A HEAD teacher who has been suspended after ‘skipping’ school to take a trip to Brazil has sparked a debate among East Lancashire parents.

People have taken to the Lancashire Telegraph’s website after Ian McCann was relieved of his duties at Rosewood Primary School, in Burnley.

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The 58-year-old had his request for leave rejected by the governing body and then submitted a sick note and left school a week before the half term break. It is believed that Mr McCann took part in a charity bike ride in Brazil in memory of a relative.

One commenter, under the name ‘chickenfarm’, said: “Mr McCann is one of the hardest working head teachers in this area, who has done lots of good work.

“Mr McCann over the years has put in many weekends in taking children on residential trips, sporting events etc, along with many late hours and days in work during the school holidays.

“After some 30-plus years teaching, he has asked for five days extra leave to complete a charity bike ride in memory of a family member?

“In most business, extra leave would be granted, especially when an employee works extra hours for no extra pay.

“Granted, head teachers are paid well, but some are worthy of it and some are not, and Mr McCann certainly is, in my opinion.”

In reply, ‘big bad bob’ said: “We have a lot of hardworking people in this country and do amazing work for charity.

“If he wanted to raise money for charity, he should have done a bike ride from Land’s End to John o’Groats in the six-week holidays instead of hopping off to Brazil.”

‘Dyingswan’ said: “His ability is irrelevant.

“His reasons for wanting extra time off are wholly irrelevant.”

‘Sall1975’, however, who claims to be a former student of Mr McCann’s, said: “Mr McCann taught both me and my daughter. He is a great teacher.

“Would be a real loss for him to lose his career that he has been so good at over a stupid mistake.

“He was also brilliant when my daughter was bullied for a short spell.”

Mr McCann will now have to face the board of governors, who are investigating the matter.

Alex Bird, chairman of governors at Rosewood Primary School, said: “I can confirm that a member of staff has been suspended, however, as the matter is subject to investigation, we will not be commenting further at this time.”

Mr McCann was unavailable for comment yesterday.