Union acts over slap case teacher

Mrs Evans had been hoping to return to work on Friday

The National Union of Teachers is to take legal action against school governors over threats to suspend a headteacher convicted then cleared of slapping a pupil.

Marjorie Evans, 56, had announced that she had intended to return to St Mary's Junior School in Caldicot, south Wales, on Friday.

Mrs Evans was hoping to return to St Mary's School as soon as possible

But her plans took a sharp u-turn when she received a letter from Monmouthshire education authority which threatened to reimpose a suspension against her which had been lifted three months ago.

The NUT's legal team will now issue a writ seeking a judicial review of the actions and decision of the governors.

The union's senior solicitor Graham Clayton : "The NUT will immediately begin legal proceedings for a judicial review to prevent the governors going ahead with any suspension," he said on Thursday.

"We cannot see a distinction between being told that you cannot go to school and that you are suspended."

Teachers supporting Mrs Evans during her appeal

Mrs Evans was first suspended in September 1999 after being charged with assault on an unruly 10-year-old.

She was convicted, then cleared on appeal.

But Monmouthshire County Council and the school governors ruled last month that she should face a disciplinary hearing over allegations of child cruelty and mistreatment.

The NUT's general secretary, Doug McAvoy, explained that Mrs Evans had remained absent from school - since 25 October - by her own decision, once her suspension was lifted.

But, he added, the union had advised her to return to her school to recommence her duties.

"At the end of last week, the union demanded from the governing body of St Mary's School, Caldicot, a clear indication of the disciplinary complaints they may seek now to pursue against Marjorie Evans.

"The governing body, advised by the Monmouthshire education authority, has failed to identify its complaints and insists that it is under no obligation to do so until seven days before a disciplinary hearing.

"After 18 months of anguish, Marjorie Evans still does not know the accusations against her."