AN OFFICER of Dorset's local education authority has denied fabricating allegations that a teacher undermined her own school during its Ofsted inspection.

The teacher in question, Heather Chamberlain, is suing Upton Junior School and the LEA for unfair dismissal at Bournemouth County Court.

She claims to have been made a scapegoat in the wake of a poor Ofsted report that highlighted a breakdown in communication between staff and their new headteacher, Adrienne Allen.

Mrs Chamberlain was suspended following allegations that she deliberately undermined Mrs Allen during the inspection process and tried to rally parents and teachers against her.

But Sandra Morris, from the LEA, says this is exactly what the lead Ofsted inspector told her in feedback meetings after the inspection.

Ms Morris said: "The allegations (by the Ofsted inspector) were shockingly serious.

"I had never heard a report that made such a serious allegation about one member of staff.

"It was very unusual, so I went home and typed up a summary of the meeting and sent it to my colleague that night."

In the note, Mrs Chamberlain was accused of trying to "discredit the headteacher" and "dish the dirt" on her.

Mrs Chamberlain argues that no such note ever existed. She admits being "disillusioned and disappointed" with Mrs Allen, whom the hearing heard was regarded by most of her teachers as very abrupt, but denies any undermining of her authority during Ofsted week.

She is backed by the evidence of David Curtis, who led the Ofsted inspection at the school and gave evidence earlier in the case.

Mr Curtis said: "It is absolutely essential that no teacher is identified at all in the evidence base. I would not have named (Heather Chamberlain) in any feedback.

"I do not remember saying any of this, and certainly would not single out any individual. It would be beyond my remit."