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Parents’ fears for Swanmore College of Technology
7:21am Thursday 3rd July 2008
By Clare Kennedy »
CONCERNED parents of pupils at a Hampshire school are calling for urgent action after Ofsted inspectors labelled it satisfactory'.
Members of "Standing Up for Swanmore" say they are worried about sliding academic standards, pupils' lack of progress, and staffing problems.
But Swanmore College of Technology's headteacher Annette Hillier said that the "satisfactory" grade - Ofsted's third lowest out of four possible marks - was due to "a blip".
She said: "We can always improve and do better but we have faced some extreme challenges over the past couple of years."
Mrs Hillier, who has been at the helm for the last 18 years at the 1,303-pupil school, said the main problem had been staffing issues due to 14 teachers taking maternity leave in 27 months and teachers retiring from key positions. The school's score for pupil progress was also found to be below average despite a higher than average number of gifted and talented pupils.
Mrs Hillier said the score was lower than average because it did not include pupils taking vocational courses at local colleges.
She said the school, where leadership and management were found to be satisfactory, was now focusing on improving lessons as well as pupils' assessment and achievement.
"We are confident that our sense of purpose, clarity about improvements and commitment to the pupils will address all issues raised," she said.
"The report recognises that we have established a clear and appropriate direction for improvement and that we are now well placed to make progress."
In a statement the Standing up For Swanmore Group, launched at the beginning of the year at a meeting attended by 112 people, said: "We are saddened but not in the least surprised about the contents of this report, which we feel vindicates what we have been saying over the past six months.
"This report has confirmed our worst fears about what is happening to our children's school. These are fears which we as a group have been trying to draw to the attention of the authorities since January and which many parents have been concerned about for much longer than that."
The schools latest "satisfactory" Ofsted inspection comes after it was described as a "very good" and "very effective" school in 2004.
Swanmore's former pupils include Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden.
Your Say YourEcho
Parent of pupil, Swanmore says...
9:23am Thu 3 Jul 08
I am very happy with Swanmore College. My son is doing well there an enjoys going to school.
Yes, there have been issues with staffing, but it's not the school's fault if many of the staff are on maternity leave.
The SUFS group are a very SMALL minority of parents, who are making a lot of noise. The vast majority of parents are happy with the school,the pupils are happy, and they are getting good results.
Yes, there have been issues with staffing, but it's not the school's fault if many of the staff are on maternity leave.
The SUFS group are a very SMALL minority of parents, who are making a lot of noise. The vast majority of parents are happy with the school,the pupils are happy, and they are getting good results.
Anon, Southampton says...
9:26am Thu 3 Jul 08
How dare the headteacher blame those children who are not taking vocational courses - has she not heard of "every child matters". This so called blip has been going on for four years now since the last Ofsted and nothing has been done to counteract the decline
Parent, Swanmore says...
10:02am Thu 3 Jul 08
I have children at Swanmore and am extremely happy with the College. They are being provided with an excellent eduction and I have a great deal of respect for Mrs Hillier and her staff. SUFS are a minority action group who should spend their time working with the College - NOT against it. The vast majority of parents DO NOT support them.
HelicopterMum, Swanmore says...
10:06am Thu 3 Jul 08
So the fact that the school's CVA has fallen for three years in a row is a blip, is it? The fact that children are being removed from this school by their parents on almost a weekly basis is a blip, is it? What kind of blip causes some 30 parents to remove their children in six months? (The school's roll has gone from 1334 in January to 1303 according to ofsted.)
The fact that around 13 members of staff have left since Christmas is another blip, is it?
Now the cat's out of the bag and parents can discover for themselves just how badly this school is doing, it will be 'satisfied' parents who will be in the minority, won't it? And howe many other schools in Hampshire have a group like this campaigning to improve them?
What's happening at this school isn't a blip -- it's depressing reality for hundreds of kids.
The fact that around 13 members of staff have left since Christmas is another blip, is it?
Now the cat's out of the bag and parents can discover for themselves just how badly this school is doing, it will be 'satisfied' parents who will be in the minority, won't it? And howe many other schools in Hampshire have a group like this campaigning to improve them?
What's happening at this school isn't a blip -- it's depressing reality for hundreds of kids.
HelicopterMum, Swanmore says...
10:16am Thu 3 Jul 08
'I have children at Swanmore and am extremely happy with the College. They are being provided with an excellent eduction' says 'parent'.
Can 'parent' please explain just what is 'excellent' about the Ofsted rating 'satisfactory' which means 'average or below average'?
I know education standards are falling -- especially at Swanmore college -- but the dictionery definition of excellent is not satisfactory. And it never has been.
It's denial like this which has got this school into the mess it's in. And until the leadership team and the governing board recognise this it will decline even further.
Can 'parent' please explain just what is 'excellent' about the Ofsted rating 'satisfactory' which means 'average or below average'?
I know education standards are falling -- especially at Swanmore college -- but the dictionery definition of excellent is not satisfactory. And it never has been.
It's denial like this which has got this school into the mess it's in. And until the leadership team and the governing board recognise this it will decline even further.
Parent, Shedfield says...
10:22am Thu 3 Jul 08
Your headline should read "a small minority of parents' fears for Swanmore College of Technology!! 112 may have attended but most of those were there out of curiosity. I also went to the second meeting with considerably fewer in attendance! My sons have flourised at Swanmore. This is a truly caring school and I congratulate the staff for ensuring that my boys have been well educated and well looked after.
HelicopterMum, Swanmore says...
11:07am Thu 3 Jul 08
Congrats to the Daily Echo -- at least everyone now gets the chance to find out the truth about Swanmore College and it will be very helpful to all the parents who are currently deciding where to send their children to school in September 2009...Of cours,e it's not helpful to those who are determined to ignore the school's problems.
If the press -- and the parents -- knew' all the facts' they'd be very worried indeed.
The facts are that parents are really worried about this school. That's why they are removing their kids. And try dealing directly with the college and see how far you get.
What (desperate) 'parent' doesn't say is that the second public meeting was on teh same night at the Liverpool/Man U champions League Match -- getting all those people to attend on that night was an amazing achievement for the SUFS group.
If the press -- and the parents -- knew' all the facts' they'd be very worried indeed.
The facts are that parents are really worried about this school. That's why they are removing their kids. And try dealing directly with the college and see how far you get.
What (desperate) 'parent' doesn't say is that the second public meeting was on teh same night at the Liverpool/Man U champions League Match -- getting all those people to attend on that night was an amazing achievement for the SUFS group.
Ashley Goodall, Shirrell Heath says...
11:24am Thu 3 Jul 08
I'm pleased that parents feel that their children have had a good experience at Swanmore; they seem to forget the other children that have not had the same experience, and perhaps have not fulfilled their potential at Swanmore. Mrs Hillier's comment, that it's a blip is a mis-use of the word and arrant nonsense. I suggest that parents use the Raiseonline figures (the school's own figures) to look at the results over the last three years; a blip it's not. Ofted used these figures and found the school wanting in almost all areas; especially Teaching and Learning, a 3, Leadership and Management a 3. Ofsted defines this as average or below average. There are some apparant excuses made by Mrs Hillier in her comments, which when looked at in detail (Raiseonline) can be shown to be inaccurate. It appears that Mrs Hillier wants to make a series of excuses for what has happened without taking any of the blame or respomnsibility for past actions herself; she is after all the headteacher of the school, the one who controls Leadership and Management - Grade 3.
Anon, Swanmore says...
11:45am Thu 3 Jul 08
I find Helicoptermum's confidence that what is printed in the press istrue, quite naive.
Also the fact that people didn't turn up to the second meeting because of a football match just shows how 'concerned' parents really are.
Also the fact that people didn't turn up to the second meeting because of a football match just shows how 'concerned' parents really are.
Clive, Soton says...
12:16pm Thu 3 Jul 08
I once went to that school and I hated it there. I remember eight little runts being sent to borstall. Still sounds like it is, what Labour calls a "bog standard state school."
move-on, says...
12:39pm Thu 3 Jul 08
It must be quite a challenge teaching kids who feel it is acceptable to interupt lessons and learning because their parents have told them that their teachers can't do their job, even though they've never seen them teach. A successful school needs parental support not a silly little group whose poorly disguised primary agenda is to bring down the reputation of the school because they think that will get rid of a head they personally don't like.
Sanity, Swanmore says...
12:44pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Having just left I can safely say that Swanmore has given me all the opportunities I needed to succeed. If some pupils don't want to take these opportunities that's their own issue, perhaps the parents should blame themselves rather than the 'satisfactory' school.
Parent, Shedfield says...
4:01pm Thu 3 Jul 08
I find it strange that no-one has commented on Ofsted's findings? If the parents who are pleased with a 'satisfactory' which in Ofsted's terms means 'broadly average or below average' are happy with that then so be it. I am not and expect more for my child - after all they only get one chance.
HelicopterMum, Swanmore says...
4:54pm Thu 3 Jul 08
move-on wrote:Poor move-on -- if only the children at Swanmore College could but the word's out and all the other local schools are full up!
It must be quite a challenge teaching kids who feel it is acceptable to interupt lessons and learning because their parents have told them that their teachers can't do their job, even though they've never seen them teach. A successful school needs parental support not a silly little group whose poorly disguised primary agenda is to bring down the reputation of the school because they think that will get rid of a head they personally don't like.
Doesn't move-on realise that it's not the parents who say the teachers can't do their job -- it's OFSTED. They're the ones who witnessed the lessons -- and the fight that took place while the inspection was on. They're the ones who have graded the teaching and learning and governance and leadership as third rate.
If this school is so 'successful' with such great 'parental support' how come the Friends of Swanmore College is moribund?
How many of the parents who have rushed to support the school on this message board have joined FOSCs to raise money for the school?
Answers on a very small postcard..
parent of Swanmore kid, says...
5:03pm Thu 3 Jul 08
HelicopterMum wrote:PMSL - so you are saying that these parents think a football game is more important than their kids education....says it all !
Congrats to the Daily Echo -- at least everyone now gets the chance to find out the truth about Swanmore College and it will be very helpful to all the parents who are currently deciding where to send their children to school in September 2009...Of cours,e it\'s not helpful to those who are determined to ignore the school\'s problems. If the press -- and the parents -- knew\' all the facts\' they\'d be very worried indeed. The facts are that parents are really worried about this school. That\'s why they are removing their kids. And try dealing directly with the college and see how far you get. What (desperate) \'parent\' doesn\'t say is that the second public meeting was on teh same night at the Liverpool/Man U champions League Match -- getting all those people to attend on that night was an amazing achievement for the SUFS group.
My child is in year 7 and generally I'm pleased with how it has gone. I have a few issues around teachers leaving (which is hard to stop), where the replacements seem to do little more than make them copy books, and I certainly think that the kids need more feedback on their work. That said, the school seems to have high standards and a good work ethic, exam results are good, and there appears to be little disruption and a firm approach to discipline. I know of one child that has transferred out, and he was a trouble maker.
Fed up, Swanmore says...
5:49pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Why can't the SUFS leave the school to concentrate on turning things around.
How are they supposed to take on board what OFSTED have said at the same time as dealing with constant complaints from the same few people.
By the way I think the examination results, 74% 5 A*-C grades in 2007, are very good and that is what the government use as their yard stick.
How are they supposed to take on board what OFSTED have said at the same time as dealing with constant complaints from the same few people.
By the way I think the examination results, 74% 5 A*-C grades in 2007, are very good and that is what the government use as their yard stick.
Anon, Waltham Chase says...
5:50pm Thu 3 Jul 08
For those of you who believe you have a complaint with the school, I suggest you use the formal complaint system which is a far more appropriate and professional way to deal with any perceived problems.
educator, bishops waltham says...
6:57pm Thu 3 Jul 08
How sad that many parents only look at their own children and obviously were educated here themselves as don't understand the OFSTED report, take off your rose coloured glasses and reread you may not be so complaicant about your kids education. In the world of education teachers are concerned about how few parents understand how thir kids are really doing as they don't understand the levels and jargon. 74% sounds good but actually only 64% got 5 A*-C grades if you include maths and English subjects all children need to move on in a job or education my kids are happy but I am in the education world and know that a satisfactory OFSTED is looked at as failure. if you are happy great but maybe talk to heads of other schools and you might get your eyes opened. well done SUFS you are making a school accountable and not complacent.
Parent, Swanmore says...
6:59pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Agree with Fed up and Anon. The school is trying to improve things and needs support. It seems to me that part of the problem today with teacher recruitment is that they don't get support from parents (who won't accept that perhaps Johnny really is an arrogant little **** who thinks he knows better than the teacher). Come on SUFS parents - the school is 'satisfactory' and trying to improve - support them, and work with them, don't try and undermine the staff the whole time.
Old pupil, says...
7:23pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Swanmore secondary, as it was then, was an excellent school and the teachers were professional and sympathetic to any pupils needs.
My children WILL be starting secondary education in this school over the next 4 years.
I think this report is clearly nothing special as most schools in hampshire score a satisfactory level. unless in Thornhill, Millbrook or Weston. Then it's a poor report
My children WILL be starting secondary education in this school over the next 4 years.
I think this report is clearly nothing special as most schools in hampshire score a satisfactory level. unless in Thornhill, Millbrook or Weston. Then it's a poor report
Astounded, Whiteley says...
9:00pm Thu 3 Jul 08
You know there's one thing I can't understand about Helicoptor mum, Ashley Goodall and others clearly at the core of the SUFS group -if they truly believe that Swanmore is such a poor school with a 2nd rate Head and disaffected and indifferent teachers then why on earth do they continue to send their children there. This is hardly the behaviour of professed caring and concerned parents is it? Come on if you think you can get a better deal for your children elsewhere then why don't you remove them to a school more suited to your requirements? I have a number of friends who would jump at the chance to send their children to Swanmore.
I also can't see how any of this publicity is going to help the school improve. Children read newspapers and use the Internet too and it won't be long til some of the little darlings will be taunting the teachers with chants of "everyone knows this school is rubbish". And who will have to deal with this backlash? Will it be the likes of the SUFS group?? Oh no it will be the poor teachers who will have to try and restore some discipline and respect. We've seen it before with the Police. The parents have no respect for authority and the media goes on about police corruption so we see an increased lack of respect for authority from the young today.Children copy their elders and so how can these people expect Swanmore pupils to thrive in an environment which is being torn down by their constant negative attitude and comments. For the sake of those children I would ask the SUFS group to reflect seriously on the damage they have caused and continue to cause with their unwarranted and unhelpful campaign. It appears that Swanmore has had staffing problems in the past. Well does this group honestly think that they will help staff morale by their actions. My worry is that many of the caring and committed teachers will now decide to move on to where their efforts are appreciated and another staffing crisis will be upon the school and where will the fault lie then? THINK ON!!
I also can't see how any of this publicity is going to help the school improve. Children read newspapers and use the Internet too and it won't be long til some of the little darlings will be taunting the teachers with chants of "everyone knows this school is rubbish". And who will have to deal with this backlash? Will it be the likes of the SUFS group?? Oh no it will be the poor teachers who will have to try and restore some discipline and respect. We've seen it before with the Police. The parents have no respect for authority and the media goes on about police corruption so we see an increased lack of respect for authority from the young today.Children copy their elders and so how can these people expect Swanmore pupils to thrive in an environment which is being torn down by their constant negative attitude and comments. For the sake of those children I would ask the SUFS group to reflect seriously on the damage they have caused and continue to cause with their unwarranted and unhelpful campaign. It appears that Swanmore has had staffing problems in the past. Well does this group honestly think that they will help staff morale by their actions. My worry is that many of the caring and committed teachers will now decide to move on to where their efforts are appreciated and another staffing crisis will be upon the school and where will the fault lie then? THINK ON!!
T1, says...
10:21pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Thank you astounded. Well put.
Thank you to all the parents who support the teachers and encourage their children to do the same.
The results will speak for themselves. There is a lot of change already taking place and it is for the better.
Ashley, don't thank me when your son gets an A or A*, it'll be nothing to do with me. Fortunately we both managed to get past the effect the SUF stuff was having and focus on what we both wanted in lessons, to make good progress.
Helicoptermum, OFSTED in their day and a half visit of seeing a fraction of the staff teach (and then ofetn for just a few minutes) have not said they can't do their job. The school will improve, I am confident of that. Watch what happens to the results over the next 3 years.
Thank you to all the parents who support the teachers and encourage their children to do the same.
The results will speak for themselves. There is a lot of change already taking place and it is for the better.
Ashley, don't thank me when your son gets an A or A*, it'll be nothing to do with me. Fortunately we both managed to get past the effect the SUF stuff was having and focus on what we both wanted in lessons, to make good progress.
Helicoptermum, OFSTED in their day and a half visit of seeing a fraction of the staff teach (and then ofetn for just a few minutes) have not said they can't do their job. The school will improve, I am confident of that. Watch what happens to the results over the next 3 years.
T2, says...
11:32pm Thu 3 Jul 08
It's reassuring that so many parents are supportive and can see through the mischief making of SUFS,who would seem to have a hidden agenda.
If we had more parents like 'Astounded'perhaps there would be fewer pupils who felt they had their parents' blessing to challenge the authority of teachers on a daily basis and disrupt the learning of others.
It is not the college who is at fault here but 21st century society where everyone 'knows their rights' and feels at liberty to challenge the expertise and professional judgement of anyone in authority.
Teachers work extremely hard,usually until late in the evening,at weekends and in the holidays.Because of the challenges teaching presents it is difficult to recruit teachers on a national basis,not just at Swanmore.
Teachers deserve the respect of parents and pupils,not a campaign which undermines them.
Other schools in Hampshire must be breathing a sigh of relief that they don't have a group of shortsighted parents out to destroy the good reputation of their educational establishment because of personal grudges.
If we had more parents like 'Astounded'perhaps there would be fewer pupils who felt they had their parents' blessing to challenge the authority of teachers on a daily basis and disrupt the learning of others.
It is not the college who is at fault here but 21st century society where everyone 'knows their rights' and feels at liberty to challenge the expertise and professional judgement of anyone in authority.
Teachers work extremely hard,usually until late in the evening,at weekends and in the holidays.Because of the challenges teaching presents it is difficult to recruit teachers on a national basis,not just at Swanmore.
Teachers deserve the respect of parents and pupils,not a campaign which undermines them.
Other schools in Hampshire must be breathing a sigh of relief that they don't have a group of shortsighted parents out to destroy the good reputation of their educational establishment because of personal grudges.
anon, Southampton says...
10:20am Fri 4 Jul 08
Blip !! a four year blip then !! Surely the fact that pregnancy lasts 9 months and it is usually clear when teachers are going to retire gives the school management enough time to plan to cover or replace these teachers. However complacency seems to be the order of the day given that the school management is clearly happy to be described as 'satisfactory' rather than striving for excellence and to fulfill the target for 'every child to matter'
Anon, Bishop's Waltham says...
9:21pm Fri 4 Jul 08
I myself am a former pupil of Swanmore and I am very sorry to have to even ask this, but when did the school stop listening to the parents, and the parents stop listening to the school? Because when this happens the children will obviously stop listening to everybody. Teachers need to stop trying to be the kids friends. Yes they do need the children's trust, but they also need to have their respect, and as we all know, it's never easy to tell a friend off.
Mrs Hillier needs to accept that there is obviously some sort of a problem, whether it be a 'blip' or not and get together with all the parents to discuss the situation. A Satisfactory Report is not satisfactory, neither are fights breaking out in classrooms, OFSTED Inspection or not. We all know kids will be kids and none of them are ever perfect, but they still need boundries and rules. Rules which are clear, concise and fair, not daft petty ones. But these rules need to be consistently applied. More importantly children need recognition for their efforts, then they might actually want to stay in school, rather than walking off the premisies halfway through the day. Or you could try putting a lock and an intercom on the gate. A school cannot be run like a business, it's worth a whole lot more. The children are worth more. The school should be at the heart of the community, and the community needs to be proud of it's school. It's sad that that is no longer the case.
Mrs Hillier needs to accept that there is obviously some sort of a problem, whether it be a 'blip' or not and get together with all the parents to discuss the situation. A Satisfactory Report is not satisfactory, neither are fights breaking out in classrooms, OFSTED Inspection or not. We all know kids will be kids and none of them are ever perfect, but they still need boundries and rules. Rules which are clear, concise and fair, not daft petty ones. But these rules need to be consistently applied. More importantly children need recognition for their efforts, then they might actually want to stay in school, rather than walking off the premisies halfway through the day. Or you could try putting a lock and an intercom on the gate. A school cannot be run like a business, it's worth a whole lot more. The children are worth more. The school should be at the heart of the community, and the community needs to be proud of it's school. It's sad that that is no longer the case.
Anon, Bitterne says...
10:23pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Having spent the last few days visiting swanmore school, i must say i was impressed with the standards within the school. The staff were friendly and worked hard to ensure the students were receiving good lessons. The students have all been polite and i have enjoyed working with them. I have seen the rules set by the school consistently enforced, and all students are aware of what is appropriate behaviour. Yes there are some behavioural problems, but these happen across the board in all schools. Overall i think Swanmore is a good school from what i have seen.
parent, says...
10:30pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Every school has its problems. Every school can improve. Its no different at Swanmore.
In practice this school has fewer problems than many and my children have been happy and successful there.
However, there is a great deal to do to to drive performance from 'satisfactory' and it is not helped by the mob-mentality of a group of concerned parents who seem to be unaware of the damage they are doing to morale and performance. Driven by the best intentions but seemly using their contacts and influence misguidedly
I hope everyone will work constrcurtively to improve things in the areas identified by Ofsted.
In practice this school has fewer problems than many and my children have been happy and successful there.
However, there is a great deal to do to to drive performance from 'satisfactory' and it is not helped by the mob-mentality of a group of concerned parents who seem to be unaware of the damage they are doing to morale and performance. Driven by the best intentions but seemly using their contacts and influence misguidedly
I hope everyone will work constrcurtively to improve things in the areas identified by Ofsted.
current pupil, swanmore says...
12:10pm Sat 5 Jul 08
this school is one of the best in hampshire in my opinion, i've never felt unhappy or in danger and i've learnt a hell of a lot too. SUFS is just a bunch of parents who can't see the bigger picture. I think that the goodall's youngest son is getting on really well in most of his classes (he's a freind of a freind.) And i'd just like to say that as long as SUFS continues, the school will get worse not better. So i hope they're happy.
Parent at Swanmore, Swanmore says...
10:05am Mon 7 Jul 08
I am replying to "former pupil". I want to reassure you that the school does listen to parents and the majority of parents do listen to the schoool. Please don't worry - teachers are strict but fair. They are firm but kind and most of the children do respect them. Every school has troblemakers but fortunately, at Swanmore, they are in the minority. Mrs Hillier has always been very open with parents and we are "getting together" with her at the beginning of next term. Fights are a rarity but inevitable in a school of 1300 pupils. The rules are clear and in the main, consistent. This school is a good school and most of us are proud of it and happy with our children's progress. I hope you feel reassured. If not, you should really go and see for yourself.
Year 9 pupil, Swanmore says...
10:13am Mon 7 Jul 08
I really like my school - leave it alone!
year 8 pupil, swanmore says...
5:58pm Mon 7 Jul 08
i have to agree with current pupil - as long as SUFS continues it will only get worse. Shame really, the school was a perfectly good place untill this all happened. Still i'm sure that SUFS will be pleased.
Another Parent, Swanmore says...
8:47am Wed 9 Jul 08
Partner of teacher's comment seemed heartfelt and very sad but seemed to have a ring of truth about it. Interestingly, while it does talk about the SUF group it seems to lay most of the blame for the current situation on the headteacher and if what is said is true, then surely there should be some kind of investigation into the claims? Isn't there anyone out there who is obliged to look into all this? Whatever you think of them, the SUFS group did not write the Ofsted report and they don't run the school, the headteacher does.
Parent, Shedfield says...
10:19am Wed 9 Jul 08
If the shocking comments of 'Partner of Swanmore Teacher' are true then why haven't the teachers done something? Could they not have talked to Ofsted? The County? What about their own Governing Board? There is also a 'Whistleblowing Policy' operating in Hampshire? SUFs are put down for raising awareness about the School but nothing will change if teachers are prepared to sit back and let it happen - SUFS have been through all the 'official' channels and been partronised, dismissed and shouted at; however we have finally met with the governors (after 6 months of asking) and following positive discussions we are hoping that they will challenge and work with the management of the school to improve things. My child has experienced excellent teaching at the School and also poor teaching but I, as well as many others, only have ONE agenda and that is to look out for our own children and ensure that they get the best education - they only get one chance. Would I not be a good parent if I didn't aim for that? It appears that you are 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' do something. You are right, radical change needs to happen and teachers and parents should join forces to make it happen.
resident, swanmore says...
4:21pm Wed 9 Jul 08
I can't believe that everyone is so short-sighted that they believe getting rid of an experienced educationalist will solve all their problems. The process of a Headteacher leaving in these sort of circumstances and another Head being found, if anyone would want to work here with this sort of publicity going on, within a reasonable length of time will have dire consequences on the school as a whole. Everything will be distrupted and those who have children at the school now will see their children suffer far more in the interim.
Why can't everyone let the school and leadership work with Ofsted and the local authority to bring the school back to the level everyone is happy at. If, according to what has been said, the school was good under the current headteacher, then there is no reason to suppose it cannot be good again. Leave them all alone to get on with their jobs.
I am sure if there was a group of parents like SUFS at most schools in the county then they would all be in danger of having the same attack made on them. Get off your high horses and help not antagonise. It is no wonder she is refered to by the 'partner of a teacher' as paranoid, most people would be in this situation.
Why can't everyone let the school and leadership work with Ofsted and the local authority to bring the school back to the level everyone is happy at. If, according to what has been said, the school was good under the current headteacher, then there is no reason to suppose it cannot be good again. Leave them all alone to get on with their jobs.
I am sure if there was a group of parents like SUFS at most schools in the county then they would all be in danger of having the same attack made on them. Get off your high horses and help not antagonise. It is no wonder she is refered to by the 'partner of a teacher' as paranoid, most people would be in this situation.
parent, bishops waltham says...
8:44pm Wed 9 Jul 08
How saddened to read Partner of Swanmore teacher comments. I beg you to urge your pattner to contact their union as no one should have to work like this. They need support before their health is serriously effected.There are good teachers at the school but if they are working in an environment as you say no wonder thay are leaving so is it not time that they stood up to this and reported it to county so that a thorough investigation can happen.
It is also disturbing that what seems to be a teacher has referred to someones child in the comments of T1 which is breaking confidentaility.
I only hope that the director of childrens services has been alerted to some of the above and will now step in.
It is also disturbing that what seems to be a teacher has referred to someones child in the comments of T1 which is breaking confidentaility.
I only hope that the director of childrens services has been alerted to some of the above and will now step in.
Shedfield Parent, Shedfield says...
10:58pm Wed 9 Jul 08
The very existence of SUFS is worrying. The OFSTED report is worrying. Some of the content here is worrying. For many of us, Swanmore is the only practical option for our children. All the primary feeder schools offer a very high standard of education and we just want that to continue through secondary education. The OFSTED report indicates that the school is not currently reaching this high standard, however passionate the opinions from parents and pupils at the school. Change is clearly needed but this isn't a failing school so it's quite inappropriate to continue with the vitriolic attacks on the head. Instead, the parents, community, pupils and governors should continue to challenge but also support the head and teaching staff and hope that the damage to morale that this episode has caused can be contained.
There are many channels for constructive criticism and for offers of support. This seems to be one of the least appropriate. Pupils and staff will read it and be upset by it. I would be if in their place. Please can SUFS supporters show a little dignity, respect and frankly, self-interest and stop using this medium to vent their frustrations with the school or they risk damaging the very institution they want to protect.
I don't suppose for a second that the head teacher does read this, but if she does, then please take note that change is needed and try to work with the governing body, parents and staff and bring about the required changes. The pupils, teaching staff and community depend on you to get it right and will support you, but it would be unwise underestimate the magnitude of this crisis.
There are many channels for constructive criticism and for offers of support. This seems to be one of the least appropriate. Pupils and staff will read it and be upset by it. I would be if in their place. Please can SUFS supporters show a little dignity, respect and frankly, self-interest and stop using this medium to vent their frustrations with the school or they risk damaging the very institution they want to protect.
I don't suppose for a second that the head teacher does read this, but if she does, then please take note that change is needed and try to work with the governing body, parents and staff and bring about the required changes. The pupils, teaching staff and community depend on you to get it right and will support you, but it would be unwise underestimate the magnitude of this crisis.
anon, southampton says...
11:26am Thu 10 Jul 08
partner of teacher should decide who they are berating, one minute it is management and the next it is the parents. Sadly as the teachers who 'p of t' suggests have been bullied by the head and spied on by their colleagues are clearly not prepared to do anything about it, and who do not seem to understand that they have a duty towards the children, it has been left to parents to protect their children's interests and the quality of their education. So please 'p of t' do not berate the parents as someone clearly has to do something about a management that rests on its laurels and is happy to accept an OFSTED report that says it is merely satisfactory. These parents clearly care about their children's education and should be praised for doing so. It is a sad system where a below average OFSTED report counts a school as 'satisfactory'- clearly anything this low is NOT satisfactory and no child should have as their lot during important years, a school that is not continually striving for excellence.
Anon, Southampton says...
9:41am Fri 11 Jul 08
It's quite clear isnt it?
SUFS first alerted parents that the school was slipping.
The official government body OFSTED have confirmed that the school is slipping.
For all parents that say they are 'happy' with their childs education (I was one of them) - think again. OUR children could be doing and deserve alot BETTER!
So, I for one am grateful for anything that is done to raise the standards of the school - SUFS parents have spent alot of time on this and should be commended.
Perhaps the parents who have 'belittled' SUFS and dont want to help them could instead spend their spare time more wisely and join Friends of Swanmore College and help the school further.
I feel with alot of parents it is all talk and no action.
SUFS first alerted parents that the school was slipping.
The official government body OFSTED have confirmed that the school is slipping.
For all parents that say they are 'happy' with their childs education (I was one of them) - think again. OUR children could be doing and deserve alot BETTER!
So, I for one am grateful for anything that is done to raise the standards of the school - SUFS parents have spent alot of time on this and should be commended.
Perhaps the parents who have 'belittled' SUFS and dont want to help them could instead spend their spare time more wisely and join Friends of Swanmore College and help the school further.
I feel with alot of parents it is all talk and no action.
Ex parent, says...
4:46pm Fri 11 Jul 08
It is incredible that someone has managed to delete at least three very meaningful earlier emails have been removed from this blog...it seems that the truthful one from the partner of a teacher as well as one from an ex pupil who clearly had succeeded but was open about they their experiences at the school at the school as well as one from an exparent with some suggestions for improvements and more parental involvement at the school have been deleted...the powers of spies and 'big brother' extend to the blog which was thought to be a medium of free speech-so difficult to do anywhere else.
There was nothing abusive indecent unlawful or defamatory in any of the three postings just truth.
There was nothing abusive indecent unlawful or defamatory in any of the three postings just truth.
Facebooker, says...
6:52pm Fri 11 Jul 08
If you want to see comment that can't be deleted, get on to Facebook, Swanmore School Leavers, picture 87. Read it and sheep!!
PS Year 9 'pupil' who posted Monn at 10.13am -- do they give you time off of lessons for this kind of thing now?!?!?
PS Year 9 'pupil' who posted Monn at 10.13am -- do they give you time off of lessons for this kind of thing now?!?!?
Ciaran, says...
9:03am Mon 14 Jul 08
Ex parent wrote:You know what, if the post was removed by staff of a newspaper, perhaps it was defamatory?
It is incredible that someone has managed to delete at least three very meaningful earlier emails have been removed from this blog...it seems that the truthful one from the partner of a teacher as well as one from an ex pupil who clearly had succeeded but was open about they their experiences at the school at the school as well as one from an exparent with some suggestions for improvements and more parental involvement at the school have been deleted...the powers of spies and 'big brother' extend to the blog which was thought to be a medium of free speech-so difficult to do anywhere else.
There was nothing abusive indecent unlawful or defamatory in any of the three postings just truth.
Something tells me they'll be a better judge of that than you.
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former pupil, b/w says...
8:54am Thu 3 Jul 08
fanks miss illier you was the best...