'Bullying' school getting better

Bullying was a factor in Antony Cole's death

An independent report has said a Buckinghamshire school previously deemed as having a "culture of bullying" has made improvements.

The Gatehouse School, a special school in Milton Keynes, was criticised in another report earlier in the year for regularly restraining children.

An interim report on the school's progress due before councillors on Tuesday says changes have been made.

It also says it is proving "extremely difficult" to find a new head teacher.

In the previous report a total of 41 recommendations were made relating to both the school and the council.

These included reducing the number of incidents of physical restraint and improving the management of the school.

The school is currently being run by interim head and deputy head teachers.

The report, written by Dame Jo Williams, said: "The council can be confident the new director of children's services and her team have acted appropriately in relation to the recommendations made...

"The new chair of the school's governing body has also openly embraced the recommendations."

But adds it has been "extremely difficult" to recruit a new head teacher.

'Moving on'

In March 2008, 15-year-old Anthony Cole, a pupil at Gatehouse School killed himself, prompting a review by the Milton Keynes Safeguarding Children Board.

The review said the school head was not "completely honest" to the inquest and that the "culture of bullying" was a factor in his death.

In March a report by the borough council investigating abuse claims found children were being bruised when physically restrained by staff and children were often manhandled.

Sandra Clark, Milton Keynes Council's cabinet member for education, said: "We acknowledge our thanks to the staff, governing body, and especially the previous interim head teacher for their efforts in driving the change needed.

"Whilst there is clearly work still needed to be done to improve outcomes for pupils we hope that the school can now draw a line under the past and move forward with confidence."

A further progress report is expected in six months time.