Councillors on Dundee City Council’s education committee turned down the chance to revisit the allegations by parents of abuse towards disabled children at Kingspark School in June, Dundee’s most senior politician says.
Following The Courier’s revelation on Thursday that Serious Crimes Unit officers from Police Scotland were reviewing Tayside Police’s investigation into the abuse claims, Councillor Ian Borthwick says he and Labour group leader Kevin Keenan tried to have the cases re-investigated by the Dundee child care and protection committee on June 23.
Both councillors are ward members for the area around Kingspark, however their move was blocked after a vote at the education committee.
Mr Borthwick told The Courier: “Back in June Councillor Keenan proposed an amendment, seconded by me, to the convener’s motion following the recent independent review.
“The convener (Stewart Hunter), seconded by Councillor Murray, moved to note the contents of the report and remit the director of education to bring back to the committee an update on progress in December 2014 along with a need to work with all partner agencies involved in child protection to develop a protocol to address issues raised by the Marquis Report.
“As an amendment, Councillor Keenan moved that: ‘Given that there is an ongoing police inquiry into child protection concerns at Kingspark School also taking the Marquis Report, its findings, recommendations and subsequent action plan for improvement, council instruct the chief executive to formally request that the Dundee child care and protection committee re-visit the allegations laid against Kingspark School and that their report and recommendations be brought back to a future education committee’.”
After a vote, Mr Borthwick says, the amendment was defeated 18-12.
He added: “The fact that Police Scotland are to review the police investigation is a cause for significant concern.
“There was an opportunity given on June 23 to have these matters investigated by the DCCPC because of the continuing anxiety of parents and the absolute necessity to ensure transparency.
“But unfortunately this was voted down and not accepted by the committee. Now we have to let matters take their course and await the outcome of the police investigation.
“As always, the utmost consideration should be given to the children and their parents, as well as the staff.”