Neil Foden: Child’s family take action against Cyngor Gwynedd

Foden started working at Ysgol Friars in Bangor in 1989 and became head teacher in 1997. He was also the strategic head of another school.

During his trial at Mold Crown Court, it was revealed that concerns were raised with Cyngor Gwynedd’s then director of education, Garem Jackson, over Foden’s solo meetings with one of the victims in 2019, which the council did not formally investigate.

Foden had also previously been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in 2020, after the Education Workforce council panel heard allegations against him from three members of staff.

Now a law firm which specialises in investigating and claiming compensation for victims of childhood abuse is appealing for anyone who suffered abuse of any kind by Foden to come forward.

Solicitor Katherine Yates said the case “raises a lot of questions”.

“There seems to be a long history of complaints against Foden, so why wasn’t anything done sooner?” she said.

Cyngor Gwynedd said it was “appalled” by Foden’s and its “thoughts continue to be with the victims and their families”.

But it said it could not comment further while a review of the case is under way.

It said the North Wales Safeguarding Board had begun to carry out a children’s practice review, which is led by an independent chair and two experienced reviewers, in accordance with Welsh government guidelines.

“The review will bring together organisations such as Cyngor Gwynedd, relevant schools and other bodies to identify what lessons are to be learned and what improvements need to be introduced to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and to prevent similar cases from happening again.

“Until all this independent review has been completed, it would not be appropriate for Cyngor Gwynedd to comment further.”