Parents mutiny over new regime at Newbury school

A BID to turn around a failing Newbury school has caused anger and upset among some parents.

An alleged 'zero tolerance' policy to what some see as minor transgressions has caused uproar at Park House School in Andover Road, Newbury.

One district councillor has expressed concern over the reported incidents.

In June, the 1,200-pupil school was put into 'special measures' following a damning Ofsted report.

Quality of education, behaviour and attitude of pupils, leadership and management were all deemed 'inadequate' by inspectors.

At the beginning of this month, the Greenshaw Learning Trust took on responsibility for the school.

Chief executive of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, Will Smith, said at the time: “We are delighted to welcome Park House School into our family.

"The Greenshaw Learning Trust has a proven track record of improving schools from a similar starting point as Park House and has the skills and capacity to deliver the necessary improvements at the school."

But some parents have been unhappy with the new regime, branding it inflexible and extreme.

One wrote to the new school authorities: "I've just picked my son up and found out that he has been in isolation today with 32 other students.

"All day they weren’t allowed to talk each other, weren’t allow to leave the room for any reason and prevented from getting water."

Another parent blasted "silly reasons for detention...this is a school, not a prison...pupils were crying before the isolation started."

Others claimed pupils were put in detention for what they considered minor infractions, such as not having a transparent pencil case or a uniform button undone.

Some said they did not know where their children were when they were in detention.

One parent received the following statement from the school: "Due to issues outside of our control, we are not able to give the two hours' notice promised for detentions."

The Newbury Weekly News understands that several parents went to the school to complain in person.

A social media post dedicated to the complaints has since been taken down.

Phil Barnett (Lib Dem, Newbury Greenham) said he had been contacted by numerous parents and said: "Discipline is important, obviously.

"But shouldn't there perhaps be a bit of leeway for a first transgression?

"If four out of five pieces of sports kit are okay but one isn't, shouldn't there be a warning rather than immediate punishment?

"I also understand some parents were worried when their children didn't come home on time because they were in detention and they hadn't been warned by the school."

In a statement to the NWN this week, Mr Smith said: "Our expectation is that all students present themselves in line with school policies and Park House School offers support to all parents and students to do this.

"We have experience of successfully transforming schools, and believe the key to success is the creation of a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all our students. If any students or parents have any concerns they should contact the school directly."

Do you agree with Park House School's new policies? Vote in our poll:

* WHAT'S your view? Are the school authorities right in their approach? Email john.garvey@newburynews.co.uk