Stress of targets for tragic headteacher
A headteacher who was found hanged at her school had become overwhelmed by targets she had set herself and was distressed by an employment issue, an inquest heard today.
Helen Mann was found dead at Sytchampton Endowed First School near Stourport, on November 5 last year, months after taking on the role.
The hearing in Stourport was told today that Mrs Mann, aged 43, started at the school on April 15 last year.
She had been 'enthusiastic' to do the job and had been described by one governor as 'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed'.
Chairman of governors Dr Stephanie Gait said that during her first term, Mrs Mann had achieved a 'huge amount' and was directing the school in the way they had hoped. But she said it had been 'blighted by a employment issue'.
"This was not of her making. A contract was due to be terminated," she said.
"It was taken through the process on behalf of governors but was contested by the person whose contract was not to be renewed. Helen found it difficult.
"We could not work out why it was so difficult for Helen. We kept trying to reassure her that it was now a matter for the local authority's lawyers."
Dr Gait said there had been concerns Mrs Mann had been trying to do 'too much, too soon' in terms of changes at the school.
"At the end of the summer term, she had not been able to do as much as she had hoped. I assured her she had achieved a lot and that everything was fine. However, she was not the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed person she had been,"she added.
Dr Gait said that when the autumn term started, Mrs Mann had not seemed refreshed and, about four weeks later, was signed off work ill. Mrs Mann was a mother of two sons, George, 13, and Jack, 10.
The inquest is expected to last until tomorrow.
