A decision to spend more than £170,000 of a school’s money on training is to be re-examined by Medway Council after anger from parents and staff.

Over a five year period, Temple Mill Primary, Strood, had £212,000 stolen by a former employee, Sandra Ross.

Before her sentencing, Ross, 63, of Stone Croft, Meopham, had already given £41,656 back to the school and was ordered to repay the remaining £170,999 within six months. Medway Council received the money in May.

Last month the council’s audit committee decided against returning the money to the school. Instead it wanted the money used on training to prevent a similar theft.

The decision sparked outrage among staff and parents, many sending letters of objection to the council.

Head teacher Jane Bright told the Medway Messenger: “There are things the children have missed out on – we haven’t been able to renew our IT system or buy numerous books and resources.”

At a meeting of the council cabinet on Tuesday leader Cllr Rodney Chambers, who met school representatives last week, recommended that the matter should be reconsidered by the audit committee.

He said it would allow the head teacher and governors a chance to fully explain what went on in the school for the first time.

He said: “The audit committee made the decision based upon the information they had before them.

“I believe there is much more information beyond this they need to be aware of.”

“It was in the interests of natural justice for school management to explain what had happened at the school.”

The next audit committee meeting is scheduled for September 25.