A pupil at Ysgol Gynradd Waldo Williams Primary School in Haverfordwest, Wales, spent more than four hours in a toilet cubicle without food or drink, as reported by the teacher, Sally Berry. The boy, known as Child A to protect his identity, used the toilet cubicle as a “safe space” to calm down when overwhelmed. The teacher, Mrs. Berry, stated that she, along with two teaching assistants, checked on the child every five to 10 minutes. Despite not having locked the door initially, the boy locked it later, but Mrs. Berry was still able to communicate with him through the door.
The incident, which occurred in a cubicle directly connected to the classroom and adjacent to Mrs. Berry’s desk, raised concerns yet was perceived by the teacher as a way for the child to have time to himself. Mrs. Berry offered the boy alternative activities like an iPad or Blu Tack, but he declined. She emphasised the importance of allowing the child to have his own time and space as outlined in his behaviour plan. The boy’s parents had agreed with the school that he could retreat to the toilet when feeling overwhelmed and return when ready.
Despite the child not emerging from the cubicle by lunchtime, Mrs. Berry, in charge of the school’s special resource base, continued to check on him regularly. She provided clear instructions to her teaching assistants not to over-stimulate the child, fearing it might escalate his behaviour. When the boy still hadn’t come out by the time Mrs. Berry had to leave the room to run the school choir, she informed her assistants to maintain a check on him.
As the child remained in the toilet by mid-afternoon, Mrs. Berry sought advice from the headteacher, Mrs. Debbie Bond. When the boy’s father arrived at around 3:20 pm, the child came out of the toilet and left calmly. Mrs. Berry addressed any concerns raised by the child’s parents and assured them that their son had been regularly checked on during the period he was in the cubicle. The incident, which occurred on May 22, 2023, prompted an investigation into Mrs. Berry’s conduct and handling of the situation.
Allegations have been made against Mrs. Berry, including claims that she allowed the child to remain in the toilet cubicle for an extended period without sufficient supervision. It is also alleged that she did not inform senior staff or the child’s parents promptly. Mrs. Berry denies any wrongdoing, stating that she followed the child’s behaviour plan and checked on him regularly. The hearing is ongoing, with Mrs. Berry maintaining her stance that she acted in accordance with the guidelines and protocols set by the school.
The incident has raised questions regarding the handling of students with additional needs and the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for all pupils. Mrs. Berry’s actions, as detailed in the hearing, shed light on the complexities of addressing challenging behaviour while ensuring the well-being of the child involved. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether Mrs. Berry’s actions were in line with the school’s policies and procedures, or if any breaches of conduct occurred.