The NASUWT are currently undertaking industrial action to oppose the planned academy status for Otley Prince Henry’s school in Leeds, following a successful ballot for action.
The NUT are balloting for action at the present time.
The local community are against the proposals, yet the headteacher and chair of governors wish to go ahead regardless. The governing body are split with a very small majority in favour.
There is an on-line petition at www.leedsnasuwt.org.uk/
“The town council has made a unanimous appeal to governors to hold a democratic parent ballot. The school belongs to its local community, not to a future handful of unelected governors”
Councillor John Eveleigh Otley Town Council leader
click here to read the article in the Wharfedale Observer
Apologies – posted my previous comment in the wrong thread.
A Kenton Staff Member:
I’m afraid that your comments to DKT were quite inappropriate as they only provided assumptions to the reasons behind the strike at Kenton. As teachers and staff we are part of a vocational profession – the care and responsibility to the kids is a primary concern and just because the strike was officially due to the threat to out terms and conditions does not mean that that was the only reason.
I was striking because I do not believe that academy status for Kenton will benefit its pupils. I feel as this decision was made without open consultation and will not bring the advantages promised by the Head and his supporters. For me, three days of strikes would be the lesser of two evils compared to the potential threats of exclusion from admissions criteria that would be allowed by the school becoming an academy, as well as the school losing vital support from the local authority for SEN provisions.
This was not my only reason for striking, however, and the threat to my own pay and conditions was a concern – with a family to support why should I not exercise my democratically elected right to demonstrate my opposition to a decision that was made by an unelected group of governors? For me, not being consulted as a parent and a staff member was disgusting. There’s no exaggeration there. I am an incredibly balanced person and my decision to strike was not a selfish one. Please don’t assume otherwise.
so much for the myth of parental choice!!
In a consultation meeting held on 5th October (2011) parents voted 77-2 against the proposals for academy status. Despite this, governors refused to consider other options or to postpone a decision.