New Darwen Vale head's plans to get school back on track

But union representatives said they would be keeping a close eye on progress and warned there could be further strike action if the situation does not improve within three weeks.

Interim headteacher John Lawson and associate head Jean McGrath have been working with staff, governors, unions and the council to ‘resolve the situation as soon as possible’ at the Holden Fold-based school.

They have implemented a consistent disciplinary process, where non-compliance will not be tolerated, the unacceptable use of mobile phones is being addressed, and a new standing committee will regularly review procedures.

Just three days into their new roles, Mr Lawson, in consultation with others, has scrapped suspended headteacher, Hilary Torpey’s, behaviour policy and reverted back to one that was in place when he took over the school following previous head Lynn Dunning’s death in 2009.

Unions took strike action last month following concerns that teachers were being undermined by senior leaders when dealing with unruly pupils. The headteacher, Mrs Torpey, was suspended last week while the allegations are investigated.

Mrs McGrath and Mr Lawson said they were welcomed by staff during a meeting on Monday and have been holding year by year assemblies with the 1,150 pupils to make them aware of the changes.

A committee will meet a couple of times a month to ensure staff, unions, councils and the governors are still in support of the progress.

And Andrew Lightfoot, managing director of local government services at Blackburn with Darwen Council, hopes the council will take a back seat at Darwen Vale by September at the latest.

Former Southlands High School, Chorley head, Mr Lawson, who is currently on crutches following a minor operation on his foot, said: “I am excited about the work that comes ahead.

“It is quite clear everybody has been affected by this in some way and we want to put a smile back on the face of Darwen Vale.

“The school has two experienced headteachers and we are determined to put it right. The pupils are wonderful.

“I feel the pressure to succeed and to do our best for the young people, staff and the community Darwen Vale serves.

“We have had positive meetings, we were welcomed and were given a warm reception.

“The previous policy was being developed in line with the new site but we have agreed with the unions to go back to last year’s one.

“The policy behaviour is the old behaviour policy. We have established a really clear consistent behaviour policy, children and teachers know what to expect.”

Former Parklands High School, Chorley, head Mrs McGrath, who has worked as a troubleshooter at other schools, said: “I am extremely impressed by what I have seen.

“I have been at the school for three days and I can see that this is a good school.

“I have been welcomes by staff and pupils.

“They were respectful and welcoming.

“I have confidence that this school will move forward.”

Chair of governors Don Heatlie-Jackson said: “We are moving forward and moving forward fast.”

Mr Lightfoot said: “The school is back to normal, teachers are feeling positive and they have confidence in the leadership team. We have established a more formal setting with unions which we will be meeting with regularly.”