Education boss continues to back Trust takeover of local schools despite two investigations into its teaching mehtods
DESPITE grave concerns being raised about the conduct of the Mossbourne educational trust that is poised to take over the running of three borough schools, the senior officer in charge of the region's education says he remains committed to the transfer.
Jonathan Duff is the Department for Education's (DfE) Regional Director for the East of England and he says claims made about the 'very toxic' learning environment employed by Mossbourne at schools it runs in east London 'very seriously'.
But despite that - and a move by the Independent Child Safeguarding Commissioner for Hackney to launched a local child safeguarding practice review into Mossbourne - he remains committed to giving the Trust the reins of education at Gable Hall and Hassenbrook secondary schools and Corringham Primary.
Mr Duff has been lobbied by parents anxious about pending changes as the Ortu Federation gives way to Mossbourne in the new year.
While acknowleding the issues in Mossbourne's east London schools which have been subject to extensive media coverage, he does not defer to that anxiety.
In a letter to one concerned parent he says: "I take the claims made about the 'very toxic' learning environment very seriously.
"I understand that Mossbourne Federation is working diligently to investigate these claims transparently in their Hackney schools.
"Following recent media coverage, the Department for Education has recommended that the trust commissions an independent investigation led by a King's Counsel (KC).
"The trust is in the process of instructing a KC and this is due to begin imminently.
The Independent Child Safeguarding Commissioner for Hackney has also launched a local child safeguarding practice review which will be led by Sir Alan Wood,
"The DfE takes the wellbeing of children extremely seriously.
"DfE guidance on behaviour sets out our clear expectation that schools should be calm, safe, and supportive environments.
"I am committed to the formal transfer of the three Ortu academies into the Mossbourne Federation as I believe that the trust will be able to deliver the school improvement needed for all pupils to achieve and thrive."
In the past week Gable Hall has been the scene of industrial action by teachers concerned about what they will be xpected to do under Mossbourne's management.
Significant job losses are also expected at the schools in the new year.
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