Teachers and teaching assistants at Moulsecoomb Primary School have voted unanimously to say they’re willing to strike over Government plans turn it into an academy.
Reps from both the NEU and GMB, which represent teachers and teaching assistants, announced 100% yes votes on indicative ballots at a packed meeting of the Hands off Moulsecoomb School campaign last night.
One of the school’s parent governors also resigned in protest so he could fully support the campaign.
And the councillor responsible for Brighton and Hove City Council’s schools said that although he has a statutory duty not to oppose the duty, he also has a “moral duty”.
The meeting, held at the school, was arranged by parents in response to the Department for Education issuing an academy order following an Ofsted report which rated the school as inadequate.
The government is now trying to find a sponsor to take on the school, and an announcement is believed to be imminent.
Governor Warren Carter, whose children have attended the school, said the inspector’s verdict could not be further from the truth.
He said: “Failing is not the word I would use for this school. Compassionate, inclusive, welcoming and fun – and a massive part of this community.
“Instead it’s been put on the naughty step for being poor, inclusive and for trying to do the right thing.
“Just because you are not academic doesn’t mean you are stupid.
“Many schools would show these pupils the back door or not let them in, but this school bends over backwards to find a way to accommodate those children who aren’t academic and need extra support.”
He also spoke of the £388,000 the school has lost in funding since 2015, along with 11 members of staff, but is still told it’s not doing enough.
Nick Childs, new chair of the council’s Children, Young People and Skills Committee, said the Ofsted report had been the first thing that had landed on his desk following his election and appointment last month.
He said: “That’s not an inadequate report – the school is in a clear trajectory of improvement.
“This year’s data on KS2 will again start to show the transformation, but it takes time.
“There’s an excellent headteacher who had only been in place for less than a year.
