Frustrated parents of children at Melksham Oak Community School say classroom education and discipline are collapsing in the face of acute teaching staff shortages.
Some have tried to contact the education regulator Ofsted, the school’s new principal Haris Hussain, and its board of governors over the ongoing issues over staff absence due to sickness.
Melksham Oak has 1,280 pupils and was rated as ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection in October last year.
It is one of 30 primary and secondary schools in the White Horse Federation, which runs a cluster of schools in Swindon, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire.
A spokesperson says it is "on track" to be fully staffed in the new year.
The school's website boasts that “at Melksham Oak, we have some of the finest teachers and teaching staff in the country.
“They are highly motivated, committed, and passionate about providing our pupils with the best education possible.”
But one parent posted a message on local social media, claiming: “Some of you may be aware that Melksham Oak is losing over 40 members of staff by Christmas, these include teachers, support and admin.
“This school is already suffering from staff shortages and our children are having to spend learning time either in the hall or canteen not learning anything with very minimum staff to watch over them.
“Some will be sitting exams soon and there are no teachers to teach these youngsters. We know there are teacher shortages in the country but this is absurd.
“If your children are at the school and you are experiencing any issues, then please make a complaint to the board of governors: Moira Laffey on mlaffey@gov.twhf.org.uk as well as Haris Hussain on hhussain@melkshamoak.wilts.sch.uk
“The more complaints may get the federation and the school and board of governors to remember what the school is for and what their actual job is.
“There’s obviously no point phoning the school as they don’t answer and the teachers can’t be bothered to respond to parents’ emails.”
Another parent said: “Everyone is complaining, my sons hate going now as they issue detentions for missing pens, cases etc.
“They are supposed to give three warnings before kicking your kids out of class and issue detentions, as well as staff telling kids in last lesson they have an after-school detention but they don't.
“I have told my kids not to go and come home if they get put in isolation for the day. I will go and take them out.”
She claims the school is handing out “silly detentions” for various issues and that some pupils are frightened to go to school.
“They hand detentions out for nothing as they can't cope and they wonder why kids are frightened to go. If you tell a teacher it wasn't you they get sent out for back chatting.”
A Melksham Oak Community School spokesperson said: “There are not 40 members of staff leaving at the end of this term.
“We can however confirm that Melksham Oak is on track to be fully staffed at the beginning of the new year.
“Just like many schools across the country, we are currently facing increased levels of staff absence due to sickness.
“Our staff are working hard to support our students’ education throughout this time and to ensure students are learning in a calm and supportive environment.
“We very rarely use larger spaces for group teaching but on certain occasions this can be necessary.
“We are absolutely committed to providing the best possible educational experience for all our students.
“Building positive relationships with all our families is very important to us and we always welcome feedback from parents.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel