Struck off care boss at Perthshire additional needs school cleared of wrongdoing

Campaigners behind a review of the new school at Butterstone say they're a step closer to getting answers on its closure.

The former head of care of the specialist Perthshire unit has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Scottish Social services council.

Angie Gordon was reported by the care inspectorate two years ago.

Parents of more than 20 children with autism and anxiety were given just four days notice of the closure back in November of 2018.

The School reopened in 2019 under new operators, Moore House Care.

Angie Gordon said: "My reputation now has been damaged so badly and so publicly that I wouldn't be able to get another job.

"For 6 months I claimed job seekers allowance.

"The impact on my mental health and well being has been significant, the financial loss has been very difficult, there is mounting debt, there is real difficulty as I have three children.

"This now raises serious concerns about the actions that were taken by John Swinney and the care inspectorate in 2018. led to the closure of the school and the 25 pupils having no education."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Ministers have commissioned an independent Review into the closure of the New School Butterstone.

"The Review will consider the procedures followed by the school’s Board and a range of public bodies in advance of the decision to close and, if applicable, identify any learning that can enhance practice in the future.

"The Review is expected to conclude in the summer.”

The care inspectorate declined an offer to comment.

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