Neil Foden concerns raised in 2019 but no investigation by council

Neil Foden concerns raised in 2019 but no investigation by council

A headmaster’s questionable behavior towards some girls at Ysgol Friars in Bangor raised concerns that were not thoroughly investigated by the Cyngor Gwynedd council. Neil Foden, who worked at the school from 1989 and eventually became the head teacher, was later sentenced to 17 years in jail for sexually abusing four children between 2019 and 2023. Despite initial worries about Foden’s conduct towards female students, it took another safeguarding issue from a neighboring local authority to prompt further action.

An employee from Anglesey council raised new concerns about Foden in 2019, which they promptly shared with relevant agencies in line with the Child Protection Guidelines. However, it remains unclear whether Cyngor Gwynedd was directly informed about these suspicions. Although sources indicate that Cyngor Gwynedd did receive notification of the concerns from Anglesey, there appears to have been no formal investigation conducted. The council has since affirmed that all related information has been provided to the Child Practice Review (CPR) panel.

Following Foden’s arrest, the CPR panel was established to delve into the circumstances surrounding the case. The panel acknowledged that the issues concerning Foden had been addressed but refrained from divulging further details, aiming to release a comprehensive report by the end of September. Anglesey council emphasized adherence to child protection protocols while underlining the gravity of the situation and expressing condolences to the victims and their families affected by Foden’s actions.

The Crown Prosecution Service revealed that a witness, identified as a “key worker” in Foden’s trial, had raised concerns with the police post his arrest. The witness reported weekly meetings with one of the victims, known as Child E, during which personal and confidential matters were discussed. Foden’s trial shed light on his grooming and abuse of Child E, whom he refer

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More