Union’s concerns over changes in our schools

TEACHERS in Swale feel intimidated and confused when their schools convert to academies, says a union representative.

Jacqie Hitchcock, Secretary of the Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheppey branch of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), confirmed the view after the

The teachers felt some heads had intimidated staff into going along with conversion to academy status, without making them fully aware of what the new status would involved.

Mrs Hitchcock, a retired teacher, said: “ There has also been a lot of antagonism and lack of consideration. There are consultations, but it doesn’t seem to matter what teachers say.”

She explained that staff contracts and working conditions should remain the same after schools converted to academy status, but said many teachers were worried that their positions would be made redundant and they would have to sign new contracts with worse conditions.

She added: “Already in Swale, some academies are having to cut courses, which is making staff redundant.”

Westlands Academy head Jon Whitcombe said staff at his school and the two primary schools in the Westlands Academy Trust had been fully consulted during the conversion process and no changes had been made to working conditions.

Mr Whitcombe, who said the academy worked with professional associations such as the NUT, added: “I’m not aware of any concerns that have been raised. If any teachers are anxious and want to have a discussion I am happy to have that discussion.”

Mrs Hitchcock and the NUT also feared conversion to academy status could cause schools to lose their identities but head teachers disagreed.

Fulston Manor head Alan Brookes said there were no plans to change his school’s name and added that the conversion to academy status in October was improving the school.

He said: “Though there have been no significant changes so far, we are currently meeting architects regarding potential future building. The academy status has enabled us to forge stronger relationships with neighbouring schools which can only benefit the school and the community.”

Mrs Hitchcock said that, unlike in other parts of the country, teachers in Swale were not planning to strike in protest at the way academy conversions were being handled, but added: “Teachers must contact the NUT about anything that is concerning them.”

Highsted Grammar head teacher Jennifer Payne refused to comment on the effects academy conversion has had on the school or staff.