A TEACHING union has called for a ‘full debate’ on Putteridge High School becoming an academy after members voted unanimously against the move.
Putteridge is due to become a Barnfield Academy this September, but teachers’ union the NASUWT says its members are upset at the “minimal consultation” with staff on the changes.
It says that on November, 24, NASUWT members voted unanimously against the school becoming an academy, and that a ballot in December also saw 12 members of the NUT also unanimously against it.
NASUWT representative Timoth Ramsden said: “This undermines the claims reported in November by Barnfield that excitement among staff was high.
“It does, however, chime with our members’ report that there has been no consultation with them. The NASUWT vote was certainly reported to the school’s governors before they went ahead to vote to become an academy.
“Any decision to become an academy is irreversible. It therefore needs to be made on the basis of full and accurate information.
“People involved should hear, and be able to debate, both sides of the argument.”
Mr Ramsden said required procedures had been followed in the lead-up to the decision, but said members were unhappy at “propaganda and unsupported assertion”.
He added: “NASUWT therefore calls for a full debate involving pro- and anti-academy voices where parental, student and staff questions can be aired and the quality, precision and completeness of each party’s answers be assessed.”
A Barnfield spokeswoman said becoming an academy offered many opportunities for Putteridge students and staff, and said its existing two Luton academies were now graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
All members of the Barnfield federation were financially healthy, she added.
She continued: “Our focus on traditional values, behaviour, respect and excellent teaching ensures that our students are happy, successful and reach their full potential.
“The guidance and support of the Barnfield Federation’s senior leadership team and sharing of good practice among federal staff will drive achievement at Putteridge, at an accelerated rate than would otherwise be the case.”