Pressure is building on The Village School to scrap its academisation plans following packed public meeting at Brent Civic Centre last night (Thursday).
Hosted by Brent North MP Gardiner, the meeting was called to debate whether the Grove Park school should join with Woodfield School and form a multi academy trust.
The school has always insisted that a “final decision” will not be made until after further consultation with staff and parents at both schools – both of which have been under the stewardship of executive headteacher Kay Charles since September. The school’s consultation process finishes today (Friday).
Apologies were received for the absences of Mrs Charles, chair of governors Cllr Sandra Kabir and Gail Tolley, strategic director children and families.
During the meeting, Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of the council said: “The academisation of any of our schools is the wrong process. We want all our schools to remain within the local authority family of schools.
“How much clearer do I need to be I am on your side?”
Mr Gardiner called on the governors meeting on February 28, where the decision on the school’s future is likely to be made, to be open to the public.
Cllr Jumbo Chan, who has always been in support of the campaign to stop the acadmisation of the school, said: “I would like to thank Mr Gardiner and his office for organising tonight’s very useful, well-attended meeting.
“In addition to the many probing, productive questions put forward by members of the community, it was extremely encouraging to hear the council leader and cabinet members express plainly their absolute support for The Village School’s outstanding teachers and support staff, and their complete opposition to the unnecessary academisation of the school.
“It would be a very positive step if parents, staff and other concerned stakeholders of The Village School can now be reassured through a public statement by all members of the cabinet reiterating their stances.”
NEU members have also voted to strike again at the school on the mornings of February 20, 21 and 22.
To take part in the consultation visit tvs.brent.sch.uk.
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