Family Considers Legal Action Against Edgarwood Academy

A family is considering legal action against Edgarwood Academy following a safeguarding referral that led to a visit from Greater Manchester Police and Social Services on Friday, 19 June.

Disgraced Edgarwood Academy, Heywood Old Rd, Middleton, Heywood OL10 2QN

The referral concerned allegations that a student had allegedly been struck outside of school premises by a family member. The family strongly disputes the allegations and maintains that no such incident occurred.

According to the family, officers from Greater Manchester Police and a social worker attended their home to assess the welfare of the child involved. The family says no concerns were identified during the visit.

The family has questioned the circumstances surrounding the referral and claims that authorities had not viewed the school's CCTV footage before attending the property. They have been informed that the footage is scheduled to be reviewed on Monday, 22 June.

The family alleges that the safeguarding concerns originated from a member of staff known as "Mr K", whom they claim has been involved in a long-running dispute with the family spanning several years. The family believes the latest allegations form part of a continuing pattern of conduct directed towards them.

Separately, this publication has received whistleblowing information alleging misconduct involving the same member of staff. The allegations claim that the staff member engaged in an inappropriate relationship with another member of staff on school premises inside a stock room.

The police and social services visit is said to have caused considerable distress to the family, who were already dealing with the emotional impact of a recent bereavement.

Speaking after the visit, the family expressed frustration that the safeguarding referral had progressed to the stage of a home visit before CCTV footage had been reviewed. They maintain that the footage will support their position and demonstrate that the allegations made against them are unfounded.

At the time of publication, enquiries relating to the safeguarding referral remain ongoing and the CCTV footage has yet to be reviewed.

The family says it is now seeking legal advice and is exploring potential legal action against Edgarwood Academy over the handling of the safeguarding referral and the impact it has had on the household.

Edgarwood Academy, Greater Manchester Police and the relevant local authority have been invited to comment on the claims made by the family. Any responses received will be added to this article.

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