AN investigation has been launched into the high turnover of staff at a special school in Kirklees amid allegations of bullying and teachers being threatened.

Former teachers at Fairfield School in Batley say some staff were on beta blockers and anti-depressants because of the working conditions which left many suffering from stress.

And when a governor called a meeting to listen to their concerns, some wept openly as they described problems at the school.

Clr Shabir Pandor, Kirklees Council portfolio holder for schools and learning, has now asked officers to look into the allegations.

He said: “I have been contacted to do with various allegations of staff and how they have been treated.

“There has been a high turnover of staff, and I have asked council officers to investigate. We have a legal duty to look into the issues raised.”

He urged anyone with a grievance to contact him directly.

“No individual teachers have complained to me. If people have any issues they need to be straight and upfront about it.

Clr Shabir Pandor.

“People can contact me directly in total confidence, and we will look into things transparently and honestly.

“I have an open door policy and would rather hear first hand from people who feel they have a case. It doesn’t do any organisation any good if you have people who feel bullied, aggrieved and badly treated. I don’t want staff feeling undervalued.”

Over the last two years the school has spent almost £800,000 on supply teachers for its 124 pupils with severe learning difficulties. The bill skyrocketed from £209,423 in 2013/14 to £562,722 in 2014/15.

It amounts to more than double the bill for all the other Kirklees special schools combined and represents £4,736 per pupil per year.

There are claims the problem is caused by experienced teachers and support staff leaving or being absent on long term stress-related sick leave.

Former staff have said problems began after the former head teacher left before the summer holidays in 2013.

Fairfield School at White Lee, Batley.

Kim Dickinson, a member of the senior management team who suffered work related stress and retired on health grounds, said: “In the summer of 2014 a governor held a surgery at the school as they were concerned at hearing reports that staff were unhappy.

“The governor was very concerned at the number of staff who cried during the meeting. Staff were on beta blockers and anti-depressants. There was a bullying atmosphere and threats were being made against staff. Staff were shouted at and made to feel foolish.”

Former head Nick Hughes, of Fixby, left the school at the end of 2000 and has visited every year since, until last year, and kept in touch with several of the teachers. He said: “Staff careers have been ruined and their health damaged and the only crime they have committed is trying to help our most vulnerable children.”

Nick Hughes - concerns about Fairfield School

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “When a complaint comes into the council, regardless of its nature, we look into it where appropriate.

“The Cabinet member for Schools and Learning has forwarded the concerns that were received regarding Fairfield School and council officers are looking into them.”

According to Kirklees, 26 staff have left from a total staff team of 122 since August 2013 which equates to 10.6% per year, and is line with staff turnover across all Kirklees special schools.