Pupils and parents back suspended Welshpool headteacher

Parents of pupils at a Mid Wales school, whose headteacher has been suspended, have spoken out in support of her, describing her as a very fine individual and strong leader.

Suzanne Foster, from Maesydre Primary School, Howell Drive, Welshpool, was suspended on Tuesday and education bosses are carrying out an investigation into allegations against her.

The nature of the allegations have not been made public, with parents being given a letter on Tuesday informing them of the suspension.

One parent, picking up their child from the school yesterday who did not want to be named, said: "Mrs Foster has the genuine best interests of the pupils at the school.

"She is a straightforward lady who speaks her mind and is a strong leader and I hope the matter can be resolved quickly and we can get her back to doing what she does best - running this wonderful school."

Other parents were equally as supportive, with one father picking up his two children saying: "We have no idea of the circumstances - not even a single rumour seems to be doing the rounds which is odd.

"But speak as you find, there is a very fine headteacher there.

"It is a great shock to see a letter like the one we had come home with your child."

Another added: "Nobody has been given a reason for her suspension, we just had a letter telling us about it."

Meanwhile, Dyfed Powys Police said it had now been called to help investigate an "incident" at the school.

Antony Topazio, force spokesman, said: "Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that it is investigating an incident at a school in Welshpool.

"Police are liaising closely with Powys County Council and the Local Education Authority."

Mr Topazio added that Mrs Foster had not been arrested or questioned.

Emma Savage, spokeswoman for Powys County Council, yesterday said interim measures had been put in place at the school.

She said suspension was a "neutral act" taken to enable an investigation to be held.

By Andrew Morris