WALTHAMSTOW: Teachers balloted over 'oppressive management'

2:02pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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TEACHERS at a Walthamstow school are voting whether to strike over “oppressive management”.

Members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) at Walthamstow Academy, Billet Road, allege that for 18 months the turnover of staff has been high due to stress.

The NUT said that in the first year of the school changing from McEntee School to a privately-funded academy, nine teachers left at short notice as they had not met “unreasonable expectations”.

Last week a ballot was opened for members to vote on whether to strike for one day in the autumn term.

NUT divisional secretary Rinaldo Frezzato said: “Members tell me that there is an unhealthy atmosphere of fear and distrust in the school that is causing staff stress and increasing the rate of sickness and staff turnover.

“One concern is about the number of colleagues who have left the suddenly or at very short notice since the academy opened in September 2006.”

The NUT claimed that a survey conducted among members showed unhappiness among the teaching staff.

It also said that “strenuous” efforts had been made at school level and with United Learning Trust national officials to resolve the problem over the past 18 months and that the ballot was the last resort.

One member, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “Many may think that the improving results are due to the way the school is managed, but NUT members believe that the improvements have taken place despite the management rather than because of it.”

Mr Frezzato added: “I want to stress that there is not a more dedicated workforce than at the academy. I do not mean only among our members.

“Many of the teachers were there for years with McEntee and successfully struggled in difficult conditions to bring the school round.

“They have been joined by equally dedicated teachers who have been recruited since the academy was formed.”

However, an Ofsted inspection in February and a subsequent report by the Government’s schools inspection body praised the management and leadership.

It said: “The principal’s clarity of vision and determination to realise a better future for students is driving improvement at a pace.

“Governors share her ambition. Together they work well as a skilful team to shape the strategic direction of the academy. It is clear that as new policies and procedures become firmly established, their impact on improving outcomes for students increases.”

Ofsted’s overall judgment was: “The academy has made good progress towards raising standards.”

The United Church Schools Trust declined to comment on the strike ballot.