A school issued a statement over social media speculation surrounding a headteacher. Heanor Gate Spencer Academy in Derbyshire sent a text to parents and carers to confirm that its headteacher, Steve Huntington, was absent due to personal reasons.
The message was sent out on Wednesday, July 20. The school acknowledged that while it does not usually comment on what appears to be social media speculation, it felt the need to do so as recent speculation "could be of concern for parents and carers", reports Derbyshire Live.
In the statement, the school confirmed that deputy head Matt Jones will continue to stand in on Mr Huntington's behalf until the end of term. It is understood that Heanor Gate sent the following text to parents and carers. It said: "Due to ongoing speculation, please see statement below from the CEO of Spencer Academies Trust, regarding Mr Huntington's absence:
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"'Spencer Academies Trust and Heanor Gate Spencer Academy would not normally comment on social media content; however, we recognise some of the recent speculation surfacing could be of concern for parents and carers.
"Therefore, we wanted to let you know that whist it is correct that Mr Huntington is currently absent from school due to a private matter, it is categorically not connected to any safeguarding concerns about children or young people. We also want to be similarly explicit that there has been absolutely no police involvement relating to his absence.
"Please respect Mr Huntington’s privacy at this time and we ask that people refrain from any further speculation. Mr Jones will continue to lead the Academy until the end of term.'"
Heanor Gate was approached for further comment but said it would not be releasing any statement to the media at the time.
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