Melksham Oak Community School has come under fire from parents who have raised strong concerns about a lack of staff resulting in cancelled lessons, children being given detentions for minor indiscretions and poor communication between the school and parents.
The school’s headteacher, Haris Hussain, took over the role in September.
One 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.”
“More teachers are set to leave at Christmas. 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.”
Several parents have 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.
A spokesperson from Melksham Oak Community School said, “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.”
White Horse Federation also confirmed to Melksham News that the school is on track to be fully staffed by the beginning of the new year.
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, “My daughter hasn’t had a maths teacher for weeks and was put in the canteen yesterday with other mixed years with a work sheet, overseen by the head.
“I have absolutely no idea on any progress or where she is currently in her education. All I do know is she gets detentions for a missing pen or being late to lessons! And when I questioned some of these detentions, some aren’t even for her and have been put on in error.”
When he became headteacher in September, headteacher Haris Hussain laid out his plans to focus on improving students’ behaviour, whilst helping them become ‘articulate and polite’ adults.
