Mount Scopus College appoints child safety training agency after teacher stood down

Mount Scopus College has appointed a child safety training agency as allegations a teacher acted inappropriately continue to mount.

Mount Scopus College principal Rabbi James Kennard. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

A Jewish school has appointed a child safety training agency as serious allegations of “inappropriate conduct” continue to mount against a teacher who was stood down.

In a letter sent to families on Thursday, Mount Scopus College said it had appointed Child Wise to make recommendations to the college leadership and executive team.

It comes after Jared Alford, a former director of student development who had worked at Mount Scopus Memorial College in Burwood for more than 20 years, suddenly left the school earlier in January after multiple former students came forward with allegations he behaved inappropriately towards them.

Child Wise will assess the school’s extra-curricular programs, including the informal education program, sports activities and camps.

The school’s principal Rabbi James Kennard said: “Again, we commend and thank those former students who have come forward in the knowledge that their allegations are being treated seriously, confidentially, and with sensitivity”.

“Independent investigations into those allegations remain ongoing, and the outcomes will be forwarded to the relevant authorities to determine if any further action is required,” he said.