School Left to manage Risk After Agencies Withdraw Support, Inquiry Hears
A school in Ormskirk was effectively abandoned to manage teh risk posed by a student with a history of violence after other agencies withdrew their support, according to testimony given at a public inquiry.
The situation unfolded following an incident in December 2019, when the teenager attacked another pupil with a hockey stick while attending the Range High School in Formby. As a result, bail conditions were imposed, preventing his immediate enrollment at Acorns School until a complete multi-agency risk assessment could be completed.
Joanne Hodson,the head teacher of Acorns School,detailed her “very significant” concerns regarding the potential risk the student presented to both pupils and staff. She maintained that his return to the school was “not appropriate” without a thorough evaluation of the circumstances.
Though, Mrs. Hodson testified that she encountered resistance from other involved organizations. “I felt they all took a step back and passed the risk to us,” she stated, adding that the proposed solution from other agencies was simply, “you’ve got to take him back.”
The head teacher explained that she anticipated a collaborative effort, with all relevant agencies participating in the risk assessment. “That didn’t happen,” she confirmed. According to her account, “The police peeled away, social services said they didn’t think there was a risk, and we were literally left holding the baby.”
This account raises serious questions about inter-agency cooperation and the allocation of obligation when dealing with vulnerable students and potential safety concerns. the inquiry continues to examine the circumstances surrounding this case and the broader implications for safeguarding practices within the education system.
The student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was eventually admitted to Acorns School in January 2020 after the school felt compelled to accept him due to legal obligations. The inquiry heard that the school then struggled to provide adequate support without the promised assistance from other agencies. The situation ultimately led to further incidents and increased strain on school resources. The inquiry is investigating whether the lack of coordinated support contributed to these subsequent events and whether existing safeguarding protocols are sufficient to protect students and staff in similar situations. The inquiry is ongoing, with further testimony expected from representatives of the police and social services in the coming weeks.
