[Harry!]

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/

From my old junior school (owch!)



A JUNIOR school headteacher has been paid more than £20,000 for sitting at home doing nothing for six months.
Ilza Rudgley, headteacher of Langstone Junior School in Portsmouth, was suspended from her job on full pay in October – but parents have not been told why.

Rumours are circulating among parents about the reasons for her departure but both the school's chair man of governors and Portsmouth City Council refused to say why she's been put on a 'leave of absence'.

Deputy headteacher Claire Harvey has taken over while Mrs Rudgley is subject to an 'internal procedure'.

Now parents and councillors are demanding a decision be made about whether Mrs Rudgley should stay or go.

The average salary for a primary school headteacher is £46,000 a year, meaning Mrs Rudgley would have taken home around £23,000 during her absence.

Conservative councillor Simon Bosher, who has kept a track of events at the school, said: 'The LEA really does need to make a decision for the sake of the school and the children's education. This has gone on long enough and public money is being wasted if she doesn't return.'

One parent, who did not want to be named, said: 'As parents we've got a right to know why Mrs Rudgley was asked to leave. It's important.

'And they've got to make a decision whether she's to stay or go. The school can't be left hanging not knowing what's going to happen.'

The council couldn't say how long it would take to resolve the situation.

In a statement, LyndaFisher, strategic director for children, families and learning at the city council, said: 'We can confirm that the deputy headteacher of Langstone Junior School is currently acting in the capacity of headteacher, while the headteacher is on a leave of absence.

'We aren't able to comment publicly about the reasons for this absence. It is normal practice for staff to receive full pay when on leave of absence and we can confirm this is the case here.'

The school's chairman of governors, Richard Soutar said he couldn't talk about Mrs Rudgley as it would break confidentiality.

Another parent, who did not want to be named, said: 'She was a good business manager but she wasn't a people person. A lot of parents didn't get on with her.I think teachers and kids are happier now. Claire Harvey is worth her weight in gold.'

The News tried to contact Mrs Rudgley but she did not reply.