The head of a pupil referral unit in Wales faces serious accusations of misusing funds for personal purchases, including items such as mountain bikes, drones, and food. Nick Ratcliffe, who led the North Powys Pupil Referral Unit from 2019 until 2022, has denied claims of dishonest conduct during a professional standards hearing held by the Education Workforce Council Wales.
The investigation was initiated following a whistleblower’s concerns regarding Ratcliffe’s spending practices. Allegations suggest that he failed to adhere to proper purchasing protocols and financial regulations, often neglecting to secure itemized or VAT receipts for transactions. Among the items purchased with the unit’s funds were yoga mats, teddy bears, and even alcohol, which Ratcliffe admits he bought for a staff Christmas meal.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Ratcliffe had requested financial training from the local authority multiple times but did not receive adequate support. Simon Anderson, the local authority line manager responsible for monitoring spending, testified that he reviewed Ratcliffe’s purchases weekly. He noted that Ratcliffe had justified buying a bottle of wine as a thank-you gift for a staff member and a t-shirt for a student who lacked one for the end-of-term signing.
The inquiry also scrutinized the rationale behind purchasing mountain bikes and GoPro cameras for students. Anderson explained that these items were intended to provide recreational opportunities for pupils, as there was no outdoor space available at the PRU. He mentioned that the bikes aimed to enhance the educational experience for the 30 students enrolled at the unit, which has campuses in Brecon and Newtown.
Anderson acknowledged that the purchase of food, including breakfast items and rewards from fast-food establishments like McDonald’s, was meant to support student nutrition. He emphasized that the PRU did not serve hot meals, and such expenditures were part of the unit’s effort to ensure students received adequate nourishment.
Despite the accusations, Ratcliffe’s counsel, Jonathan Storey, argued that the leader faced considerable challenges in obtaining necessary support and training from the local authority. Furthermore, Michael Gedrim, a member of the PRU management team, described Ratcliffe as “dedicated” and “passionate” about student success, suggesting that some staff members were seeking to undermine him.
The hearing, which commenced on January 20, 2024, is ongoing. The Powys Pupil Referral Unit has been flagged for significant improvement by Estyn inspectors in 2024. As the investigation unfolds, the implications of these allegations could have lasting impacts on the unit and its leadership.
