Parents of autistic children said they were “appalled” after it emerged teachers had sent “degrading” WhatsApp messages about pupils with additional support needs (ASN).
Several teachers at Aberdeenshire schools reportedly exchanged messages referring to primary school pupils with ASN.
The staff faced an internal investigation following the messages.
However the affected pupils’ parents were not made aware of the investigation or the situation.
Aberdeenshire Council, who launched the investigation, said the messages were “inappropriate and unprofessional”.
A Labour education spokesman called for “full transparency”.
Banchory mother Karen McNeill said she was “shocked, appalled – but not surprised”.
Her 10-year-old son Cameron was diagnosed with autism at the age of four.
‘It’s all quite scary’ – WhatsApp messages ‘shocking’
Mum Karen told The Press and Journal: “They need to share what has been said with parents. It’s very concerning that that information hasn’t been shared.
“Parents and carers have the right to know what is being said about their child, so they can make a decision about whether their child returns to that school.
“I just wish they’d elaborate. It’s all quite scary. If it was my child, I would be extremely angry.”
She added: “Those children need to feel included at school, and those sorts of comments just aren’t right.
“I’m very happy the children’s commissioner has been involved. I’ve been in a situation in the past where I’ve had to bring in an ombudsman.
“So while I find it shocking, I can’t say I’m surprised.”
‘Stories like this are all too frequent’
Lisa Moir, an autism consultant who also has an autistic son, said: “Regardless of their position, whether they are teachers or support staff, they are in a position of authority and given a position of trust.
“Under no circumstances should anyone in such a position abuse this in any shape or form, but sadly we know this to happen time and time again.
“I have lost count of the amount of similar stories I’ve heard from families over the years. It’s absolutely ridiculous what families, young people and those trying to support them have to go through.
“And it gives those schools and people of authority who are actually doing a great job a bad name, because I can assure you, there is phenomenal work being done but stories like this just doesn’t help and they are all too frequent.”
Aberdeenshire council investigated the messages before “ensuring staff received additional training”.
Children’s commissioner said parents should have been informed
The issue came to light after a letter from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner emerged, saying the children’s parents should have been informed.
The commissioner’s letter to the council in November said: “These messages contained unprofessional, abusive and degrading references to children with additional support needs.
“The conduct of the professionals involved is a serious concern in relation to any child, but particularly so where vulnerable disabled children are involved.”
In its response, the council said the messages had been disclosed amid “disputes and allegations” between staff members about their behaviour towards one another.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said an independent review had found their handling of the incident had been appropriate.
She said: “Any child protection concern raised with us is always properly reviewed by social work colleagues and investigated alongside appropriate partner organisations where necessary.
“The WhatsApp group messages referred to by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner were no different – education, human resources and children’s services colleagues reviewed matters before ensuring staff received additional training, including appropriate guidance about use of online platforms.
“At no point were any children considered to be at risk of harm, and that is why no contact was made with parents.
“After the matter was raised by the commissioner, we commissioned an independent review of our approach which has concluded. This concern was dealt with appropriately and no further action is necessary. We await a final report being sent to us.”
Call for ‘full transparency’
Scottish Labour education spokesman Michael Marra called for “full transparency”.
He said: “Anyone seeing the children’s commissioner’s comments would agree that we need full transparency here.
“Children should be able to go to school in an environment that is respectful, secure and professional.
“Parents are right to demand all safeguarding allegations, and allegations regarding professional behaviour, are investigated thoroughly and openly.”
On Thursday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stepped into the row, saying anyone involved in such messages deserved “utter condemnation”.
This case comes after many parents believe some schools in the area have been left “out of sight” after not being inspected for 18 years.
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