Princess Frederica C of E Primary School in Kensal Rise
Brent National Education Union is seeking an indicative ballot to take action at the Princess Frederica C of E Primary School in Kensal Rise. Princess Frederica is in a federation with St Clement and St James and St Thomas schools under the LifeFull Schools Federation umbrella.
Educators at the school describe it as like working for a Multi-Academy Trust with some of the same issues.
The proposed ballot is over pay, workload and conditions for teachers and support staff. In addition, there is a health and safety concern over a water tank that serves the upper floors of the school, is described as in poor condition. I understand staff and children had been told not to drink the water from that supply but when concerns were raised were told to go ahead and drink it. There is always the potential, however remote, according to NEU health and safety officers, of legionella infection in such circumstances and urgent action is sought.
Responding to Wembley Matters request for a comment Sarah Bouette, executive headteacher for Princess Frederica School said;
We are proud of all that we achieve as a school and a wider community.
Sadly, however, we think there has been some misunderstanding about the water supply in the school. We want to be clear, our water supply is safe to drink. We have written to the NEU about this and offered a range of assurances that our water is safe for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.
We also recognise that our school, as strong as it is, is not immune from the same funding pressures as many other schools in the country. Schools are being asked to do more, and we will always do what we can to use the resources that we have to best serve our brilliant children and wider community.
