This received from Chris Whitehouse. In his own words. Ed
The mystery surrounding the departure of the former Principal of Sandown Bay Academy has deepened with the revelation that solicitors have tried to gag a local councillor to prevent him from speaking out on the matter.
False and inflammatory comments
Solicitors for the head teacher have written to Cllr Chris Whitehouse (Newport West) who speaks on Education for the Conservative Group of Councillors on the Isle of Wight warning that they are “instructing Counsel specialising in libel” with a view to launching proceedings for comments he had previously made to the County Press.
The letter goes on to accuse the Councillor of making comments that are “false, inflammatory and within the public domain” and claiming that the remarks have “severely damaged” the head teacher’s “professional reputation and prospects of future employment”.
Cllr Whitehouse responded with typical robustness suggesting,
“Many observers, were your approach to become public knowledge, would feel that I have been rather restrained in my choice of language. If Ofsted perceive that I have misread or misinterpreted their findings I am sure they will let me know.”
Speaking today, Cllr Whitehouse adds,
“I will not be gagged or intimidated by anybody. There is a clear duty on elected councillors to speak out on matters affecting the education of children on the Island. I challenge the head teacher to come back to the Island and attend a public meeting in Sandown to account for herself and her actions, and to take questions from parents, councillors and the press. She should be joined by the head of the AET Academy chain. The truth should be told about precisely what has gone on.”
Article edit
10.30am 25th Apr 2024 Name of headteacher removed as requested
Image: Steve Punter under CC BY 2.0
