Head teacher is suspended

A Mid Wales head teacher has been suspended from her post while education bosses carry out an internal investigation into allegations against her, it has emerged.

Eirios Hall has been asked to leave her post at Ardwyn Nursery and Infants School, in Welshpool, pending the outcome of an undisclosed investigation by her employers - Powys County Council.

All parents have been sent letters about the suspension but have been left in the dark about the nature of the allegations against Mrs Hall.

Mrs Hall today said she could not comment on her suspension, and Powys County Council refused to divulge why she had been suspended claiming it could jeopardise the probe.

The council said it was unable to say how long the investigation would take but said interim measures had been put in place at the school in the meantime.

John Evans, communications manager for Powys County Council, said: "I can confirm that the head teacher of Ardwyn School has been suspended from duties pending investigation into allegations.

"Suspension is a neutral act which is taken in order to enable an investigation to take place."

He said until the investigation was completed the council would not be revealing the nature of the allegations and would not make any further comment.

A spokeswoman from the National Association of Head Teachers Cymru said: "We are aware of the case and are providing advice.

"The relevant procedures are being followed. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

One parent, who has two children at the school, said parents had been informed of the suspension by a letter which had gone out to all parents but failed to say why Mrs Hall had been suspended.

Under Mrs Hall's leadership the school has won a number of awards for the healthy environment it provides for its pupils.

Last July Powys County Council presented the school with a healthy school certificate for including health education in the curriculum.

By Iain St John