Parents start petition over new headteacher at Langlands School
The council say the needs of learners are their priority.
Last updated 3rd Jun 2024
A petition has been started by the Parent Council of Langlands School in Dumfries following the news of the newly appointed headteacher.
The secondary school is for students with severe and complex additional needs.
Parents are unhappy with the new head who is currently the headteacher of North West Community Campus and is due to start at the specialist school in the new school term.
The parent council claim they have a lack of experience with working in a school such as theirs, making them ill equipped and unsuitable for the role.
Kemal Atlug, co-chair of the Langlands parent council explains why they’ve started their petition:
“If we want to be fair and equitable, then we need to demonstrate that. The pupils at Langlands and the school itself deserve equitable treatment and not be demoted as an additional responsibility to a headteacher with mainstream school responsibilities.”
Many of the students have multiple learning disabilities, some even life-limiting conditions which is why there are concerns.
“The role demands experiences.”
“For 40 plus years, Langlands has always had a dedicated specialist headteacher. Our sole aim is to preserve that for Langlands to keep its seat at the headteachers table so that can effectively and freely advocate for Langlands with an equal voice.” Says Atlug.
One top of this, they’re also campaigning for their hydrotherapy pool to be made usable as it has not been operational since the building opened in 2019.
This is the only physical exercise facility at the school and the parent council say that “not one child, wheelchair bound or otherwise, has ever benefited from the therapy pool, having been built at great expense by the taxpayers.”
They say this is “an infringement on the children’s human rights; to access physical exercise and therapy.”
Atlug reveals the outcome they’re hoping for: “Langlands is well known and held with high affection by many in the region. We hope that they step back from this decision, put the needs of the pupils first, and keep Langlands as a fully standalone school with a full autonomy and a dedicated headteacher.”
A spokesperson from Dumfries and Galloway Council says: “The needs of the learners and providing a positive educational experience across the entice North West Community Campus (NWCC) is our priority. The new arrangements will provide that.
“Langlands, as every other segment within NWCC, is a vital part of the school community. Officers have met with staff, parents, carers and other key stakeholders to explain rationale and timeframes of changes and we look forward to working with what is a vibrant and positive parent council in the future.”
Anyone who wishes to sign the petition can find it on Change.org.