'We need your backing not your sniping', says head

Published 3 Aug 2012 10:15 5 Comments

THE principal of Whitley's flagship John Madejski Academy this week called on the community to stop sniping and to give the school their backing.

Nicola Maytum also revealed that none of the 16 teachers who left in a mass end-of-term exodus was sacked.

The Chronicle revealed last week that 23 new teachers will be arriving next month but Mrs Maytun said: "I can say that no-one has been sacked.

"Those that have left have either retired, or moved on to other promotions and jobs elsewhere.

"Fewer staff have left the academy this year than in previous years and 10% is not unusual, although in the long-term we would like there to be less of a turnaround."

Furious parents have been commenting on the Chronicle's website criticising changes Mrs Maytum has made since she succeeded Kate Shaw in January, shortly after the JMA was placed in special measures.

One comment under the name 'Just a mum' describes the Academy as a "like a morgue", but Mrs Maytum hit back: "It is not like that at all.

"That is one parent's perception from walking in on one occasion.

"It has been a tough year and we have worked really hard, but it is now a new era for the school and the community has to support us in that.

"I am committed to getting the very best teaching and support staff."

Responding to otheer criticisms, Mrs Maytum said: "It is simply not true that some of the GCSE lessons for Year 9 students have been removed. In the past, students took exams earlier on, but they should not sit a module until they are ready for it and they may need more time to prepare for exams to get better results."

She said she is "very ambitious" for the Academy, and said: "People do worry about change and I know some parents may look at me and think, 'what is she doing?'But we hold a monthly forum for parents to discuss any issues and I do listen to all of the concerns.

"I know parents had a huge regard for the previous principal, but everything I do is in the best interests of educating their sons and daughters."

Tweet

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 03 Aug 12

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  NotJohn
  Unregistered User
  Aug 3, 11:50
  Report comment

  If just some of the complainers went to the school to help e.g as a govenor or other role then this would help a lot.
  
  Parents have to work with the school to improve results not just complain.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 8     No 4

• 

  dickemery
  Unregistered User
  Aug 4, 05:52
  Report comment

  yes l expect very little input by these moaning parents they cant even control their own kids yet expect some teachers to have a magic solution fot their own failure as a parent
  
  Recommend?   Yes 6     No 2

• 

  Niloc
  Unregistered User
  Aug 4, 23:45
  Report comment

  Mrs Mayturn, your spin on the situation is simply not credible. Will you go on record please and confirm that you have not gagged teachers who have voted with their feet from speaking out as parents have done on your approach to the school? Is there not the same level of discontent among all your staff?
  
  I am in no doubt that parents want the best for their children and it is clear that they have been let down by the fact that it is in special measure and now because there is widespread discontent with the way the school is being changed. Has OFSTED blessed the new programme?
  
  It sounds like the community have, like the teachers, delivered a vote of no confidence. Perhaps it is time for Sir John to make a statement as well, as surely he is the person who is accountable for the performance of the school.
  
  There are 27 new teachers coming. That is wholesale change.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 11     No 4

• 

  whitley mum
  Unregistered User
  Aug 9, 15:07
  Report comment

  As a parent of a child that was at JMA i can honestly say that i have had nothing but help from Mrs Maytum since she took her position in January. My son was bullied constantly for over 3 years and i removed him just before she took her place as principal and since then i have had much contact with her about my concerns and have had good results even though my son is no longer at the school.
  
  We have to remember that when she took her place the school was already in special measures meaning that ofsted already saw the faillings of the school and now she and her team of teachers and governors have the grueling task of bringing JMA out of those special measures.
  
  The last time i spoke with Mrs Maytum she asked me what i want to see happen for JMA and i simply said that i want the education and safety of the children to come first, and when a complaint is made that something be done about it not just brushed under the carpet and forgotten about - as far as i am concerned if we want the school to be a wonderful safe and educational place for our children then we need to take an active part in asking for those things - instead of moaning about all the changes and improvements without knowing why they are being done in the first place.
  
  As JMA is already a failing school why shouldnt we give these changes a chance to change that? take the time to go and find out why the changes are happening and what differences this will make before making a judgement that its all a bad thing - I did and i have been pleasantly surprised.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 1     No 0

• 

  Not happy
  Unregistered User
  Dec 2, 21:32
  Report comment

  My son is being bullied at this school the teachers promise it will stop blah blah but he is still being bullied these kids pick on other children constantly. They get told to not so it again and a dt and that's it.my son is scared to go to school, reading borough council education section said to me as advise"he has to go to school". Well I am moving him this school is a hell hole for my child and other children who my son is friends with. There are kids here with learning difficulties and they are bullied and attacked. Why this school is open I don't know, letter to oftsed then the PM I think. Very disappointed with this school. To the lady who had contact with the head of this school AFTER he child left, that's nicey son goes to this school and he is constantly bullied and I have not had a call, sounds like she likes to shut the gate after the horse has bolted.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 1     No 1

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle