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ANGRY parents have accused a school of failing its pupils ­ even though education watchdogs are about to give it the all-clear
Castle Hill Middle School in Haverhill was placed on special measures two years ago after a visit by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education, but it hopes to have these lifted by the autumn, following recent favourable reports.
However, at a special meeting last night, parents voiced concerns about the standard of teaching, as well as allegations of bad behaviour and violence.
Reporters were barred from the meeting, at the old courthouse in Camps Road.
Speaking afterwards, mother-of-six Carol Messenger said she intended to file a legal case against the school, along with seven other parents. She claimed the school was failing two of her children.
She said: "My son is denied social occasions at school because he is autistic, and rather than encouraging him and helping him mix, he's denied the right to eat with other pupils.
"The most he gets is the chance to sit out in the courtyard on his own."
Lynne Stearn, who has two children at the school, was alone in her support for Castle Hill which, she said, had given her children a good start to their education.
She said: "I came to the meeting to put my side across because my children have done very well at the school.
"I can see there is friction between the parents and teachers, but I'm willing to listen to the problems they are having because I want the same as they do ­ a school which works hard to give all its children a good education."
Karen Plumridge, who has two children at the school, said she was concerned it was not meeting their educational needs, but she said a lot came out of the meeting.
"We are going to work together with those who have problems with the school and those who don't, and try to make it the best for our children," she added.
Eithne Leming, of the parent partnership service, was asked to attend by the school.
She said: "Communication was an issue with the parents. Many felt they could not go to the school with a problem and see action about it follow.
"These parents need to be listened and talked to more to improve their confidence in the school."