Council's action over safeguarding of children who were withdrawn from Mossbourne is 'disgraceful' says councillor

By Christine Sexton - Local Democracy Reporter 29th Jan 2026

Local News by Christine Sexton - Local Democracy Reporter 29th Jan 2026

A COUNCILLOR says 150 children withdrawn from schools run by the Mossbourne Federation have been left without safeguarding checks or council support.

The allegation was raised during a full meeting of Thurrock Council on Wednesday (28 January), when Gary Byrne, Independent member for The Homesteads, questioned whether elective home education (EHE) procedures were being properly followed for families.

It comes amid a wave of parents removing their children from two Mossbourne secondary schools, Port Side Academy in Stanford-le-Hope and Fobbing Academy in Corringham over rigid disciplinary policies.

Cllr Byrne told the chamber: "We are told when children are withdrawn from Mossbourne and parents choose elective home education, home visits and safeguarding checks take place.

Cllr Gary Byrne has been a regular critic of Thurrock Council's safeguarding policies in relation Mossbourne.

He said: "We've now seen over 150 children leave the Mossbourne Academy Trust. Despite recorded assurances at overview and scrutiny. In reality that appears very different.

"A child withdrawn from Port Side on the first day of September – that was five months ago – has had no home visit, no contact from Thurrock Council.

"So which version is true? The one told to scrutiny or the one families actually experience?"

He called for an urgent audit of the council's EHE and safeguarding processes, adding: "I have seen families that haven't been touched for five months. For me that's disgraceful."

Cllr Vikki Hartstean has been at the forefront of issues with the Mossbourne Trust.

Responding, Cllr Vikki Hartstean, cabinet member for children's services, education and community safety, said she was not previously aware of the specific case highlighted but promised to investigate.

She said: "Our priority is and always will be the safety and wellbeing of children. We remain vigilant, we work closely with statutory partners and wherever concerns are raised, we act appropriately and proportionately. I will absolutely pick this up outside the chamber and I promise I will write to you with a response."

Frustration has been mounting since Mossbourne, which also runs schools in Hackney, took over three former Ortu schools in January.

The schools are Mossbourne Fobbing Academy, formerly Gable Hall, Port Side Academy which wa formerly Hassenbrook, and Herd Lane Primary. Strict disciplinary measures have led to widespread parental complaints.

Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership's review into Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy highlighted "systemic failings", including harmful behavioural practices and governance issues.

Cllr Hartstean said Thurrock senior leaders had met with the regional schools directors of the London and of the Eastern Region, the Mossbourne trustees and the CEO of the Mossbourne Federation to review the report.