with the LEA, staff at the school and trade unions.

Mrs Evans, 56, recently said she had not ruled out the possibility of seeking compensation and taking legal action after being suspended from her job more than a year ago.

Hoping to return

She currently remains on paid leave, but has said she hopes to return to her school before Christmas.

Mrs Evans hopes to return to St Mary's School by Christmas

Mr Cooke said: "There's been no decision about disciplinary action but the meeting came to a positive conclusion. The aim is for further discussions to take place next week.

"She could still face disciplinary action - we have got to look at all aspects of the situation."

Mrs Evans was suspended last September after she was charged with slapping a 10-year-old pupil at the school.

She was convicted of the assault in July, but cleared on appeal last month.

Police report

But the suspension remained in place because police were investigating further allegations of pupil mistreatment at the school.

The Crown Prosecution Service decided last month to take no further action against Mrs Evans and the school's board of governors elected to allow her to return to her post.

A panel of governors has since been examining the 400-page report of allegations put together by Gwent Police.