THE head teacher of a Bournemouth primary school is at home while allegations against her are investigated.

Sharon Jones has been placed on “management leave” and an acting head has taken charge at Winton Primary School.

Jo Blair, human resources business partner at the council, said: “We can confirm that this member of staff has been placed on management leave pending an investigation into whether allegations that were made against them are founded.

“The investigation is being carried out in line with council procedures, and with the support of the chair of governors, and is hoped to be completed shortly. “ Some parents said yesterday they had not been given enough information and were initially told Mrs Jones was away for personal reasons.

One said: “For months now the head teacher has not been in school. None of the parents has a clue as to why.”

The Oswald Road school, which has around 500 pupils, was given a notice to improve in 2008 but was ranked satisfactory in its latest Ofsted inspection in May 2009.

Parents outside the school yesterday praised Mrs Jones’s hard work at turning the school around, but wanted information.

One said: “Parents will jump to their own conclusions if they are not told why.”

Mum Maria Farrugia, 35, said: “We have heard so many rumours we just don’t know what to believe.

“They could have informed the parents what the allegations were about first.”

Several parents praised Mrs Jones for helping their children get tested for special needs and dyslexia.

Sian Adams, 30, said: “My little boy is going through tests for ADHD.

“I have constantly told them there is something not right but they just said he is naughty and constantly sent him out of the class.

“Within four months she had set up the tests for him.

“She is a brilliant head-teacher. She is exactly what this school needed.

“She has been brought in to bring this school up and that’s what she is doing.”

One parent said: “She is always very pleasant when I see her and the school is heading in the right direction. Until yesterday we were completely oblivious to what was going on.”

Leanne Blowers, 26, said: “She is the best thing to happen to the school in a long time.”

Sonia Pointer, 30, said: “She seemed a brilliant head-teacher to me – really friendly every time she was in front of us.”

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