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Parents Raise Concerns Over Mental Health at East London Academy
Parents of students at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA) in Hackney, East London, have expressed serious concerns regarding the impact of the school’s disciplinary practices on the mental health of their children. Allegations have emerged of teachers humiliating students and yelling at them, prompting parents to urge local authorities to intervene urgently.
A coalition of nearly 30 parents, along with former educators, have come forward to highlight the troubling experiences of their children at MVPA, an academy known for its outstanding Ofsted rating and a reputation for high academic performance paired with strict discipline.
MVPA is part of the same educational federation as the renowned Mossbourne Community Academy, which was previously led by Sir Michael Wilshaw, who served as head of Ofsted from 2012 to 2016 and is credited with significant educational reforms in the area.
A report containing various allegations about student experiences at MVPA was shared with the Observer. This dossier claims that first-year students are often “screamed at” by senior staff, with several accounts revealing that secondary-aged pupils without prior incontinence issues were forced to soil themselves or menstruate through their uniforms because they were not allowed to use the bathroom or felt too frightened to request permission.
Several parents have noted that their children have developed anxiety and depression as a direct consequence of the school’s disciplinary methods. Over the past four years, seven families have decided to withdraw their children from MVPA.
Local authorities typically have limited influence over academies, yet the group of concerned parents, which includes two local councillors, is advocating for Hackney Council to conduct a safeguarding practice review — a measure often employed in cases of severe child abuse.
In addition to investigating MVPA, the parents are petitioning for a review of all Hackney’s academies, encouraging others with concerns to come forward.
Importance of Well-Being in Education
In a recent address, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the necessity for children to feel a sense of belonging in school, stating that this is as essential as achieving good academic results.
Andy Leary-May, a key parent in the advocacy effort, acknowledged that while MVPA produces commendable academic results, it should not compromise the well-being of students in the process. Leary-May has one child currently attending the academy but has removed another child due to negative experiences.
He commented: “The school should support all students, especially those who struggle to adapt, without putting them at a disadvantage.”
A former teacher from MVPA, who requested anonymity, corroborated the parents’ claims, stating that staff often resorted to threats and public humiliation. He recounted watching new Year 7 students being lined up on the field while senior leaders shouted at them about the consequences of breaking rules, which he described as an intimidating environment.
The Legacy of Strict Discipline
The initial establishment of the Mossbourne academy in 2004, under Wilshaw’s leadership, was recognized for its transformative impact on educational standards in an area marked by poverty through stringent discipline and rigorous rules. Regulations such as prohibiting physical gestures of affection and restricting gatherings became well-known aspects of its ethos.
MVPA, which opened its doors in 2014, initially impressed educators with its disciplined and engaged pupils. However, a former teacher began to question the cost of this discipline concerning student well-being.
Reports indicate that many complaints arise concerning students with special educational needs. One mother described her daughter, who was described as diligent but “terrified” at the academy. She noted that while the strict environment was appealing, it led to teachers yelling at students and adopting a harsh demeanor. The child eventually required mental health support due to self-harming and suicidal thoughts, and her request to drop a GCSE subject was dismissed, intensifying the stress she faced.
Another concerned parent shared that watching her son enter the school filled with fear was heart-wrenching. She realized he was rewriting sections of his work out of anxiety over potential detentions for issues like messy handwriting, to the point that he struggled with even basic tasks.
Concerns for Children with Special Educational Needs
Parents claim that the school practices are particularly discouraging for students requiring extra support. One mother reported that during an open evening, school officials informed her and her autistic daughter that there would be no accommodations for her needs if she felt overwhelmed, consistently repeating that “there will be no exceptions.”
Dan Rosenberg, a partner at Simpson Millar law firm representing the parents, pointed out that failing to provide reasonable adjustments constitutes discrimination. He highlighted the challenges posed by lengthy waiting lists for mental health services, asserting that schools cannot evade responsibility based on a lack of formal diagnoses.
In response to the allegations, a representative from the Mossbourne Federation expressed disappointment at the characterizations of the school, maintaining that while high expectations regarding behavior and academic performance are upheld, MVPA strives to be a diverse and inclusive institution where all children can thrive and succeed.
The spokesperson noted: “We take any parent concerns seriously and conduct comprehensive investigations. Previous reviews by Ofsted and local authorities did not identify any issues.”
Source
www.theguardian.com