Independent inquiry launched into Scots council's handling of teacher abuse complaints amid claims of 'cover-up'
Last updated 27th May 2021
Scottish Borders Council's announced it's launching an independent inquiry into its handling of complaints about a teacher who was later found guilty of a catalogue of violent classroom attacks on vulnerable children.
Linda McCall's awaiting sentence for the assaults on five pupils which took place between August 2016 and October 2017, following her conviction at Selkirk Sheriff Court.
But parents have accused the local authority of a cover-up after she was initially cleared of any wrongdoing.
A report will be presented to councillors next month outlining the scope of the investigation together with a timescale indicating how long it could last.
We're not naming the school involved to protect the children's identity.
Speaking at today's full council meeting, SBC Chief Executive Netta Meadows said: “As you are aware, a former employee of SBC has been found guilty of a number of criminal offences committed within a school setting.
“The welfare and safety of our young people is at the very heart of everything that we do. Therefore, as Head of Paid Service, I feel it is important to fully understand what has occurred.
“Following discussions with the Leader and the Convener, I am therefore instigating an independent Inquiry into how the Council dealt with the concerns which were raised. This process will firstly require us to identify a suitable individual to carry out the work. I will bring a report to Council in June which will provide details on the scope of the investigation together with an expected timescale for its conclusion.
“Separately to this, I am seeking an independent review of the provision of education and of the practices followed at our complex needs settings. I have asked the Service Director for Young People, Engagement and Inclusion to engage with Education Scotland to scope this review. My report in June will also provide an update on this review.
“I know that it is important to all of us that both of these matters are comprehensively considered. As I have said, the welfare and safety of our children and young people is paramount.”
The youngsters are autistic, non-verbal and were aged between five and seven years old at the time. Their parents are welcoming the inquiry.
Marina Urie, a senior lawyer with Thompsons Solicitors who represents the families, said: "We hope that it can get to the bottom of the mishandling of an extremely serious child protection issue.
"Children were abused by a trusted teacher who was only brought to justice by the determined actions of the families involved.
"The council have to explain why parents concerns were brushed aside in what appears to have been a concerted attempt to protect the reputation of the council and the teacher involved.
"We look forward to being fully included in the inquiry process.”
It's claimed at least one parent was told a thorough investigation had been carried out internally by the council in 2018 and no further action was taken - allowing McCall to continue teaching.
Local MSP Christine Grahame had previously called for an independent inquiry.
She said: "I welcome the confirmation of an independent inquiry from Scottish Borders Council, but I do still believe the devil is in the detail which we’ve yet to see. Scottish Borders Council’s earlier 'independent' inquiry exonerated that staff member of any fault and it took police investigations and a subsequent trial to expose the truth.
“Given that we’re talking about suspicions of a cover up within SBC, this process must be fully transparent to restore public confidence and ensure that parents of the affected children are central to the discussions on the process to have faith in its ability to get answers.
“What happened in this case is abhorrent and has left the families affected to pick up the pieces. Scottish Borders Council did not keep these children safe and any inquiry must get right to the heart of why this is, so it can never happen again.”