Gloriavale school under investigation for child safety allegations

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West Coasts Gloriavale Christian Community School is at the center of a child safety investigation.

Police, Oranga Tamariki and the Education Council are investigating allegations of student mistreatment.

It is understood that some staff have been made redundant at the school, which has 204 students in grades 1 through 11.

Police confirmed they were undertaking a full review of Gloriavale’s cases, while a spokeswoman for Oranga Tamariki said an investigation was underway.

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We may inform you that an investigation is in progress. For reasons of confidentiality, we are unable to provide further details, she said.

It comes after a former Gloriavale man pleaded guilty last week to 11 counts of sex offenses against children at least one under the age of 12, but denied 27 other counts.

Stuff reported last year that the Teaching Council was investigating school staff for how they treated a teacher who then pleaded guilty to assaulting a 9-year-old student.

ehan Casinader / Supplied

The Gloriavale Isolation Community has strict rules for members to follow, including a dress code.

Police reiterated a May statement about the talks she and Oranga Tamariki were conducting in Gloriavale.

A significant number of community members have been interviewed about a range of alleged offenses including sexual offenses … police are also working with former community members who have raised concerns with us .

A spokesperson said no further information could be released.

As there is an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment.

The Department of Education’s assistant secretary for empowerment and support, Helen Hurst, said the department was aware that an investigation was underway and was in contact with the school.

Liz Gregory, director of the Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust, said she was concerned about the time it took for authorities to act.

In my opinion, the children are not safe in Gloriavale, it is not only the school, there are problems with the general culture in general. This investigation is long overdue, she said.

Previously reported stuff, former members were concerned about the alleged knowledge of principals and covering up abuse by staff and other children.

JOHN BISSET / STUFF

Liz Gregory, Managing Director and Support Staff at Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust.

Faithful Pilgrim resigned as principal and allowed her teaching registration to expire after an investigation by the Teaching Council was launched to determine if he had failed to ensure the safety of the students.

The Education Review Board criticized the school last year for not providing a physically and emotionally safe place for students.

He asked school leaders to expand security checks to include those supporting off-site students, to include a statement in the school’s child protection policy that anyone can report a suspected child abuse and implement a risk assessment model.

He also asked the school to clarify its policy of physical restraint and explain it to students and parents.

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