Minister of Education Sonia Parag says the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) is expected to conclude disciplinary proceedings within the next 10 days in the case involving the mistreatment of a student at the David Rose Special Education Needs School.
In a statement, the Minister said she visited the school on Friday, May 29, where she met with affected parents, guardians and the Head Teacher to hear concerns directly and ensure that immediate support was put in place for the child involved.
The update comes after a video surfaced showing a student being mistreated by two trained teachers employed at the institution. Parag said the Ministry of Education has since met with members of staff, the executive of the Parent-Teacher Association and the wider PTA body as part of its information-gathering and stakeholder engagement process.
According to the Minister, a comprehensive file containing reports, statements, findings and recommendations from the ministry’s investigation has already been compiled and submitted to the Teaching Service Commission for its consideration and action.
Parag explained that while the Ministry of Education oversees the education system, disciplinary control over teachers in non-board schools falls under the constitutional authority of the Teaching Service Commission. She cited Article 209(1) of the Constitution, which vests in the Commission the power to appoint, remove and exercise disciplinary control over teachers in the public service.
“The Teaching Service Commission has advised that the disciplinary hearing process should be concluded within the next ten days,” the Minister stated.
She said the Ministry will continue to cooperate fully with the Commission and provide any additional information needed to support the timely completion of the proceedings.
The Education Minister also announced that a Board of Governors has now been established for the David Rose Special Education Needs School, with parents included in its composition, to strengthen accountability, supervision and engagement between the school and the families it serves.
In addition, she said her office is working closely with the family of the affected student to ensure that the child receives the support needed for well-being, recovery and continued learning in a safe environment.
Parag stressed that the government remains committed to protecting children within the education system and made it clear that the behaviour shown in the video is unacceptable.
“The treatment depicted in the video is wholly unacceptable and does not reflect the values, standards or expectations that we hold for those entrusted with the care and education of our nation’s children,” she said.
