Head who sent school lamb to slaughter reinstated

Andrea Charman stepped down from her post at Lydd Primary School in Romney Marsh, Kent, in February for "personal reasons", Kent County Council said.

She is returning after being shown "overwhelming support" from the local community, the council said yesterday.

Mrs Charman was fiercely criticised by parents and animal rights campaigners over the decision to cull the lamb, named Marcus.

They said it was heartless to allow children to look after the lamb before it was sent to an abattoir and for its meat to then be sold off as an auction prize.

Comedian Paul O'Grady was among those who voiced their concerns over the move, which was defended by Mrs Charman as she said the children at the school needed to learn about the food cycle.

The council's Cabinet member for children, families and education, Sarah Hohler, said: "I am very pleased that Andrea Charman is returning to Lydd Primary School.

"The community has spoken and made their feelings known loud and clear.

"Under her guidance the school made tremendous progress and I know she will relish the opportunity to continue that work and do her best for the children and staff."

Mrs Charman said at the time that the school council, staff, the governing body and most parents had supported her decision.

She said pupils themselves voted in favour of selling the lamb's meat to raise money to buy more animals for the school.