Headteacher in Brazil cycling holiday row resigns

A Burnley headteacher who was suspended from school after taking a two-week cycling holiday to Brazil during term time has resigned.
Rosewood Primary School where the headteacher has been suspended for taking a holiday during term time.Rosewood Primary School where the headteacher has been suspended for taking a holiday during term time.
Rosewood Primary School where the headteacher has been suspended for taking a holiday during term time.

Mr Ian McCann (59), who was head of Rosewood Primary School, in Rosewood Avenue, was criticised by some parents after setting off on the holiday the week before the October half-term break.

He had asked for governors’ permission for the charity trip but his request was rejected. He later submitted a sick note to education chiefs which said he was suffering from stress. Since Mr McCann, who lives in Huncoat, was suspended, the school has been run by deputy headteacher Mrs Ann Lawrence Lancashire County Council said the disciplinary process has now been stopped after Mr McCann handed in his resignation citing “personal reasons.”

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Mrs Alex Bird, chairman of governors at Rosewood Primary School, said: “I can confirm Mr McCann has resigned for personal reasons. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further about this.

“I’d like to thank Mr McCann for the contribution he has made to the school and offer him our best wishes.”

Coun. Jeff Sumner, who used to be on the board of governors at Rosewood Primary School and respresents Rosehill on Burnley Council, said Mr McCann had made the right decision by resigning.

“He put himself in that position where he couldn’t really do anything else unfortunately. He knew what he was doing was wrong but he continued to do it anyway. Lancashire County Council does not let parents take children out of school in term-time so staff can’t be allowed to do it.

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“It’s a shame because Mr McCann was a great headteacher. He was well liked in school and by pupils and governors.

“He has made it easier for the governors by taking the decision about his future out of their hands.”