Demonstrations earlier this year to reinstate Kate Williams

THE headteacher and some governors of an “outstanding” rated hospital school have resigned as union chiefs claimed victory in a long-running dispute.

Four teachers including a union rep Kate Williams were found to have been dismissed and suspended in a “retaliatory action” for “union-related activities” by The Hospital School at Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCH.

And in another big win for the unions announced this week, they have been given the green light to return to work with clean disciplinary records after 12 weeks’ worth of strike days over two years and several major protests outside the hospital and town hall.

Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “We hope that this is the start of a shift that will see conditions at The Hospital School stabilise for staff and the children they teach. This is a victory for trade unionists everywhere.”

Headteacher Neela Moorghen has agreed to step down along with the majority of the governing body, including the chair Jennifer Smith, following a resolution reached on October 20.

A resignation letter sent to trustees praised the head for getting through “exceptionally challenging circumstances with dignity, professionalism and unwavering commitment”, thanking her for her “hard work, resilience and leadership”.

It said that the governors were resigning collectively with “considerable regret” and that Helene Reardon-Bond is the new chair of governors with a new headteacher to be appointed in the coming weeks. Ms Reardon-Bond is a former chair of governors at Rhyl Primary School in Gospel Oak.

Kate Williams

Last month the Extra reported on an employment tribunal judgment in favour of Ms Williams that said she had been dismissed following a “retaliatory action” that came “in response to trade union activities” and against someone “acting in her capacity as a trade union representative engaging with HR about work concerns raised by members”.

Ms Williams – who has been told not to speak to the press as she is returning to work next week – has told the Extra in earlier interviews about her struggles during a long period out of work facing the prospect of her career being left in ruins at an age when finding a new path in life is not easy.

There has also been an impact on her colleagues, who have lost out financially during many weeks joining the strike in support of the four suspended staff.

A joint statement from the NEU and the school’s governing body said: “We are pleased to confirm that, following constructive and positive discussions between the governing body and the National Education Union (NEU), agreement has been reached to resolve the current dispute at The Children’s Hospital School at Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCLH.

“The agreement provides a foundation for reinstating staff, rebuilding relationships, strengthening communication and consultation, and creating a positive environment in which staff can work collaboratively in the best interests of the children and young people we serve.

“We recognise the impact that the dispute has had on staff, pupils and families, and we are committed to learning from this experience.

“The focus now is on moving forward together, restoring trust and ensuring that the school continues to provide the outstanding education and support for which it is known.

“We look forward to working collectively with all staff and trade union representatives as we enter this next chapter for the school.”

Camden Council said the develop­ment marked a “significant and positive step forward”.