The Sunderland Conservatives have urged governors of Grange Park Primary School in Monkwearmouth to reconsider their suspension of Pauline Wood.
Mrs Wood’s suspension follows her statement to BBC Radio Newcastle earlier in June in which she said that teachers cannot all be lumped into the same category and that some are working hard at home while others are not.
While her comments may have angered teachers and unions, a suspension does not seem like a proportionate response. The city’s Conservatives are therefore urging governors to reconsider their decision and overturn her suspension.
Under Wood’s leadership, Grange Park Primary has received an ‘Outstanding’ grade from Ofsted. The inspectorate has commended how members of her leadership team “pursue excellent and improvement” and other Heads have visited the school to learn from her approach to running a school.
Cllr Josh McKeith, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Learning and Skills in Sunderland City Council’s main Opposition Group, said:
“"I hope that Grange Park Primary governors reconsider their decision to suspend Mrs Wood. Although I see that this comment may have angered some staff, I don't think it warrants a suspension.
“She is highly regarded and, under her leadership, we have seen positive improvements according to Ofsted.”
