DESPITE concern and continued protests from parents and industrial action that has resulted in teachers being locked out of Gable Hall school in Corringham, the regional head of the Department for Education (DfE) says the organisation is still backing its takeover by a controversial Trust.

And it has been announced that some year groups will be told to stay at home next week.

Jonathan Duff is the DfE regional director and he has written in response to parents who requested he reviewed the situation around the takeover at year end of the Ortu Federation, that runs Gable Hall, Hassenbrook Academy and Corringham Primary, by the Hackney-based Mossbourne Trust.

Directives and proposed budget cuts by Mossbourne's CEO, Paul Hughes, who is also interim CEO at Ortu, have led to industrial action by members of the NASUWT teaching union. 

They imposed a work to rule on Wednesday (11 December) but that quickly led to 25 members being told they would not be paid and would be locked out if they continued to refuse to follow orders.

They left the building And for the past three days they have been joined by parents and supporters on a picket line outside the school.

Many students have been spending their school day reading books, en masse, in the school hall.

Calls have been made for DfE intervention but Mr Duff says it is a local matter.

He writes: "I am aware that since 11 December, members of the NASUWT union at Gable Hall School have engaged in action short of a strike. 

"During this period of disruption, the Ortu Federation has worked to ensure that face-to-face learning can continue at the school.

"We have been in close communication with the Ortu Federation and Mossbourne Federation to help resolve this matter. 

"The trust has requested that teaching staff fulfil their contractual obligations of working 1,265 hours per academic year, as outlined in the current edition of the statutory School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document.

"We understand that the Ortu trust wrote to NASUWT on 15 October 2024 to clarify the legal position and again to staff on 1 November 2024, providing more detailed information on arrangements for line ups, Planning Preparation and Assessment (PPA) time, supervision and support, parent's evenings, open evenings, weekly meetings, and INSET days.

"Ultimately, it is for the Ortu Federation and NASUWT to come together and agree on a resolution that is in the best interests of the pupils. 

"I have strongly encouraged all sides to engage in constructive talks and bring these disputes to an end. 

"I have also urged all parties to reach a resolution that brings the best outcome for students, staff, and parents.

"We remain committed to the formal transfer of the three Ortu academies into the Mossbourne Federation. The trust will be able to deliver the school improvement needed for all pupils to achieve and thrive."

In another letter issued today, parents were told that some year groups will be off school on days next week as the school prioritises teaching students who have exams coming up.

The statement says 'approximately 70 per cent of teachers are remaining in school and are working extremely hard. Most lessons will continue as normal following our carefully planned curriculum'.