The Ministry of Education and the Department of Education Services (DES) would like to confirm that following an investigation conducted by the MASH unit in conjunction with the RCIPS in relation to Red Bay Primary School and an alleged incident in May 2021 it was concluded that no further action was recommended notwithstanding allegations made in the media.

The Ministry and DES consider there was no misconduct against any student by the SENCO at Red Bay Primary School. As such, Dr Meredith Rankine, was asked to return to her workplace at the school effective 1 November 2022.

We confirm that there are no concerns about this long-serving and valued member of staff. We have no doubt that children under her care will continue to receive the teaching and special educational needs services that she has provided throughout her long career to date.

We ask all staff, parents, and the public to refrain from making mention of the alleged incident to Dr Rankine and to respect her privacy.