No end in sight for head's suspension

Apr 13 2009 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

PARENTS and pupils shocked by the suspension of a popular headteacher have been told she will not be back to school before September at the earliest.

Margaret Bainbridge continues to be on “gardening leave” from Shotley Bridge Infant School near Consett, County Durham, at the taxpayers’ expense.

Parents at the school recently received a letter from the governors at Shotley Bridge County Infant School saying Ms Bainbridge will not be back at school next term.

Ms Bainbridge was suspended in December last year. The Journal understands that the suspension followed complaints made by fellow staff members about her management style.

But the suspension came just a year after Ms Bainbridge was praised in an Ofsted report for her “clarity and vision”.