North Wales Council missed over 50 opportunities to stop abuse at a school

The North Wales Safeguarding Board has now published the Child Practice Review into Neil Foden and abuse at Ysgol Friars School in North Wales. The review analysed 10 times the usual volume of information and took more than 12 months to complete.   

In September 2023, a pupil at the school alerted staff at the school to images and sexually explicit messages which had been sent to her by the headteacher at the school Neil Foden. Other survivors subsequently came forward and disclosed similar sexual abuse.     

In 2024, Foden was convicted of 12 counts of sexual activity with a child and 2 counts of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust. The convictions related to 4 female pupils at the school. He was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment.

The review states that the sexual abuse by Foden began in 1979 shortly after he had qualified as a teacher. He is described by them as a prolific child sex offender and a bully. He joined Ysgol Friars in 1988. He became headteacher at the school in 1997 and appointed himself Pastoral Lead in 2018. 

A number of complaints were made about his behaviour towards female pupils from 2018 but the review panel identified over 50 missed opportunities by Cyngor Gwynedd Council between 2018 and 2023 to take action and stop the abuse. 

The review has recommended that the Welsh Government take steps to address the weaknesses in their safeguarding provisions which they concluded left children at risk of abuse. 

The leader of Cyngor Gwynedd Council has issued a statement confirming that the local authority take responsibility for the mistakes and missed opportunities to stop Foden and apologised "to all those who have suffered". 

Local authorities have a legal duty to protect children from harm and to ensure their wellbeing. Children must be able to live and attend school without fear, abuse or neglect. The safeguarding provisions and protocols in North Wales need to be strengthened so that this can never happen again. 

How can Jordans Solicitors help?

Jordans are acting on behalf of vulnerable children and young adults whom it is alleged were sexually abused in schools. We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your childhood. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.

Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve. If you or your child have been affected by anything in this article and would like to speak to one of our highly qualified abuse team members in confidence, then please do not hesitate to contact us. Our highly sJkilled abuse team will advice you on the available options for pursuing a civil damages claim. Jordans successfully represent and secure compensation for numerous victims of abuse and are highly experienced in this area. They are experts in overcoming the particular challenges that arise in these types of sensitive cases. Please contact the abuse team on 0800 9555 094 or see here for more information on Abuse Compensation Claims.