A Salford head teacher praised by government inspectors for his leadership qualities is 'absent from school' due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. Brentnall Community Primary School chair of governors Joseph Donnelly said in a letter to parents on June 14 he was 'unsure' how long Matt Thompson will be off for.
Mr Thompson took charge of the school on Northumberland Street in September 2014. A head teacher at another school, Daniel Gauld, has been seconded to provide support for the school. Salford council and the school have refused to explain why Mr Thompson is not at work.
Mr Donnelly's letter reads: "Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Mr Thompson is absent from school. At this time, I am unsure how long the absence will be for. For the time being, Mrs Clyne, the Deputy Head Teacher will be leading Brentnall supported by the Senior Leadership Team.
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"Please be assured that the children’s education remains the top priority and that the staff will continue to work as hard as they always have. If you have any queries, please direct them to Mrs Clyne in the first instance, or myself as Chair of Governors, via the school email address."
In a second letter, on June 15, he added: "Following on from yesterday's letter, the governors have made the decision to utilise additional leadership support for the school. With immediate effect, Mr D Gauld will act as Executive Headteacher for both Brentnall Community Primary and Riverview Primary School. He will work closely with the existing team at Brentnall and Mrs. Clyne who will step up to Head of School."
A spokesperson for Salford council said: "We do not comment on individual cases. Complaints or allegations concerning any member of school staff are always fully investigated and dealt with by the relevant school and its governing body." Approached for comment, a spokeswoman for the school said: "No comment."
In 2017, after the school was rated good by Ofsted, an inspector wrote to Mr Thompson saying: "There have been a considerable number of changes since the last inspection. You became headteacher in September 2014 and have restructured the staffing at the school to increase leadership capacity. This has helped you to improve the school and gives you the capacity to continue to do so in the future.
"The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection. You and your leadership team have created a welcoming, warm and vibrant school. Pupils enjoy coming to school and are enthusiastic about their learning."
The school, just off Bury New Road, has about 200 pupils. Inspector, Helen O'Neill, said in the 2017 letter to Mr Thompson: "All of your staff are proud to be a part of the school and believe that the school is led by ‘an inspirational leader who passionately believes that all children can and will achieve well’. Your core values of ‘Learn, Respect and Succeed’ are evident throughout the life of the school."
In a welcoming letter to parents on the school's website, Mr Thompson says: "I have been Headteacher here now for over 7 years and I believe Brentnall is a great place for children to learn in a safe and nurturing environment. I am supported by hardworking and determined staff who, together with our wonderful parents ensure that our children achieve the best they possibly can.
"My philosophy is that all children deserve the best possible start to their lives and all staff at Brentnall aim to achieve this outcome. Everyone in our school belongs, and is a part of our happy and caring ‘school community’."
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