By School responds after staff member jailed for indecent images of children
Humberston Park Special School has issued a letter to parents after the school’s IT Manager was jailed for a serious offence.
Matthew Winder, 39, of Grimsby, was handed a 12 month sentence after he admitted to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children.
Winder’s IP address was detected as part of a lengthy investigation by the National Crime Agency.
The offences are said to have taken place over a period of around 20 years, while he was employed at Humberston Park Special School.
Around 6000 images were found stored on a device belonging to the defendant.
These images were being used as part of a wider distribution network which included payment, according to reports.
No physical contact or actions of assault against children involving Mr Winder are thought to have taken place.
There is also no evidence to suggest any of the school’s attendees were involved.
However, the incident has prompted frustration and anger among parents who say they have not been properly informed as events developed.
A number reacted to a previous article on the Gi Grimsby News Facebook page with concerns regarding the safety of their children and the schools hiring policies.
The parent of one pupil wrote: “I tried speaking with the school earlier on and they won’t talk about it – they put the phone down on me!
“As a parent of a child that goes to this school I find this disgraceful. They can stick their head in sand all they want. This won’t go away. We want answers.”
Another added: “Our daughter is blind unable to talk and wheelchair bound. She was at this school for 3 years and would never have stood a chance with this guy, not able to defend herself or say a word.
“The school knew and didn’t bother telling parents before during or after the case. It was at court last week so why not the weekend? Why not first thing this morning? No they wait until Facebook breaks it… Utter contempt!”
Now, the school has issued a letter to parents. The letter reads: “It is a great sadness to me personally that this matter has caused deep concern and distress to any of you and I can appreciate the concerns you may have.
“Before I go into any detail on this particular case, I would like to make it absolutely clear that, as headteacher for over 30 years, my priority has, and always will be, to protect the children here. With this in mind, I will always seek to reassure our parents, carers and children, but I am also conscious of the need to safeguard the wellbeing of our children, past and present.
“Please be reassured that all the appropriate procedures were carried out. The safety of our children is our highest priority and we have rigorous safeguarding processes in place, which are in line with national requirements.
“As soon as the school were made aware of the situation, we acted swiftly with an immediate suspension and dismissal of the individual concerned. This process is laid out in North East Lincolnshire Council’s Allegations against people who work with children policy. We were then in close contact with the Council’s LADO (Local Area Designated Officer) and the Police Liaison office throughout the investigation.
“They confirmed that the online activity happened at the offender’s home and that there was no evidence of activity at the school or of any inappropriate or harmful behaviour towards any past or present children at our school. Our school’s IT network was comprehensively checked by external specialists and nothing of concern was found.
“There was no previous signs or indications at all that this person was inclined towards the activities for which he has been convicted, and the police are satisfied that the school took every step to safeguard the children. I can confirm that this individual, like all staff, had been subject to regular DBS checks and this process was updated three times as per the guidance on safeguarding practices.
“The police investigation has taken a very long time (three years) and until the end of last week the legal process was still ongoing. This strictly prevents any third party, including our school, from discussing the investigation at any point with anybody.
“The school was not informed that the court case was taking place, or of the final verdict. It does need to be reiterated that the safety and well being of our pupils is and will remain our main priority.”
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