IN the wake of a Thurrock Nub News story earlier this week two mothers have spoken out after removing their children from local Thurrock schools, claiming strict disciplinary measures left their daughters distressed and isolated.

Last week, it was revealed at least 93 pupils have been withdrawn from Mossbourne Fobbing Academy, formerly Ortu Gable Hall School in Corringham, since the takeover by the Mossbourne Federation in January.

Lou Butcher, from Corringham, withdrew her 14-year-old daughter Danni, claiming she was placed in isolation because Ms Butcher declined to attend a parents' evening.

Another mother, who asked not to be named, removed her 13-year-old daughter after the teenager spent "seven of her first eight days of term in isolation".

Ms Butcher said: "My daughter got put in isolation because I didn't attend parents' evening. I've been to a few Mossbourne meetings and they were a waste of time. The CEO isn't listening, he doesn't care. I asked my daughter if she needed me to go and she said no, that was fine."

Ms Butcher said the school emailed and phoned her twice demanding an explanation.

"The next day my daughter went in and all these kids got pulled out and put into isolation because their parents didn't make it to parents' evening," she added.

"They were told they would stay there until their parents made an appointment."

The school has already faced criticism for its mobile phone ban, strict rules on skirt length, and a ban on visiting local shops in uniform.

"I'm one for discipline where discipline is needed," Ms Butcher added, "but I think all this was unnecessary."

She is now trying to secure a place for her daughter at another school to continue her GCSEs, but says spaces are full.

The second mum claims her daughter, who has autism, ADHD and dyslexia, was penalised for uniform breaches. She was also isolated for entering a nearby shop in uniform.

She said: "In Year 7 my daughter was thriving – she got positive merit marks and only occasional justified detentions. But since Mossbourne took over, she was continually in detention and isolation. They even took away her dyslexia resources –green paper, enlarged text – without telling me."

Independent councillor Gary Byrne said he has raised repeated concerns with Mossbourne and the regional education director, but responses have been "minimal".

"Even mentioning Mossbourne at scrutiny meetings draws raised eyebrows," he said.

The Mossbourne Federation has been approached for comment.