BARNSLEY Council bosses say they will do all they can to protect staff involved in a long-running row with a parents’ group representing children with special needs - after the local authority issued a cease and desist letter.
The group - Barnsley SEND - received the action letter last week which was addressed to its founding member, James Swallow-Gaunt.
They claim the letter threatens the group with legal action, police involvement and notifications to Facebook amid a war of words over alleged issues with vulnerable kids’ care at Penistone Grammar School.
Parents say the school’s fielded numerous complaints from families, many of whom have previously raised grievances that were allegedly ‘dismissed or inadequately investigated’.
However, the council’s hit back at the nature of some members’ conduct.
A spokesperson told the Chronicle: “We have a duty to protect staff from harassment, alarm or distress.
“This includes statements made about them online and on social media channels.
“We understand that people may sometimes disagree with how services are delivered and the support they receive, and they absolutely have the right to voice their opinions appropriately.
“When this turns into comments and posts that are personal and have caused, or are likely to cause serious harm to personal life, employment and reputation, then we will take action.
“This does not stop us from acting upon and investigating concerns raised legitimately through appropriate channels.”
Mr Swallow-Gaunt expressed his ‘bewilderment’ at the legal grounds cited in the council’s correspondence.
“I know the law regarding the Communication Act and the Malicious Communication Act,” he added.
“We don’t post anything that is not truthful, not researched or not evidenced.
“Therefore I am struggling to understand the legal grounds of the letter.
“This is nothing more than intimidation and threats - with the evidence and support we have, we would like to have our day in court.
“This is another example of how the local authority is trying to silence parents and families in Barnsley who have legitimate concerns over what is happening in our school.”
In response to the council’s letter, the group said they reached out to the council’s legal department, issuing a counter cease and desist notice.
Mr Swallow-Gaunt said: “What is important to remember at the heart of all the concerns we have brought forward is a child, a young person who has been let down, and instead of dealing with those concerns properly, they have chosen to try to silence parents’ voices.
“The families of children with special educational needs and disabilities are uniting in solidarity, standing up against an unequal system that has failed to provide a full and meaningful education in a safe and supportive environment for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.
“This collective effort aims to shed light on the challenges faced by vulnerable children and to demand a fair and just resolution to the long-standing issues plaguing the educational landscape.”
