Barry Gardiner MP at the demonstration against forced academisation of Byron Court. The placard sums up early concerns about the Harris Federation
From Brent National Education Union
NEU members at the former Byron Court Primary School- now Harris Primary Academy South Kenton- are balloting for strike action in a fight to retain their proper working conditions.
Teachers and support staff at the school have met together regularly since the takeover of their school by the huge Harris Federation, to discuss the worsening of their working conditions. A year ago they learned their school had failed its Ofsted and, after a financial donation to the Labour Party by Harris bosses, it was announced that Harris would be taking over the school. Since then there have been changes to the school day, the school year, the curriculum and style of teaching, working hours, roles and responsibilities and rights of trade union reps. Members have tried to resolve these but after more than a term, the Federation has not agreed to reverse the changes.
The NEU is now balloting its members in the school, alongside a national ballot of 18 Harris secondary schools who are balloting on very similar issues.
Jenny Cooper of the NEU national executive said:
This school cannot operate without our members- they are the frontline workforce behind a company that generates half a million a year for its CEO. The staff remain steadfast in their determination to exercise their rights despite attempted interference in our union processes by the Federation. The NEU remains willing to meet with the school to resolve this dispute in which case the ballot could be suspended; however they will need to be prepared to make some changes.
The issues began to emerge in October last year soon after the Federation takeover. Jenny Cooper told the Education Uncovered website about the pressures exerted by 'consultants' on experienced staff to change their teaching methods LINK:
We are being told that for a large part of the week there are consultants in the room with [NEU members], either watching them, or taking over, showing them how they think a particular aspect [of learning] should be taught. So early years should be taught like this, or reading, or maths, or whatever, and expecting the person to instantly take up this new way of teaching, which the person themselves doesn’t necessarily agree with.
In some cases, that teacher has got 10 or 20 years’ experience in this area, and who knows what the consultant has got? And yet they are kind of lording it above them. I think that’s really uncomfortable. It just looks like every aspect that they are teaching is being kind of thrown out and starting again.
The NEU members at Harris Primary Academy are not alone. Educators across the Federation's schools have decided enough is enough and are taking part in the ballot for action.
They say:
Hundreds of NEU educators, including teachers, middle leaders, support staff, and more, play a crucial role in the success of Harris Federation schools. We are committed to providing students with an exceptional education, and our dedication to educating and supporting students is unwavering. However, the current conditions are making it increasingly challenging for us to carry out this important work. It doesn't have to be this way; we are advocating for change.
The
fight for fairer workloads, pay and conditions, as well as equal
treatment for Caribbean and overseas-trained teachers, is crucial for
the well-being of educators and the success of the students they serve.
By advocating for these improvements, we can create an environment where
both staff and students thrive.
