MP calls for urgent action over inadequate school

Staff at the Ofsted inadequate rated school held a strike on Tuesday over 'unreasonable' management and amid concerns of safety for staff.

They have also announced two further walk-outs next month, and are not ruling out more if demands for better support are not met.

Now, Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes has written to Sir David Carter, the National Schools Commissioner, asking for him to try and intervene and help the situation.

In the letter, Mr Hughes said: "I am writing to you about Willenhall E-Act Academy, a school in my constituency.

"I am calling on you to use your powers to intervene in order to ensure immediate action is taken to address the appalling standard of education that is currently being provided at the school.

"At Willenhall E-Act Academy something has gone very wrong and it appears to be in a downwards spiral to the detriment of pupils, staff and parents.

"I am aware that the previous MP for Walsall North raised concerns with the Department for Education last month, however, the school can no longer wait, as the current situation has now led to a strike by teachers and staff, with further strikes planned for July.

"Failure to step in and help this school would be unfair on both staff and pupils and I am sure you will agree that the existing set up needs to change.

"The Ofsted report points out that on some occasions a third of pupils under sixteen are truant from school and staff turnover of 70 per cent last year speaks for itself.

"We all want the best education for our children and young people, yet the Ofsted report for Willenhall E-Act Academy was inadequate in every category.

"This clearly isn't good enough.

"As a parent myself I strongly believe that we shouldn't have staff and pupils that are so unhappy.

"Willenhall E-Act Academy's pupils, staff and parents all deserve more from their governing body and as MP for this constituency I will do everything I can to champion their cause.

"I would be grateful if you could meet with me as a matter of urgency to discuss this matter in detail."

The Ofsted report published in May rated the school ‘inadequate’ - the lowest rating - in every category.

Now in special measures, the school will be monitored more closely by the education watchdog to ensure improvement.

The report found 70 per cent of teachers left the school during 2015 and 2016.

It also found over a third of pupils in Years 7 to 11 are persistently absent, and Ofsted inspectors were pelted with food by misbehaving children during the visit.

Students felt unsafe because of repeated poor behaviour and teachers are regularly interrupted by pupils during lessons, the report added.