THE Mossbourne Trust, which runs Corringham's Fobbing Academy (formerly Gable Hall) and Stanford-le-Hope's Port View Academy (formerly Hassenbrook) has defended its disciplinary procedures and rules after coming under strong criticism for what have been described as 'Draconian control measures'.

The secondary academies recently issued a complete ban on use of mobile phones on school premises, saying students would be disciplined even for carrying devices in school.

And their use, even outside school, is prohibited if the student is in school uniform. 

A ban has also been imposed on students 'loitering' or entering shops in the area when in uniform.

The moves have been widely condemned on social media, with Homesteads independent ward councillor Gary Byrne a leading critic. He has followed up with complaints about school uniform imposition and alleged poor school meal provision by saying: "This is another example of overstepping the mark with control measures.

"Preventing students from using local shops is another nail in the coffin of our traders.

"Mossbourne should not sanction a child for using the shops when its own outsourced caterers are far from delivering a satisfactory service. The caterers will have a monopoly with no competition. This, in fair trade terms, is illegal, 

"The Trust is effectively trying own students once outside the school gates. I would also challenge the legality of that.

"The tactic of delivering bad news just before the summer break hoping it's all forgotten is what the private sector do when announcing job losses on Christmas Eve."

While some parents and local residents have supported the Trust's actions, a majority who have commented on social media are against.

One commentator says: "I am a teacher myself and what Mossbourne are doing across the board is ridiculous.

"This draconian application of force on the kids is just going to make things 10 times worse in the long-run. Mossbourne are using your children as guinea pigs to push the boundaries. Don't let them."

Another says: "So what happens when their bus or train is delayed going to and from the school? How can they contact their parents? Simple solution is to hand the phones in at the start of the school day, and collect them at the end. Other schools manage this ok. Also most of the bus and train tickets are on the phones now as well."

The issue of 'loitering' and restrictions on buying food from local outlets while in uniform has also caused great consternation across the community.

However, Mossbourne says it will stick to its guns and issued the following statement to Thurrock Nub News: "Our ultimate priority is to make sure our academies are a safe place for students. We extend this commitment to when they are also in the community, particularly when travelling to and from school.

"Our extensive experience shows that children are safest when parents and carers are aware of their whereabouts and they do not congregate in large groups without adult supervision.

"As such, we encourage our students to travel directly home at the end of the school day. We do however fully support local businesses – our students are welcome to attend shops when they have reached home, are out of uniform and have full parent and carer permission to do so.

"We will continue to educate and support our students across Mossbourne Federation to understand how they can remain as safe as possible at all times."

Last month Mossbourne CEO Peter Hughes spoke with optimism to Thurrock Nub News about the changes he was bringing to the two secondary schools.