Pencoedtre High parents concern over inappropriate behaviour

Penceodtre High is a school which has been operating under a cloud during the start of 2023.

A recent Estyn inspection in February placed the school under special measures after damning analysis of the £22million facility deemed leadership was disorganised and lacked clarity, resulting in a high level of pupil absence.

One parent said her son counted 15 fights in one lunchtime at the school.

Then Barry and District News then heard the heart-breaking account of Evelyn Cook, 13, whose academic ability and confidence were described as “diminished” after the treatment she had received at Pencoedtre High.

Vale of Glamorgan Council said the school takes cases of bullying very seriously and Estyn inspectors acknowledged there was a ‘positive culture of supporting pupils’ well-being at the school.

Parents contact Vale MP for action

Parents in Barry are desperate to get hold of a situation it is clear the school is struggling to deal with.

Eight concerned parents met to come up with an action plan to give to their local MP Jane Hutt to get the situation at Pencoedtre resolved.

Main concerns of the parents were inappropriate behaviour, bullying, additional learning needs provision and parent-school collaboration.

The meeting took place at the Gallery in Broad Street, on April 5.

Julia Brunskill, who organised the meeting, said parents wanted to ascertain how the school had failed.

“Parents met who had concerns and wish for a better school life and education for their children,” said Ms Brunskill.

Parents met at the Gallery on Broad Street where they voiced concerns

Evelyn Cook was subjected to horrendous bullying at the school

Ms Brunskill did not lay the blame at teachers’ feet, saying parents, ‘supported teachers who have been doing their best for the children in difficult circumstances’, but she did ask why the bullying policy was not more pro-active?

“Why is the bullying policy based on escalation rather than acknowledging that pupils only admit to being bullied when there is considerable fear or violence experienced?” asked Ms Brunskill.

Ms Hutt’s office said Ms Brunskill’s concerns had been passed on to the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

In a joint statement issued after the allegations around Evelyn emerged, Vale Council and Pencoedtre High said: “Bullying of any kind is completely unacceptable and both Pencoedtre High and the council have a zero tolerance approach to such behaviour.

“We will work to address any issues of this type brought to our attention and appropriate action will be taken against anyone found to be involved in bullying.”

Are you a parent or staff member concerned with what’s going on at Pencoedtre High? Contact Harry Jamshidian at harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk to raise your concerns.