The leader of the North Powys Pupil Referral Unit, Nick Ratcliffe, is under investigation for allegedly misusing funds to purchase items such as mountain bikes, drones, and even alcohol. The case was brought to light during a professional standards hearing conducted by the Education Workforce Council Wales, following concerns raised by a whistleblower regarding Mr. Ratcliffe’s financial practices.
Mr. Ratcliffe, who was appointed to his position without the requisite qualifications for a headteacher, allegedly failed to adhere to proper purchasing protocols and financial regulations during his tenure from 2019 to 2022. Reports indicate that he utilized a council purchasing card to acquire various items including teddy bears, yoga mats, and Apple products for the unit, which caters to students who struggle in mainstream education.
According to the hearing, Mr. Ratcliffe did not consistently obtain itemised or VAT receipts for his purchases. He has denied all allegations of misconduct, except for the admission of buying alcohol and food for a staff Christmas meal. His actions are being scrutinized as part of broader concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the management of educational funds.
Financial Oversight and Procedures Under Review
During the hearing, Simon Anderson, the local authority line manager responsible for overseeing purchases, testified that he reviewed Mr. Ratcliffe’s spending approximately once a week. He recounted an instance where he questioned the purchase of a bottle of wine and a t-shirt. Mr. Ratcliffe explained that the wine was intended as a thank-you gift for a staff member, while the t-shirt was meant for a student who needed one for the final day of term.
Mr. Anderson also confirmed that food items, including milk and breakfast provisions for students, were purchased with PRU funds, as well as trips to fast-food outlets like McDonald’s as rewards for well-behaved children. He acknowledged that while he was aware of the expenditures, he could not recall specific amounts spent on items such as mountain bikes or GoPro cameras, which were said to be intended for student use due to a lack of outdoor space at the PRU.
The committee highlighted that the purchase of alcohol with PRU funds was inappropriate, and Mr. Anderson expressed surprise at this revelation, indicating that he was not fully aware of the guidelines governing acceptable spending practices.
Mixed Reviews and Future Implications
The educational environment at the North Powys PRU, which serves up to 30 students, faced criticism from Estyn, the Welsh education inspectorate, which deemed the unit in need of significant improvement in 2024. Mr. Ratcliffe, who began his career with Powys Council as a children’s caseworker, eventually qualified as a headteacher during his time at the PRU.
Colleagues have offered mixed reviews regarding Mr. Ratcliffe’s leadership, with Michael Gedrim, a member of the PRU management team, describing him as dedicated and passionate about fostering student success. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that some staff members might have been looking for reasons to challenge Mr. Ratcliffe’s decisions.
The investigation continues, and the outcome may have significant implications for financial oversight in educational settings. Meanwhile, Mr. Ratcliffe’s counsel, Jonathan Storey, emphasized the challenges faced by Mr. Ratcliffe in obtaining necessary support and training from the local authority. As the hearing progresses, stakeholders await further developments in this contentious matter.
