Please read your copy of the free sheet Ealing Times.. We are on Page 3. Laughable excuse for a back up of Mrs Cleugh - " Since her appointment as Headteacher in Januray 2006, Mrs Cleugh has been working diligently to improve the performance of the school and to resolve a number of longstanding problems" - a quote from the Ealing Education Authority and the Diocese of Westminster.
How dare they insult the school by saying that there were a number of longstanding problems and that the performance of the school has been improved.
I feel a letter to the Editor coming on...please join me, and please cc the aforementioned Authority and Diocese
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Staff for next year - good news or bad news?
So we have the names of teachers who are leaving, joining, and classes they are teaching next year. I have to confess here to being outside the teaching profession, so excuse my naievity, but a few points occur to me:
Miss N Smith had only been in the school a year, why such a quick departure? Miss Smith was the much lauded Head of Inclusion - do we have a new one?
I understand that a large proportion of the new appointments are Probationery teachers - again. While I applaude new and young blood, I am a bit alarmed that my kids may be taught by a succession of newly qualified staff - surely the best for a school is a balance of experience and youth? And can even the omni-present and much talented Mrs Cleugh give this number of newly qualified staff the support they need in their first years as teachers?
I recognise hardly any names on the list for next year - obviously Mrs Cunningham and Sr Pat, Mr Buyers is now looking like a wise and long-standing teacher, great that Ms Anderson is still with us, also the other Miss Smith...
Weird that Mrs Dorcas Afriye has been with the school for almost a year, but Mrs Cleugh has only just decided to "welcome her" now??? Is this a euphemism for giving her a permanent job? Anyway, welcome Mrs Afriye, sorry it took so long...
And what is it with temporary contracts? Should we not be giving teachers who join our lovely school a feeling of confidence that a permanent post would signal???
Oh, and why has the departure of Mrs Hingley, Mrs Melham and the Reception Learning Support Assistant not been announced? Surely their posts need to be filled?
And you see, if the full number of staff leaving is not spelt out honestly, how can parents trust what Mrs Cleugh tells us?
Finally...the lovely space in the Newsletters for the Governors to keep us informed of their actions on behalf of the school - did I miss the announcement of the resignation of two governors? And the reasons for their resignation?
Miss N Smith had only been in the school a year, why such a quick departure? Miss Smith was the much lauded Head of Inclusion - do we have a new one?
I understand that a large proportion of the new appointments are Probationery teachers - again. While I applaude new and young blood, I am a bit alarmed that my kids may be taught by a succession of newly qualified staff - surely the best for a school is a balance of experience and youth? And can even the omni-present and much talented Mrs Cleugh give this number of newly qualified staff the support they need in their first years as teachers?
I recognise hardly any names on the list for next year - obviously Mrs Cunningham and Sr Pat, Mr Buyers is now looking like a wise and long-standing teacher, great that Ms Anderson is still with us, also the other Miss Smith...
Weird that Mrs Dorcas Afriye has been with the school for almost a year, but Mrs Cleugh has only just decided to "welcome her" now??? Is this a euphemism for giving her a permanent job? Anyway, welcome Mrs Afriye, sorry it took so long...
And what is it with temporary contracts? Should we not be giving teachers who join our lovely school a feeling of confidence that a permanent post would signal???
Oh, and why has the departure of Mrs Hingley, Mrs Melham and the Reception Learning Support Assistant not been announced? Surely their posts need to be filled?
And you see, if the full number of staff leaving is not spelt out honestly, how can parents trust what Mrs Cleugh tells us?
Finally...the lovely space in the Newsletters for the Governors to keep us informed of their actions on behalf of the school - did I miss the announcement of the resignation of two governors? And the reasons for their resignation?
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
further to my comment of five minutes ago...
I wanted to add this:
From very concerned members of the Community of St Vincent’s School.
The following are quotes taken from correspondence relating to serious concerns regarding Mrs Cleugh's Headship at St Mary’s in Hillingdon. Serious concerns were raised by staff and parents to the Governing Body, the Diocese and LEA, no one listened or took appropriate action. Mrs Cleugh then moved on to take up the Headship of St Vincent’s in Acton in 2006. Once again serious concerns were raised by staff and parents of St Vincent’s to the Governing Body, the Diocese and LEA and to date no one has listened or taken appropriate action.
‘I have been signed off with nervous exhaustion.’
‘St Mary’s School is now a place where none of the staff want to be. The atmosphere is one of tension and misery.’
‘In my opinion staff are so demoralised but are scared of being found talking to one another as further bullying is likely to occur as a result, so whispering in the corners has become commonplace.’
‘I could not stand working in this atmosphere as the stress became unbearable so I felt I had no choice but to leave the school.’
‘I have never seen so many staff in tears, and the number of staff that have already left to get away from this situation is quite appalling – and very distressing for those of us remaining.’
3 former employees letter to Director of Education Hillingdon
“It is our opinion, however that the reality of the situation at St Mary’s RC School is one that warrants the most serious independent investigation and consideration. Staff, past and present, believe that they have been, or are being subjected to systematic harassment and bullying by the headteacher, Mrs Christina Linda Cleugh.’
Former employee letter to MP
‘I have given up a lovely, local job in a school that meant the world to me. I have had to split my family. I basically have to be at two different schools at the same time. Why would anyone do that without reason. I do feel I am one of the lucky ones. Many members of staff have NEVER got over the way they were treated at St Mary’s.’
Former employee, letter to MP
‘Some complaints went to the Governors and they met with us to find out what was going on. Another meeting was held for staff to voice their concerns to representatives of the Governors and Education authority. Representatives from some of the unions were turned away at the door. We were told that the Governors should not have met with us and that they have to support the head teacher. We were all urged to “give her a chance”. We did and I believe that was a big mistake.’
‘I will give you one example of when Mrs Cleugh behaved unprofessionally towards us. We were told to make the nursery look as unattractive as possible, so that we would stand the best chance of funding for the new unit. After the representative from the Diocese had visited we asked if we could replace all the displays ect. We were told not to, as the nursery was going to be given a coat of paint. Mrs Cleugh then invited -----------, the Early Years Advisor in to visit and to give “support”. The starting point for this support was not how the nursery had originally looked, but how Mrs Cleugh had made us make the nursery look. We thought ---------- was aware of this, but were upset to find this was not the case in her written report.’
Former employee - Teacher
‘As during this time I was a NQT I was told by a person from the LEA that they were aware of the problems at St Mary’s and that if it had not been a faith school the situation would have been addressed earlier but that each time Mrs C Cleugh had been challenged she ‘Played the church card’ and kept the LEA out.’
Please write to Andrew Slaughter MP in confidence with your concerns.
June 29, 2007 5:53 PM
Some (governors, and Diocese apparatchiks) would like to believe that this blog is just about a handful of gossips intent on 'stirring it up'.
I have a question for those people. Do the claims of these people move your conscience? How do you feel about the numerous people who say they have been harmed, do they deserve support or is it reasonable to ignore their stories in the hope of securing or maintaining an appearance, however superficial, of 'normality'? Do you think it 'gossip' to share this information?
It has been said before here that there is no peace without justice. We desire peace, truly we do. We would be very happy to put this blog to bed, because there was no longer any need for it. But we also desire justice for those people who deserve our support. If it was you who had been on the recieving end of injustice , wouldn't you want your community to do that for you?
From very concerned members of the Community of St Vincent’s School.
The following are quotes taken from correspondence relating to serious concerns regarding Mrs Cleugh's Headship at St Mary’s in Hillingdon. Serious concerns were raised by staff and parents to the Governing Body, the Diocese and LEA, no one listened or took appropriate action. Mrs Cleugh then moved on to take up the Headship of St Vincent’s in Acton in 2006. Once again serious concerns were raised by staff and parents of St Vincent’s to the Governing Body, the Diocese and LEA and to date no one has listened or taken appropriate action.
‘I have been signed off with nervous exhaustion.’
‘St Mary’s School is now a place where none of the staff want to be. The atmosphere is one of tension and misery.’
‘In my opinion staff are so demoralised but are scared of being found talking to one another as further bullying is likely to occur as a result, so whispering in the corners has become commonplace.’
‘I could not stand working in this atmosphere as the stress became unbearable so I felt I had no choice but to leave the school.’
‘I have never seen so many staff in tears, and the number of staff that have already left to get away from this situation is quite appalling – and very distressing for those of us remaining.’
3 former employees letter to Director of Education Hillingdon
“It is our opinion, however that the reality of the situation at St Mary’s RC School is one that warrants the most serious independent investigation and consideration. Staff, past and present, believe that they have been, or are being subjected to systematic harassment and bullying by the headteacher, Mrs Christina Linda Cleugh.’
Former employee letter to MP
‘I have given up a lovely, local job in a school that meant the world to me. I have had to split my family. I basically have to be at two different schools at the same time. Why would anyone do that without reason. I do feel I am one of the lucky ones. Many members of staff have NEVER got over the way they were treated at St Mary’s.’
Former employee, letter to MP
‘Some complaints went to the Governors and they met with us to find out what was going on. Another meeting was held for staff to voice their concerns to representatives of the Governors and Education authority. Representatives from some of the unions were turned away at the door. We were told that the Governors should not have met with us and that they have to support the head teacher. We were all urged to “give her a chance”. We did and I believe that was a big mistake.’
‘I will give you one example of when Mrs Cleugh behaved unprofessionally towards us. We were told to make the nursery look as unattractive as possible, so that we would stand the best chance of funding for the new unit. After the representative from the Diocese had visited we asked if we could replace all the displays ect. We were told not to, as the nursery was going to be given a coat of paint. Mrs Cleugh then invited -----------, the Early Years Advisor in to visit and to give “support”. The starting point for this support was not how the nursery had originally looked, but how Mrs Cleugh had made us make the nursery look. We thought ---------- was aware of this, but were upset to find this was not the case in her written report.’
Former employee - Teacher
‘As during this time I was a NQT I was told by a person from the LEA that they were aware of the problems at St Mary’s and that if it had not been a faith school the situation would have been addressed earlier but that each time Mrs C Cleugh had been challenged she ‘Played the church card’ and kept the LEA out.’
Please write to Andrew Slaughter MP in confidence with your concerns.
June 29, 2007 5:53 PM
Some (governors, and Diocese apparatchiks) would like to believe that this blog is just about a handful of gossips intent on 'stirring it up'.
I have a question for those people. Do the claims of these people move your conscience? How do you feel about the numerous people who say they have been harmed, do they deserve support or is it reasonable to ignore their stories in the hope of securing or maintaining an appearance, however superficial, of 'normality'? Do you think it 'gossip' to share this information?
It has been said before here that there is no peace without justice. We desire peace, truly we do. We would be very happy to put this blog to bed, because there was no longer any need for it. But we also desire justice for those people who deserve our support. If it was you who had been on the recieving end of injustice , wouldn't you want your community to do that for you?
Something else to ponder...
When all this started to happen in St Vincents, many of us began to suspect that Mrs Cleugh had done this before. Little did we imagine though, how very closely our experience was mirrored in Hillingdon.
Had St Marys in Hillingdon not been in a neighbouring borough we may never have discovered this. We are so glad that we met them and have their support. There is great fellowship to be found amongst those who have 'been there' and know exactly what we are struggling with. They are a great bunch of people who watched with dismay as their own community was riven in the same way as ours. They tried everything and got nowhere. Now they are putting their hand to our plough, we are encouraged by that, and we thank them for it.
This comment came in today from them. It deserves a wider reading, and I am aware that when there are a number of comments, some can get lost in the pile. For this reason, as have said before, from time to time we will highlight noteworthy comments in the main post.
From ex-staff, families and friends of St Mary’s Uxbridge
To our brothers and sisters of the St Vincent’s community
Please accept our sincere and deepest sympathy on the tragic circumstances that you now find yourselves in:
A SCHOOL WHERE:
•gospel values are no longer promoted
•unhappiness, fear and distrust pervades
•there is a web of lies and threats
•pupils, parents, staff and governors continue to leave
•relationships within the parish community are being destroyed
•governors are weak and ineffective
•staff who remain “loyal” are being offered “enhancements”
•there are concerns re provision for special educational needs
•there are concerns re financial practices
•the Diocese refuses to listen
•meetings and surveys are held to placate people
•there is retribution for anyone who “disagrees or asks questions”
HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?
We suffered the same at St Mary’s. Some will never recover from the treatment they received at the hands of Mrs Cleugh.
We have spoken with members of St Joseph’s community in the Wirral, who to a lesser but significant degree endured a similar regime during Mrs Cleugh’s first Headship.
OUR QUESTIONS ARE:
Why is no-one listening? Is there a cover-up?
We want to know!
Another question and a more serious one:
Will St Vincent’s ever recover – we’re not sure if St Mary’s ever did?
July 10, 2007 10:02 AM
Had St Marys in Hillingdon not been in a neighbouring borough we may never have discovered this. We are so glad that we met them and have their support. There is great fellowship to be found amongst those who have 'been there' and know exactly what we are struggling with. They are a great bunch of people who watched with dismay as their own community was riven in the same way as ours. They tried everything and got nowhere. Now they are putting their hand to our plough, we are encouraged by that, and we thank them for it.
This comment came in today from them. It deserves a wider reading, and I am aware that when there are a number of comments, some can get lost in the pile. For this reason, as have said before, from time to time we will highlight noteworthy comments in the main post.
From ex-staff, families and friends of St Mary’s Uxbridge
To our brothers and sisters of the St Vincent’s community
Please accept our sincere and deepest sympathy on the tragic circumstances that you now find yourselves in:
A SCHOOL WHERE:
•gospel values are no longer promoted
•unhappiness, fear and distrust pervades
•there is a web of lies and threats
•pupils, parents, staff and governors continue to leave
•relationships within the parish community are being destroyed
•governors are weak and ineffective
•staff who remain “loyal” are being offered “enhancements”
•there are concerns re provision for special educational needs
•there are concerns re financial practices
•the Diocese refuses to listen
•meetings and surveys are held to placate people
•there is retribution for anyone who “disagrees or asks questions”
HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?
We suffered the same at St Mary’s. Some will never recover from the treatment they received at the hands of Mrs Cleugh.
We have spoken with members of St Joseph’s community in the Wirral, who to a lesser but significant degree endured a similar regime during Mrs Cleugh’s first Headship.
OUR QUESTIONS ARE:
Why is no-one listening? Is there a cover-up?
We want to know!
Another question and a more serious one:
Will St Vincent’s ever recover – we’re not sure if St Mary’s ever did?
July 10, 2007 10:02 AM
Saturday, July 7, 2007
I heard through the grapevine that some parents are avid readers of this Blog but don't post, and a few think that the Blog is running out of steam. Interesting. Could I persuade you contribute a few thoughts? Of course you can do so anonymously! I can promise you that nothing untoward will happen to you, hey, I am still living and breathing as you read this, and my children are still happy at school.
I have a few questions that I am intrigued to have an answer to...
I have a few questions that I am intrigued to have an answer to...
- When you go onto this site what are you hoping to read/find out about?
- What stops you from posting, even if just to say, gosh I am shocked and surprised
- What would you like to happen at St V? We have a pretty alarming view of the Head, and no confidence at all in the Governors and Bishop Stack, so if it is in our hands (parents that is) what shall we do?
Come on readers! Let's hear from you, I promise you will not be smitten with plague...
Friday, July 6, 2007
do you remember the parents' survey?
I only mention it as I found my copy the other day under a mound of unsorted papers. If you have lost yours, maybe I can point out a few highlights:
- estimate that a staggering 84% of families completed the survey, over 300 comments
- Governing Body fully committed to listening to the voice of all parents, as reflected in the survey and taking the school positively forward (OK, listening, but doing WHAT precisely?)
- pretty good scores for the 4 questions re Catholic Ethos, yet Action Plan had a huge 10 suggestions in this area (orchestra playing while Titanic goes down??)
- Curriculum questions - generally positive responses but some criticism of provision for minorities eg SEN, under achievers, over achievers. However, no indication of widespread panic re educational standards such as we would expect after receiving Bishop Stack's letter in May...
- So, the main focus was on...surprise... "welcome and welfare". Alarmingly high scores for "not very much" for approachability of staff and Head, do you feel welcome (31% not very much., so that has to be more than the 3 nutter parents they think are the total number of complainants...)
- Finally our own dear Governors...not surprisingly poor results for whether they are discharging their Governance responsibility properly - this is as much about us being ignorant of who and what they are...action here was...photos of Governing Body and staff in Reception (not there when I last went in on Monday - they can borrow my camera if they want, or are they waiting to see who is still around in September?) Then followed by, and excuse me while I laugh at this one, information made available to parents mostly through the website - which one? The one that Mrs Cleugh closed down? Well, if Governors want to post info on THIS website they are most welcome
A tragi-comedy if ever there was one
Over to you parents, you filled in the survey, what do you think?
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Summer Fete
Well done PFA! A great day, in spite of the awful weather. It was great to see teachers and Governors mucking in as well, thanks Mrs Cleugh for being there and mingling with us all as well. Thanks everyone for all your hard work for our school.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
