Council rejects Councillor's calls for meeting over former headteacher

Russel Bond, a 41-year old former headteacher of Brockmoor primary school, pleaded guilty to the possession of indecent images of children at Birmingham Magistrates court earlier this month on August 6.

He was arrested in his home on October 22 last year, and is now a registered sex offender, with police saying he be "closely monitored", while he awaits sentencing at a later date.

West Midlands Police confirmed the offences are unconnected to his employment at the school.

A spokesperson for the force said "We are aware that this matter has been the subject of speculation within the local community and across social media."

"We can confirm the offences were unconnected to the school where he had been in employment."

Councillors for Brockmoor and Pensnett have since pushed for a parents meeting to ensure parents get the answers and support they need.

Councillor Steve Edwards said: "Myself and Alex Dale (Councillor for Brockmoor and Pensnett) are trying hard to organise a meeting for parents before the school reopens next week, but the Local Authority are not being cooperative."

"It is my view that the Local Authority and the Federation which governs the school must update parents in person and offer support and advice to parents and pupils. I have made this explicitly clear to the Local Authority."

"I don't understand why there is not any urgency from the Local Authority to engage with parents when I have explained how angry and concerned people are."

Councillor Alex Dale added "From the very start we have been pushing for an internal investigation not into what the disgraced head has done but into what he has left behind. The culture, the teachings and just generally the lack of professionalism that we have heard about. As a qualified individual that is my view and I’m glad to say myself and Steve have thought the same right from day one"

When questioned on the likelihood of a parents meeting over the disgraced former headteacher, Dudley Council confirmed there were currently no plans for a meeting.

A spokesperson for Dudley Council said:

"There are no plans for a parents meeting but parents and staff have been fully informed, with no calls made to the school regarding this matter."

Tim Sunter, the Co-chair of governors for the Black Country federation, who govern the disgraced former head's school said:

“The Governing Body was informed of Mr Bond's arrest in October last year. He was immediately prohibited from entering either school, from having any contact with children or staff, and his access to all IT systems was disabled. His employment was subsequently terminated by the school and local authority.

“Naturally, the governors' first concern was whether any children from Brierley Hill or Brockmoor schools had been involved. The police have repeatedly reassured us that they were not and that the offense took place away from the school."

 “Established leaders were put in appropriate positions and both schools have continued to move forward for the benefit of their children. The new leadership team has now been in place for almost a full academic year, during which time standards and outcomes have continued to improve" added the Co-chair of governors .

 “The children of Brierley Hill and Brockmoor remain our number one priority. We look forward to building on this progress and achieving even more in the new academic year."