Drama at Coleg y Cymoedd! During a routine fire drill, an incident unfolded that has sparked quite the discussion. Additional learning support worker, Cerys Warren, allegedly intervened in a moment between her colleague, Marianne Barry, and a student with complex needs.
As the fire alarm blared, the student became distressed by the noise and chaos. Miss Barry, who had only been on the job for a few days, held the student’s hand to comfort him. However, Mrs Warren reportedly didn’t approve of this act of reassurance. Witnesses claim she approached the pair, shouted for them to “leave go,” and pulled their hands apart.
Miss Barry later expressed her confusion over Mrs Warren’s actions, especially during an already stressful drill. She had used what she thought was common sense to calm the student, only to find herself being called out publicly by Mrs Warren. The incident was reported by a colleague, and a professional standards hearing is now considering the allegations.
But that’s just the beginning. Mrs Warren is also accused of deleting important documents regarding another student, Learner Two, from the college systems in May 2024. These files were relevant to an ongoing disciplinary investigation. While Mrs Warren admits to raising her voice and deleting the documents, she denies any ill intent or dishonesty.
The unfolding case has raised questions about how best to support students with special needs during emergencies and the ethics surrounding the handling of sensitive documents. As the hearing continues, both staff conduct and the college’s procedures are under the spotlight. What’s your take on holding a student’s hand for comfort, and how should such situations be managed? Let us know in the comments!