Cllr Michael Pavey, who took over as lead member for children and families at the weekend, has hardly filled up his ink well and manoeuvred his long legs under his desk, but already a big problem has landed in his lap.
Teachers at Copland High School have decided to strike next week on Thursday May 23rd in the first of what could be a sequence of actions over the DfE's decision announced yesterday to force the school into academy status.
Pavey, who has signalled a more robust approach to free schools and academies, will have to decide whether to support the staff, and possibly the governors, in resistance to forced academy status.
On Monday Cllr Pavey had a discussion with the Parent Action Group at Gladstone Park who have fiercely campaigned against a similar move at their schools. An extraordinary meeting of the Gladstone Park Primary School's governing tomorrow will hear a report-back on the recent meeting between some governors and Michael Gove which was held at the DfE.
Teachers at Copland High School have decided to strike next week on Thursday May 23rd in the first of what could be a sequence of actions over the DfE's decision announced yesterday to force the school into academy status.
Pavey, who has signalled a more robust approach to free schools and academies, will have to decide whether to support the staff, and possibly the governors, in resistance to forced academy status.
On Monday Cllr Pavey had a discussion with the Parent Action Group at Gladstone Park who have fiercely campaigned against a similar move at their schools. An extraordinary meeting of the Gladstone Park Primary School's governing tomorrow will hear a report-back on the recent meeting between some governors and Michael Gove which was held at the DfE.
I realise that 'robust' currently carries about as much meaning as 'iconic', but it's quite an important word in the article above. What exactly has Pavey signalled in his new approach to academies?
ReplyDeleteFair comment. I wasn't at the LP hustings but I understand he expressed clear opposition to free schools and especially the Michaela Academy and against forced academies. So a change from Mary Arnold's more accommodating approach both to free schools and academies. Now his line on forced academies at least seems to have been modified with his carefully worded statement seeming to suggest that Copland's 'difficulties' merits academisation (perhaps because long term?) whilst Gladstone Park's do not (because a one off 'blip'?). I have asked him to clarify what he meant. I think now that ARK has taken over Kensal Rise Primary we may see them involved in Copland. Will Michael Pavey, supported by officers, invite them in?
ReplyDeleteReinstate sir Alan Davies and his team he ran an out standing school.Your own council conceed Sir Alan did not break any laws or rules.How wll you pay the damages and costs when the case is thrown out of court any day now.The Judge will take into consideration the Enormous redundancy payments beeing made to a failed leadership!!
Deletean old copland student and solicitor
This needs to be determined in a law court, not a news sheet...
Delete