MP’s meeting to discuss “crisis” at Melksham Oak school

LOCAL MP, Michelle Donelan, has taken up parents’ concerns over what they describe as a “crisis” at Melksham Oak Community School. Before the Christmas break, the school came under fire from parents about a lack of staff resulting in cancelled lessons and students sitting in the canteen and hall without being taught; children being given detentions for minor indiscretions; and poor communication between the school and parents. 

Several parents told the Melksham News that they have raised complaints with the school, The White Horse Federation, the body that manages the school, and with Ofsted.

One parent, Georgina, told the Melksham News, “Along with other parents, I am so concerned about our children’s education and feel that we are not being listened to by anyone. I am aware of the lack of teachers across the UK, but the lack of communication from the school and the school governors is now becoming concerning, as well as frustrating!”

Another parent said, “The school is failing our children. Under the new leadership of Mr Hussein, and the Behaviour Policy, children are being given detentions, isolation, and exclusions constantly.  Huge amounts of staff shortages mean that hundreds of children from all age groups at any one time are piled into the hall or canteen and left to do nothing. No learning is taking place.”

“Parents are being ignored and children treated poorly. This is the only secondary school provision in a growing town and it feels like it is in crisis.”

The school’s principal, Haris Hussain, took over the role in September when he laid out his plans to focus on improving students’ behaviour, whilst helping them become ‘articulate and polite’ adults.

MP Michelle Donelan said, “Following many concerns being raised by Melksham Oak parents directly and on social media, I called a meeting with Paul Smith, chief executive officer of the White Horse Federation to discuss the issues at Melksham Oak Community School.

“The reports from parents included issues such as the numbers of staff leaving the school and reports of classes being merged and taught en masse in the hall.

“I pressed Paul Smith from White Horse Federation to clarify the current position. Firstly, Mr Smith was very clear that “there are not 40 members of staff leaving at the end of this term. We can confirm that Melksham Oak is on track to be fully staffed at the beginning of the new year.” He also stated that the number leaving is the normal small attrition number and stated that all the large numbers being floated about were rumours.

“I raised concerns about students being taught en masse in the hall or canteen. Mr Smith stated that some of the rumours they had seen were stating a large number of up to ten classes in the same space, but he said that wasn’t happening. He said they have been suffering from very high staff illness and to avoid closing the school, they made arrangements that involved the hall and merging lessons.

“They also talked to me about the focus they are undertaking to raise academic attainment and aspirations.

“I do think communication from the school has not been as good as it could have been and I stressed the need for them to get the message out, so parents are clear regarding what’s happening. White Horse Federation said they understand this and have a plan to redress this in January. This is important because I know some parents will have questions.

“I will be visiting the school in January to meet with the principal, Haris Hussain. As your MP, I will always try to get you the answers, help with problems and be your champion. You can email me at michelle. Donelan.mp@parliament.Uk about this or any other matter.”