CONTINUED public concern about the situation at Corringham's Gable Hall School is likely to result in a protest by parents tomorrow (Saturday, 30 July).

As reported on Nub News earlier this week, hundreds of parents have responded to news that the school's principal, Ceri Evans, has resigned and they have called for him to be reinstated. A petition has attracted hundred of signees.

It comes in the wake of an Ofsted report that says the school's management is below expectations and the school has been rated 'inadequate'.

Public feeling has been high and local social media platforms have been ablaze with opinions and comment, much of it without recordable foundation or measurable references in the school's recent journey.

The school and its overarching administration, the Ortu Federation has remained publicly silent, though its CEO Dr Sophina Asong has written to parents and has also engaged in personal dialogue with some of the people rallying opposition to Mr Evans departure. The acting chair of the federation, Georgina Clark, has also contacted parents with a message saying governors, administrators and staff are all engaged in taking the school forward and detailed plans are being drawn up.

That has included the placement of an advertisement for a new headteacher.

All this is taking place against a ticking clock as the school and federation have to prepare a detailed response to the Department of Education about what it plans to do to bring the school back on track. The school was given a 'Termination Warning Notice' from its regional director Jonathan Duff this week.

That means the school and federation have been formally advised that withdrawal of funding for the school and federation is a possibility unless a satisfactory plan is produced. It is largely a automated system which is put into place once an Ofsted inspection requires a school is 'inadequate' and will have been expected.

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It is likely the school will publish its response to the Department of Education in due course. That may give more detail to partents who beleive they are not being informaed enough about what is happening.

Meanwhile concern in the local community not unnaturally continues and some parents are planning a public meeting at the school on Southend Road at 10.30am tomorrow.