Writ sought over slap case teacher

Mrs Evans had been hoping to return to work on Friday

A teaching union is expected to seek a writ against governors who stopped a headteacher - convicted then cleared of slapping a pupil - from returning to work.

The union says it will take action immediately after the new year, after Marjorie Evans, 56, who prevented from returning to her job at St Mary's Junior School in Caldicot, south Wales, before Christimas.

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

She was forced to rethink her plans in view of a letter from Monmouthshire education authority, threatening to reimpose a suspension against her which had been lifted three months ago.

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

"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 been advised 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."