form your own opinions

chris · form your own opinions

Having spoken to several members of teaching staff, including Headteachers, at schools throughout Blackpool, I understand that they are now heartily sick of reading and hearing about Marton Primary, especially in view of the fact that their own schools are suffering from lack of funds, whilst money is being pumped into Marton School at a vast rate. Who can blame those disgruntled teachers? Many told me that, although they don't know all the facts, they can read between the lines, and can see through the pathetic attempts by the CSA (LEA), Blackpool Council and Mike Turner (Chair of Governors) to promote Marton School, regardless of the mess it is currently in.
It's about time a few more of those people in power in Blackpool started to form their own opinions, instead of being brainwashed by those above them. The sooner this happens, the sooner we will see justice done.

The_Truth · Extra Funds

Apparently, Marton has received £20,000 extra alone to cover Mrs Aldersons suspension.......£20,000 the council could have spent on books and other resources....thats more than £40 for each child that attends Marton.

Andrea Smith

I have recently been in contact with the Blackpool Education Department and have been told that no extra money has been put into the school, an amount of money is given to the school for the whole school year and a budget is set, other schools are not loosing out they have money given for the wole school ear like Marton

teacherx

I'm sorry Andrea, you have been misled - another blatant lie which will come out in the end.

HM · Rising costs

While we all welcome anyone posting on the site it would be in everyone's interests if Ms Andrea Smith and others could first check carefully what they have to say before posting. I am afraid, Ms Smith, that you are embarrassing yourself.

Where do you think the money has come from to pay for a supply teacher to cover Mrs Alderson's suspension ? She has been on full pay since last summer.
Last term saw a record number of supply teachers in school. Who paid for their salaries ?
The school needed massive CSA support - who paid for this ?
Yes a school has a set budget for the year - but that budget cannot meet demands such as those above.
Did you read the HMI report - and not just the parts which Mr Turner selectively chose to send to parents ? He pointed out clearly the enormous expenditure by the authority on Marton to try to turn it around.

Please send me the contact at the council who told you this - you can do it by private message on this forum. If they confirm what you say I will personally donate my computer to the school and you will hear no more from me.

Donna

Ask the Education Authority the following questions and see if you can get an answer. We have been trying for a long time but just get a wall of silence.
1 Why did a teacher in charge of young children get removed form the school?
2 Will they confirm what he was viewing on a classroom PC?
3 Why did the IT departmnent come in and wipe the servers clean?
4 Was it not a bit too late to wipe them when prints had already been taken of the history?
5 Why has so much money been spent on Legal costs in Liverpool?
6 etc. etc. et.
Perhaps you will get the same answer from the Director.... Can't comment as it is in such a mess, time to stop digging......

Alan Veale · Ruth Coupe

Okay – now its gone quiet again, let me just point something out to you:

Most of us face Monday mornings with reluctance. Back to the grind – whatever! But anyone working at Marton Primary School (no matter what their loyalties) face something that must seem much more daunting, and my heart goes out to them. They face an atmosphere of emotions that many of us do not. An atmosphere of suspicion, of secrets, of grudges – and yes – of fear.

But not for much longer.

I have invited one of those members of staff (who has not so far posted on this forum to my knowledge) to speak up and have their say. After all, without the influence of Mrs Ruth Coupe we would all probably be stuck watching television for drama and entertainment of an evening! Can it be true that a primary school in modern Britain is gripped by a Rule of Fear? Maybe. Maybe not.

Maybe the tide is starting to turn…

So watch this space for our Star Player. Mrs Coupe – your call.

Alan Veale.

scared

mary

Scared, I presume you are either off work, or you work part time, otherwise you would not be able to post at 9.50 on a Monday morning. I would also guess that you are not a teacher, judging by some of the things you have written - jargon, totally without foundation. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I would like to take issue with some of your comments (facts are true for everybody).

1. You say some people paint a picture that the school was happy under Mrs Lancaster. I would say, from talking to staff and parents, that this was no "painted picture". This was how the majority of people connected with the school saw it. On what do you base your comment that "most staff found her manner unpredictable at the best of times."? That is certainly not the impression I got from either Mrs Lancaster or her staff. It sounds very much like a personal view.
"Her mangement (sic) was terrible and she left the school in a right managerial mess!" Perhaps you could enlighten us with some specific evidence of that, unless, of course, you are simply repeating what you, and many others, have been told by Mrs Coupe, ad infinitum. Perhaps you could also tell us about the "government procedures" that Mrs Coupe was adhering to. She doesn't seem able to adhere to procedures in any other area. There is plenty of evidence to back this up, much of it documented on this website.

2. I'm glad Mrs Coupe has always been fair to you. You are very lucky. Whatever you do, don't question, disagree or challenge her in any way. You might see a different side to her then. As for her being a "dedicated and hardworking Headteacher", I would love to see a record of the number of days she has been out of school this year.

3. "She HAS moved learning on in our school and has brought assessment for learning as a fantastic initiative." Again, what evidence do you have that she has brought learning on. As for assessment for learning, I know, as a retired teacher, and with close links with school, that this was ALREADY going on under Mrs Lancaster.

4. The truth will come out. That's one thing we DO agree on, although I think you will find a significant number of staff, desperately UNhappy at Marton.

5. "No clear evidence." This really beggars belief. If you would care to contact Alan Veale of MSAG I'm sure he would be very happy to show you the huge dossier of evidence that is already being investigated by the DFES. Whether we are in the minority or not is irrelevant. Just ONE parent, or member of staff with a valid complaint, is entitled to be heard. If you look back in history you will see numerous cases where the minority fought for a cause - and won - because they believed in what they were fighting for.

6. "Some members of staff have posted positive comments on here, but have told me that they haven't been put on!" I'm puzzled by this comment. When you sent your post, did it not go through automatically? Mine always do. There is nothing to stop it. The administrator is certainly not sitting at the computer 24 hours a day, frantically reading every post in the milliseconds it takes to appear, and deciding to block it if it has a view he is unhappy with. Surely you can see how the sytem works? Whoever has told you that posts have not been put on is either lying or does not understand how to use a forum such as this. Try it for yourself: press "submit" and hey presto, it's on! On one or two occasions, posts (from both viewpoints) have been removed, at a later date, by the administrator, and a full explanation given.
"You should all go in to politics, not teaching! Your opinions and lies will serve you much better there!" I think you will find that this situation is already a political one, and, as for lies, once again, specific evidence from you would be useful. We have plenty of evidence of lying from Mrs Coupe's camp.

Finally, I wonder why you sign yourself "scared". What are you scared of? If you are as supportive of Mrs Coupe as you profess to be, then you have nothing to worry about. You will be protected, at least until the truth DOES come out.

I look forward to your next post, detailing the evidence to support your case.

HM · Mrs Lancaster

I would like to concur with everything which Mary has just posted.

Firstly – an obvious question. As a member of staff at Marton how are you able to post on this forum at 9:50 a.m. ? I hope you are not in school.

Secondly – this forum was never about Mrs Lancaster who is (hopefully) happily retired, but events which have taken place since. Alas you have believed the ‘spin’ of Mr Turner and Mrs Coupe and followed their line. Instead of answering questions you have sought to attack someone else who is not able to answer. Mr Turner and Mr Lund attacked the Action Group – but they could respond. Mrs Smith attacked the posts on this website – again they could respond. Now you have reached an all time low in this business by personally attacking the retired headteacher.

Thirdly. As for the ‘negative criticsm’ - all issues raised by the MSAG and on this forum are supported by CONCRETE evidence. If they were not do you think that the DfES would even consider examining them ? They would have been discarded weeks ago. I don’t want to repeat them here –the issues have been raised often enough on this site.

However, as per other defences of Mrs Coupe you have provided NO evidence, but have simply followed the easy line as they have done by attacking others.

Please let us have evidence of ‘the managerial mess’-

We know that:
Many staff were developed at Marton and went on to promotion
The successful management partnership of Mrs Lancaster and Mrs Hirst led to Mrs Hirst getting her own headship in Blackpool
Mrs Lancaster was responsible for establishing the new Nursery
Mrs Lancaster was solely responsible for establishing the school as a SERF
Two separate Ofsted reports praised the management and teaching skills of staff at Marton and in particular the senior staff
The Ofsted reports commented on the excellent relationship between school and parents
Mrs Lancaster applied for and obtained the grant for a MUGA
The school budget was always healthy under Mrs Lancaster as Audits and Governors' reports show.
Mrs Lancaster was highly thought of by the LEA, and often represented them. You are welcome to contact Mr Lund to confirm this

In contrast to this for example:-

We have seen teaching quality criticised by the last Ofsted team (were you one of them or not ?)– except for one member of staff who has since been suspended
We have seen SATs scores fall
We have seen a massive increase in expenditure for supply cover
We have seen the grant for the MUGA frozen
We have seen no conciliatory steps taken by Mrs Coupe over any issue – in breach of ACAS guidelines, as mentioned elsewhere on this forum.
We have seen 'covering up' of issues regarding unsafe internet use

Fourth. ‘Mrs Lancaster was unnapproachable’ Give us some concrete evidence with dates and times. We have these for parents who have tried unsuccessfully to contact Mrs Coupe – it is only right that you do the same before you throw accusations about.

Finally. If other teachers have used comments such as your last one ‘Your opinions and lies will serve you much better there!' Then no wonder they have been removed. This is slanderous and as such I will ask the postmaster for your post to be edited. However I hope that you are not suggesting that the postmaster removes any posts for any other reasons!! That would again be an unfounded accusation.

Alan Veale · Facts

For the benefit of “Scared” and others sharing the same sentiments, let me first of all thank you for sharing your opinions with us. This is a debating forum after all, and it is important to hear both sides of a debate at all times. I have often tried to reinforce the message that we should ALL be allowed to express our opinions, no matter who we support – and that is one of the complaints I have against Coupe, Lund and Turner – because each of them have so arrogantly attacked us for wanting to speak out in public.

I must also caution everybody about a too liberal use of the word “fact”. The whole reason for this forum being in existence is because of the number of people who were trying to establish fact from fiction when it was clear that the school authorities were trying to keep matters out of the public eye. The number of stories that began to circulate on this forum needed to be checked out – because some of them seemed just too incredible to be true. For instance, I could not really believe that any responsible teacher (let alone a Head Teacher) could be guilty of bullying a class of 5 and 6 year old children over a piece of fruit! Yet our investigations proved this to be true, and there was worse to come.

In her post above, Mary refers to the dossier of evidence that we sent to the DFES. Believe me, I would not dare to register a complaint with the Government on verbal stories and hearsay! Everything we lodged was based on carefully researched documentary evidence. If it was not, do you think the DFES would still be looking into it over two months later?

I am not a teacher, and I could not have lodged that official complaint without the help of people with practical experience of teaching (like Mary), and of staff (or ex-staff) from Marton School itself. Far from being the hard-working industrious teacher that “Scared” paints above, my colleagues found evidence to indicate that some of Mrs Coupe’s directives came about through either malicious intent, or sheer ineptitude. There was no other way of interpreting them.

So – “facts” have to be just that. There were many other things we could have mentioned in our complaint – but because we had no factual evidence at the time, we could not include them.

If anyone wishes to examine the complaint in detail they are welcome to contact me direct, through a private e-mail. I must state however, that this is not a public document (yet), and as it is still under investigation, I am unable to supply copies without DFES approval.

Alan Veale

concernred

i agree with scared's comments and have just joined today!
it's about time someone spoke up for Mrs Coupe.

i am a parent and found Mrs Lancaster unapproacable. i've heard teachers complaining about her manner.

most of us parents are happy.

the latest ofsted is the so called evidence you need.
i am happy with the school and Mrs coupe.

mary

Concernred (sic), I'm afraid you may not be fully aware of all the facts. Have you seen all the documentary evidence on this site alone? The ofsted report is under investigation - that is one of the crucial issues in this whole business.
Once again, I'm glad you are happy with Mrs Coupe, but I really don't see how you can say the majority of parents are also happy. Have you done a survey? You certainly haven't spoken to those parents I have been in contact with, who not only found Mrs Coupe unapproachable, but, at times, downright rude and unprofessional.

Incidentally, I do find it strange that the writing style of all Mrs Coupe's supporters is surprisingly similar.....

Alan Veale

Hallo "concernred"!

One question - if you went to Macdonald's for a meal with your children, and one of them started vomiting after eating part of a burger which smelt bad, would you complain to the manager? So - what if he just shrugged and said "Most of our customers are happy"?

Some of us have been sick of this mess for a long time, but the management can't even be bothered to sweep up...

Alan Veale

hs

AT LAST

Parents and staff are finally speaking out positively for the school.
I have also joined as a new member to this debate today. I am a parent and have found Mrs Coupe to be an excellent Headteacher for my two girls attending the school. I urge other parents to speak out this TRUTH.
Mrs Lancaster was ok as a head, but Mrs Coupe is a credit to the school. She is very approachable and smiling in the face of what is going on. Most of the teachers seem happy when you speak to them. Since Mrs Coupe has joined the school that my girls are now doing more lessons and seem happier.I have been looking at this website every week, but just felt i had to join today and support Mrs Coupe. We need a strong head for our school.I will be speaking to my friends and other parents and asking them to join today, so that they can put POSITIVE comments on here.God knows, how Stressed Mrs Coupe is. We need to give her all the support we can.

It is time to SUPPORT our school

Lisa

I've just read Scared's post and can't stop laughing. Oh dear - you've really gone over the top now haven't you. I've made sure I got a copy of what you've written before you decide better of it and delete what you've said. I know exacly who you are.
As for the content of your post, well what a lot of rubbish. I'm all for expressing your own opinions. But to accuse Mrs Lancaster as being unapproachable - absolutely NOT. I certainly didn't agree with all of Mrs L's decisions, but she would always listen to any disagreements and explain why she felt differently. And whenever (without exception) I asked to speak to her she would make herself available. This is totally unlike my experience with Mrs Coupe who has cancelled meetings or fobbed me off with someone else on numerous occassions. Maybe if you put the scenario you are talking about into context it may all become clear. After all Mrs Lancaster expected dedicated hard working staff at Marton.

Lisa

Oh forgot to say - my previous post also applies to concernred. Oh - but you already know that don't you?

mary

hs, before worrying about how stressed Mrs Coupe must be, give a little thought to Mrs Alderson, who has been suspended now for 8 months without charge - now THAT's stressful. Think, too, about staff who have been severely stressed over the past seventeen months, frightened to speak up, overloaded with work, worrying about their friends and colleagues who have gone off work with stress.
I don't think there is any comparison.

scared

mary

Scared, if you read my post again, you will see that I was in no way threatening you, I was simply asking why you were posting under the pseudonym, "scared". I said that if you are a supporter of Mrs Coupe then you don't need to be scared, as these people seem to be protected at the moment. When the truth comes out they will no longer feel as protected. I apologise if you felt threatened. That honestly was not my intention.

Yes, this is a forum, based on opinions. Those opinions are sometimes backed up by fact ("fact - noun, thing known to be true; deed, reality"). What I was saying was, those were your comments, not facts. These are my comments, not fact.

As for your comment that you not having seen the evidence I talk about, if you look back at my post, you will see I have given you just such an opportunity. I can't do more than that. It is up to you if you want to bury your head in the sand. I have seen the evidence, which is how I can substantiate my claims, and it appears, you can't.

Of course you don't have to justify yourself to me or to anyone else, but it if you enter into a debate, it does help if you have something to substantiate what you are saying. You are merely getting the reaction that anyone should expect when entering into a debate - discussion, disagreement, questioning. This is what a debate is. We don't all agree, but nothing will ever be resolved unless we are prepared to discuss things. That is why I hope you DO continue to post on this board. I would love you to persuade me that everything is as it should be at Marton.

Backed up with evidence, of course.

R. Thornton · At last

AT LAST - someone who is willing to speak out for the school !

Mr Lund would not answer questions. Mrs Coupe has kept quiet. Mr Turner simply threw insults.

Please try to convince me to change my mind then about Marton and talk to us about all the things which have concerned us.

You support Mrs Coupe so you must have some idea then why Mrs alderson was suspended without charge ?

Please tell us why you think it is that the rate of supply cover has been the highest it has ever been ? Costing a fortune.

Can you explain why the inspection in April was so bad. Thank goodness there was some improvement in the Autumn term - but the school is still nowhere at the level it was before Mrs Coupe's changes.

Did you look at the last HMI report - there is still MUCH to do. Can you explain this. The HMI stated that improvements were down to "the large input by the CSA" - not the staff or the head. Why was this ?

Why was there such a dramatic fall off in teaching standards since the last inspection ?

Why were proper procedures not followed regarding the teacher who downloaded porn ?

Why has Mr Hill never been investigated ? Can you reassure me that there are no other web pages of his on the net ?

Could you tell me why a headteacher needed her husband, a police officer, at a school meeting to take notes when governors or staff could equally have done this ? Why does she refuse anyone acces to these notes ?

Can you explain why, 18 months after building was due to begin there is still no MUGA, and it looks likely that this money has been lost to school and the community ?

Can you explain why SATs scores dropped this year, while those at Mrs Coupe's old school rose following changes made there after she left ?

You are lucky that your daughters are happy. Do you realise how many staff have been in year 6 this year ?

Please can you tell me why so many parents took their children away from Marton last year - BEFORE the forum and the action group ever existed ?

So I say again, thank you for entering this forum. Perhaps now if, as you say you are to be positive, could you provide some answers to questions which have been asked over and over and over .......

The questions above are merely a selection. The rest are on the forum in many places. To repeat what I have posted on many occasions. This forum and the action group came about LONG AFTER it became noticeable that all was not right at Marton. A whole year went by before people realised this.

HM · Dear Scared

Dear Scared,
I hope you read this.

what a shame you deleted your posts. I contacted the postmaster to ask for them to be edited NOT deleted. I look for positive contributions on the forum NOT personal attacks. The action group have obviously come to expect this from Mr Lund and Mr Turner but it is not acceptable by ANYONE on the forum, no matter which side.

I'm afraid removing your posts after questions have been asked of you follows the same pattern of behaviour as Mrs Coupe, Mr Lund and Mr Turner. If there are no answers they go on the attack - or hide away, as you have just done. You have missed a golden opportunity to try to set the record straight for school. Others have joined the forum in support of the school - why not support them and try provide answers to all the questions which have been asked over the past 6 months, with some evidence that, in fact, the action group has got it wrong.

Lisa · Message for hs

I too am pleased that your 2 daughters are happy at Marton. However, would you be happy if you discovered that they had happened to see graphic images/videos on the internet that they should certainly not be viewing? I have checked this story out and it is true. It did happen. And more than once by all accounts. I certainly wouldn't want my son or daughter anywhere near a computer at Marton. This is my opinion based on facts!

Lisa

Hmmm.....wonder why Scared removed the posts? Could it be that there were lies contained in them? Could it be that there were libellous (definition - false and malicious: constituting or containing a false and malicious published statement that damages somebody's reputation) comments made. Too late - the points were entered on a public forum and many people read them. If anyone has Mrs Lancaster's address could they send it to me please (private message) and I will send her a copy of what was published.

Duncan · FAO Andrea Smith, scared, concerned and hs

This is addressed specifically to Andrea Smith, scared, concerned and hs.

There are obviously many issues surrounding Marton but as an interested teacher viewing this forum I can see that things have suddenly become far more serious as far as other teachers are concerned. You state that you are speaking positively for the school and supporting Mrs Coupe, the headteacher. Can you please explain why she was party to Mr Turner's outburst at the staff only days before some of those staff most certainly were due to appear at a hearing regarding Mrs Alderson ?

This is an issue which concerns ALL teachers in Blackpool - if head teachers and governors are allowed to intimidate staff in this way. I fear now that Mrs Coupe will not find herself the centre of only local interest but also within the Blackpool authority and even nationally. You may support Mrs Coupe but I am quite certain that teacher unions will have a comment to make.

I do not know what jobs you, your spouses or family have, but it is the right of any employee to expect confidentiality until a hearing - which Mrs Coupe and Mr Turner ignored, and to expect a fair hearing - which was no longer possible after Mr Turner's outburst.

I for one will be contacting my union over the Marton matter and I will advise my colleagues to do the same.

Peacock · again the attacks

I have just read some of these latest postings on this site. Why must you always attack anyone who supports school. You ask us to post then insult us when we do.

I agree with you that Mrs Lancaster was very apporoachable but I also find Mrs Coupe very apporoachable. But unlike Mrs Lancaster, Mrs Coupe has not been supported or allowed to do her job. As for her having to spend so much time out of school perhaps she would not have to if you left her to get on with her job. As for Mr Coupe being at school to supoort his with regardless of whether he should have been there or not GOOD FOR HIM it shows me that he supports her and that was all. Is this not what a husband should do. He was not there as PC Coupe but to support his wife. He has my full backing on that she needs all the support she can get. He also spends a lot of time at school when we have PTFA events calling bingo and helping out.

As for saying Mrs Coupe is not a victim I think she is. She has been a victim since taking over at school. It seems to me that some people are doing to Mrs Coupe just what they are accussing her of BULLING.

You all say that the real victim is Mrs Alderson we can not say this until after her hearing can we. If then it is proved that what happened was wrong, then lets feel sorry for Mrs Alderson. And before any one says anything no I have nothing against Mrs Alderson.

However Mrs Coupe and anyone who is seen to support her has suffered at the hands of some of the MSAG supporters. Mrs Coupe must have been under tremendous pressure whilst this has all been going on. Taking over a new school must have been hard enough but to have walked into this well I for one would not have stayed.

MRS COUPE I HOPE YOU READ THIS WELL DONE AND KEEP SMILING.

If what Lisa says about things on computers is correct then no I would not like my daughter to see these things but she would I hope go and tell the teacher what had come up and not carry on looking at it. I can't remember if Lisa said that the parent had gone into school to see about this?

Next you all keep telling us so many of the teachers are not happy at school then why do they not all stand together and speak out. They could not all be suspended without it being looked into and after all this is what you all say you are after. I would perhaps listen more to you if the teachers that are speaking to you would come out and speak to the rest of us in person not as they are on this web site under false names. This makes me think that it is only a couple that are not happy and is that not the case in all work places.

I have not seen any of the evidence you say you have against Mrs Coupe. I can not comment on what you say about her bulling tacticts at school as I do not work with her but if I did and she was like this I would leave and go else where. I have worked in places and have always understood that when there I was there to do as my employer told me to do. As long as it was reasonable and not putting me or others in danger. Is this not the case any longer. If so is Mrs Coupe not the boss at school.

I have also read the comment on all the postings of school supporters looking the same what is meant by this. Come on!!!!!! Can nobody but MSAG Supporters be capable of thinking for themselves and posting on this web site but I do think I have heard this before.

I would also like to know how many in the MSAG have children at school. From reading some of them and looking at the names of the ones that use names not very many.

I am glad that others have started to post on this site insupport of school as I am told there are not many of us out there.

I also would really like to know who is feeding all the information to the group and why they can't be brave enough to come out and speak to all parents. If the school is in the state that you say on here would whoever it is not think that the best thing to do is tell all regardless of what would happen to them.

admin · Postings of scared, concernred and hs

Firstly, I would once again like to repond to the accusation of scared regarding supporters of Mrs Coupe not being able to post on this site. I can categorically state that I do not prevent anyone from posting on this site. Everyone who registers with a legitimate email address is able to post.

Secondly, I would like to state that all comments are welcome on this site. All I ask is that you look at the rules of the forum before posting.

However, some posts seem to be made with conflict in mind and you have to question the truth behind them. I would like to state now, that all the comments made on this site which are seen as against Mrs Coupe, et al, I have personally seen evidence to back up the claims. Once again all the comments made on this site which are seen as against Mrs Coupe, et al, I have personally seen evidence to back up the claims.

For that reason, I would be more than happy to receive whatever evidence supporters of Mrs Coupe et al have to support their claims.

Finally, regarding the post of scared. I think it is important to point out that scared, hs and concernred were in fact the same person. I would like to point out that this is not the way to 'support' Mrs Coupe. I think for a Teacher to make a post which was antagonistic in its nature and then pose as two totally fictitious characters to try and support her own view again must bring in to question what is going on at Marton School. If the supporters of Mrs Coupe et al are seen to be deceitful, scheming and completely unreliable with questionable morals and judgement, this cannot do anything apart from damage things further. If a person can lie on this site, where else might they have lied to support Mrs Coupe.

I would urge any supporters of Mrs Coupe et al to still come forward, but be mindful of how you represent yourself and your cause.

Remember, this site was set-up for serious discussion, not to be a place of fun and frivolity.

Thank you - and carry on posting.

mary

"I have just read some of these latest postings on this site. Why must you always attack anyone who supports school. You ask us to post then insult us when we do."
Peacock, you seem to be exceptionally sensitive. The people who have posted on this site in support of Mrs Coupe have been questioned, not attacked. As I said before, this is a discussion forum - people debate and disagree. If they disagree with you, please don't mistake this for an attack. If somebody posts an illogical comment, then they will be questioned. This happens from both sides.

This argument now seems to be going round in circles. "Scared" yesterday posted some comments, which I questioned and disagreed with. I put forward my reasons and asked her for evidence to back up her claims. She took this as an attack and removed her posts. That's not going to get us anywhere. Unfortunately, this is exactly what many of us have been up against with higher authorities from day one.

I think those of us who know Mrs Alderson better than you do, are quite entitled to see her as a victim in all this. If you care to look back at her long teaching record you will see it is unblemished and exemplary. And do you honestly think she is going to get a fair hearing after Mr Turner, Chair of Governors has been talking about it so publicly (most recently in the Blackpool Gazette last night). This is supposed to be confidential information, although it is obvious that many more people know far more about it than they should.

"Taking over a new school must have been hard enough but to have walked into this well I for one would not have stayed."
Peacock, Mrs Coupe walked into a happy, united, caring, popular, well-respected school. The fact that it changed very rapidly was of her own doing.

How would you feel if your daughter had been looking at inappropriate images on the computer, told her teacher, but nothing was done about it? Would you just sit back and say, "fine" or would you pursue the matter? I would imagine, as a caring parent, you would pursue the matter, which is precisely what these parents have done, and STILL not got a satisfactory answer. Would you be happy to put your child at risk every day she is in school, near a computer? I doubt it.

You ask why teachers won't stick together and speak out if they are unhappy. Perhaps you have never been in a situation where you have been scared to open your mouth in case it goes against you, in case you are treated unfairly, in case, ultimately, you lose your job. That's what happens in bullying situations. You say if you were bullied you would leave. If your child was being bullied would you remove her from school immediately, or would you complain about the bullying? Again, as a caring parent, I think you would complain and try and get the situation resolved. Which is exactly what some people have tried to do - to no avail.

"I have also read the comment on all the postings of school supporters looking the same what is meant by this."
If you read the post carefully you will see I was commenting not on looks but on writing style: "I do find it strange that the writing style of all Mrs Coupe's supporters is surprisingly similar....."

Having just read admin's post (above), it now becomes obvious why this is the case - one person (a teacher, so she says) posting under three different usernames to get across her point! No wonder it appears that more of Mrs Coupe's supporters are now posting on this website. I should be very wary, Peacock, of trusting any of her supporters, if this is the sort of devious activity they get up to.

"I also would really like to know who is feeding all the information to the group and why they can't be brave enough to come out and speak to all parents. If the school is in the state that you say on here would whoever it is not think that the best thing to do is tell all regardless of what would happen to them."
The information IS available to all parents, through the MSAG. Why should anybody else come out and speak to all parents....."regardless of what would happen to them"? Look at what happened to Mrs Alderson when she spoke up, look at what happened to Mrs Connor when she spoke up, look what happened to a governor when he spoke up - and there are many many more casualties that you won't even know about until the truth really does come out.

When people stop being taken in by superficial smiles and false information, and, instead, start to question WHY this situation arose in the first place, then maybe they will begin to realise why MSAG and many other individuals will not give up in their quest to get to the truth.

Tracey

I don't feel i need to say much more in reply to some of the postings on this subject in recent days. I do feel though that i should address one of the issues raised by Peacock. Yes Mr.Coupe should support his wife, but the meeting in question was with regards to The Ofsted Action Plan and in light of events at the time security was present and entry was only for those with a ticket. My point is my child has two parents yet only one of us was allowed to attend, how is it then appropriate that Mr. Coupe should be entitled to attend when many parents were not.
I also attended the meeting at the Church Hall held by the Marton Action Group. I witnessed first hand how supporters of Mrs Coupe, who i am not suggesting were instructed to attend, reacted as topics were raised. They shouted above those TALKING and were intimidating, yes they have children who attend Marton but was shocking was that they WORK in the school. How does this create the environment needed to encourage some staff (let alone parents) feel confident that they can approach anyone at Marton.

R. Thornton · Withdrawal of post

Oops - I spoke to soon in saying in my post above that at last we had someone who might answer a few questions for us. Might have known it was too good to be true. Once anyone is asked to answer anything they disappear.

admin

Once again I have come across a poster stating that I am forbidding people posting to this forum.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I will not tolerate this.

The offending post has been removed and so has the user.

This is the course of action I will take with any future posts of this nature.

Please feel free to discuss any points but refrain from allegations of misadministration of this site.

Thank you.

admin · IP addresses

Please note: looking up IP addresses is only one way of identifying users.

Once again, all the information I act on is based on hard evidence. I could have actually named the poster but I am mindful of the information I have access to and have respected the privacy of the individual concerned.

Perhaps, if that poster is still concerned about my statement and wishes to dispute my claims, they are welcome to contact me with their side of the story. I promise I will make a future post regarding this if they do in fact come forward.

Thank you.

Alan Veale

It seems that the post by “Enigma” has been removed before I had a proper chance to respond, which is a pity in a way, because I did have to agree with SOME of their sentiments. But in case you do check this out, then I must say “Thank you, “Enigma”, for your wordy but enigmatic prose!” (Liked the name, by the way.) It seemed I got off relatively lightly, so perhaps it is easier for me to make a (slightly shorter) response:

I also believe that some of the postings have seemed a little too “heavy” in the way that they have been worded, but hey – we are talking about an emotional subject here (children) and there are also a great many contributors who have been influenced in their postings by fears about their incomes, their careers, and even whether they can expect to keep a marriage together under all manner of pressures. People do get carried away sometimes, and even Admin can be subject to something similar – but we must be grateful to him/her for providing the facility that we are all using. There are clear rules on using this forum that we all should abide by, and by and large, those are respected.

A word about this forum (again): I have gone on record that posting on this forum itself is not going to see an end to the troubles currently besetting the school. Neither will letters to the paper, interviews on the radio, or even someone tying themselves naked to the school railings… BUT – it is the collective voice of like-minded individuals, speaking out loud enough to the powers that be, and telling them that we are not prepared to be lied to, fobbed off, or ignored, that will eventually win the day. That is what has changed the course of history itself – the collective will of the people. If enough of us feel strongly enough about injustice, then we can overturn it. So – this forum is really just a means of communication – of getting our voices heard, and of learning from each other. I learned a lot from Enigma’s posting. It doesn’t matter who they are – and it doesn’t matter what their connection is to the three apparent unfortunates from yesterday! Don’t take your eye off the ball!

Regardless of each others connection to the school, and regardless of our backgrounds, the fact remains that we are entitled to express how we feel about the place we work in, the management that pays our wages, and about the education that our children receive. Whether you do it anonymously or not, if you wish to, then put your thoughts on the forum – but don’t get too hung up on the emotions expressed by others! Sometimes it is just a bit of fun. I don’t know what was on television Sunday night, and I don’t care – because there was much more entertainment going on here! Ever watched the MP’s in a Parliamentary debate having a go at each other? Great fun! (And they don’t take it personally).

But there was one thing that struck me above all else about Enigma’s post – their IT skills. Here at last is the very person to ask for a “qualified” view on the safety of the computers used in school. Many of us are concerned how our children have found it so easy to access hard-core pornography from their school desk, when the Director of Children’s Services at Progress House has reassured us that this can not be done. I am reliably informed that the system in Lancashire schools is different from that in Blackpool – only specifically approved sites are made available. So, “Enigma” – perhaps you can tell us about these “Variations”? What is the difference, and why? (Sorry – you’ll have to think of another name now!)

Alan Veale

R. Thornton · Removal of posts

Ssdly I missed Enigma's post. It seems we can't leave this forum for long at the moment.
Visitors will be aware that I post regularly on the site because I feel so strongly about some of the issues - particularly regarding school's attempts to prevent our freedom of speech which is a fundamental right.
Anyway Enigma, I too have had posts removed - the last of which I do not think was justified. The whole thread was removed. I am sure the postmaster will confirm this and may well still have copies.
However I keep posting but do try to take more care even though that is very difficult when we hear of events such as those involving Mr Turner recently.
I can verify that anyone who is not prudent can be banned from the forum, whoever they support.

mary · posts removed

I would just like to back up what R Thornton has said. I too have had posts edited and removed, so it certainly isn't one-sided or biased on the part of the administrator.

I read Enigma's post earlier and was about to respond when I found it had gone. Perhaps it's just as well, as my reply might also have been removed.

I think Alan Veale is right when he says we should not get too emotional about postings, or too personal in our comments. There are lots of facts on this website, and lots of opinions. There are bound to be times when we all get carried away.

Let's get the board back to rational debate and discussion.

Peacock · me again

Just spent 30 mins doing a post only for my computor to crash.

Any why Hello to you all.

I have asked for you to tell me what it is about school you are not happy with but you don't seem to be telling me.

I am not getting information from anywhere about what is wrong with school so I have to make up my own mind I have done this,

By reading the latest ofsted report it stated that school had improved. Yes it can get alot better.

By seeing that my daughter is happy that is all that concerns me.
Her work is improving. She gets lots of good support from her teacher. so gets support from school.

About the computors if this had happened to my daughter and nothing had been done. I would stop her from doing I.T. even if I had to go to school every day. I would also go to the police. And the child protection officer.

As for having been in a situation where I was to scared to speak out in case it went against me then the answer to that is no. I will speak out when I think something is wrong. And when need be I will leave work if it was not dealt with and have done so. But I would not carry on a ** EDITED BY ADMIN **. Not that I am saying anyone has done so.

I have asked The MSAG to tell me facts on what they think Mrs Coupe is doing wrong at school.

I never said that Mrs Alderson was not a victim I said we could not say this till after the hearing. I did say that Mrs Coupe was a victim and still is as she does not seem to be getting the supoort she should be getting.

As for Mrs connor speaking out about school I thought she spoke out about changes being made at school that she thought would affect her children. As I remember she spoke out quite a lot about these changes. But can any one tell me if these changes have taken place and if they have how have they gone are they working?

The impression I get is that all this started because the head made changes. Some Staff did not like the way she made these changes. I seem to remember something like she did not ask but told what was to change. Is this not her role

I am not taken in by superficial smiles [ I am now going to be childish again SORRY but I have seen Peter Pan] SORRY.
But I am also not being given information by any menber of staff be thy at the bottom or the top of the pile.

This is why I keep asking for the information that you have so I can see if there is anything that will make me change my mind.

My concern now is for the school the damage that is being done to school and I do not mean Staff though they must wonder what is going on and when will it end. I don't even mean the head but has she not been though enough now to end all this.

I mean the school the damage done by all the bad press even this web site for all to read and I am as bad for posting on it but the school will some be damaged beyond repair if this is not settled soon. prospective parents will be wondering what they are sending their children to.

The only one to be affected by all this is SCHOOL. I feel are school is getting to be a laughing stock by all other parents at all other schools.

And here I am going to be very rude because I had a sort of resepct for Mr Veale as he has stood out for what he thinks is right. But he has posted on here that this is better then anything on television and he finds it all funny. I think this is what he said. But sorry because none of it is funny. The silly comments. The near threats. The name calling. But most the damage to school. Perhaps he did not mean that it was funny but comments like that do not do you justice Mr Veale.

And yes I am guilty of the same by posting stupid comments but I do not find it funny

Tracey

as i am sure most of you will agree, where exactly do i begin? what exactly do you mean by bottom of the pile? As with regard to the internet incident, are you saying that because it wasnt you daughter involved you arent concerned. If my child was the onlyone involved it would be of utmost importance to me. Any new head will make changes, the sign of a good head is how these changes are made. Exactly how much information do you need? You appeared to have conquered your initial problems with accessing this forum, surely you are capable of reviewing the information that has been entered previously.... Even though it doesnt agree with your own opinions....

R. Thornton · Peacock repeats

Thank you Tracey for that - it is getting increasingly difficult to summon the energy to respond to Peacock.
It is now very clear that she has no interest in seriously finding out what has been going on. She is more intent on attacking this forum and the Msag.
My evidence for this?
1. I have personally sent her emails with information, and places she can go to get more.
2. She has made the same claims before about asking for information and I have posted back with some (see last week's post), again with ways of confirming that information
3. Other people have posted information on the forum
4. Despite saying she has receivedv no information she has managed to comment in her post above on 2 of the pieces of information she says she hasn't received!

As for the Internet incident Peacock.
1.
Fact: Teacher downloads dubious pictures - Spring 2005
My thoughts: Are the computers safe for children ?
Action:Ask school and CSA if computers are safe
Result: no reply

2.
Fact:Child views serious pornography at after school club - Spring 2006
My thougts: School computers are not safe - proper safeguards do not seem to be there
Action: masg ask if proper security is in place
Result: don't know yet.

3. Peacock
Fact: ???
Peacock's thougts: If nothing had been done I wouldn't let my daughter do IT
Action: Complain on forum
Result: wasting time and forum space

SO please correct where you think my thoughts are wrong, add something to the fact of your comment, otherwise stop wasting time if you have nothing positive or new to say.

Finally in my first ever private email to you I wrote that you seemed to be a reasonable person, one who might be able to provide answers and help to sort the situation out.
I apologise for my mistake.

Unless there are 2 Peacocks ????
Your posts do seem to differ very much in writing style, spelling and punctuation. Can I write to one and ignore the other ?

Alan Veale · Mrs Peacock

Mrs Peacock

You will not be helped, will you? I will ignore what you said about my so-called sense of humour, and please ask you to check your private messages. There is a post I addressed to you in person on Thursday under Teaching Staff (where you appealed for information) to make sure you knew HOW to read these messages. You DO have people who are patient enough to give you their time if you will only respond.

Alan Veale

SarahJ · Re: me again

R. Thornton · Clarification

Hello Sarah.

Could you clarify something for me.

You mentioned that sets were reduced and 'it looks like she was proved right'. In what way was she right ?

The Maths SAT's scores dropped by 10% for example in Year 6. There were also problems in Year 2 I think.

The Ofsted inspection also criticised pupils' achievements.

I am no expert, but I wonder how reducing the number of sets, so increasing the number of children in a group, can improve performance.

Thanks for your post, I look forward to your clarification.

SarahJ

Dear R Thornton

Is having more groups not more costly as they have to have more teachers? and what about pupils self esteem they would be more ''labels'' attached to the less clever pupils. In bigger groups the children are more the same rather than being treated differently.

I am certainly not an expert with these things either and you may know more than me but surely if the lower number of sets wasn't working it would not have carried on. After all Mrs Coupe has got to inprove things it is in her interest to do this.

From Sarah

R. Thornton · Sets

Thanks Sarah some good points there.
I agree that more sets would be more costly but I would love to see a system where the organisation of the teaching was based on the children's educational needs rather than cost.
You ask why Mrs Coupe has not changed the system back if it would improve things. Probably for the reasons you mentioned above - cost. We know the enormous extra cost of the suspension going on so long - I don't know the school budget but I would guess it has used up all the normal supply budget. However we also know that there has been more expense than ever on other supply cover. This has been one of the major concerns of the msag - more decisions will need to be made on cost rather than on children's needs.
I totally agree with your point about the 'stigma' which might be attached to grouping. I do not agree with high school selection for the same reason. The 11+ was also stopped for the same reason. However I think attitudesx to setting depends on how the school and staff deal with it - look at what the good high schools do. Shouldn't it be more of a matter of each child reaching its true potential ? After all we can't all be good at everything. I doubt children would be in the same sets for maths, english and science would they ?
Finally regarding the 'labelling' of children, thanks to this government isn't it now a case that children leave Marton labelled level 2, 3, 4 or 5 ? I wonder what the High schools do with such labels ?
Thanks again Sarah, you are demonstrating how this forum COULD work. I look forward to your reply.

WORRIED TA · REMOVAL OF SETS

As you know I am new to this web site and have only posted once, but I feel I have to respond to Sarah J's comments regarding sets.

In all my time in working in education, not only at Marton, I have never found children being made to feel less worth for being in a lower set. These lower set children quite often just need a little more encouragement to build up confidence in themselves, in a smaller grouping this can be achieved more easily, the children work to their full potential and quite often move up.

It seems that after disrupting the setting arrangements at Marton from 3 sets to 2 sets, even though staff and a lot of parents did not agree it was for the best, Mrs. Coupe is now panicking due to the expected fall again in SAT results this year and has now added a fourth set to year six in order to try and boost the year group.

I am all for helping our children achieve the best that they can, my worry is "THERE IS NO CONTINUITY AT SCHOOL, SWAPPING AND CHANGING SO MUCH IS DAMAGING THE CHILDRENS EDUCATION."

R. Thornton · Sets

I agree that swapping and changing is not good - which is why I have questioned all the changes before - and whether they were successful.
I think more sets though must benefit the children - as they will be in smaller groups and probably the work will fit beter to their ability.
It needn't 'label' the children in any way.
What it does show to me though is that the changes Mrs Coupe made are now being reversed !! Its a shame that the changes were made in the first place against the better judgement of some staff.

Peacock · There's only one Peacock.

Done it again.

Mr Veale Please tell me why you have no time for me?

I can tell you all that there is only one of me posting on this site I am not getting anyone else to post for me can do this myself unlike some.

I am not using more then one computor only have the one.

I am not using other peoples computors to post with unlike some.

As for not being helped I don't know what you mean?

Mr Thornton I do not remember you giving me information about anything you told me about a teacher working with a child with special needs being moved onto another school. I asked for conformation on this as I said that if it was who I thought it was she was not a teacher you didnot reply to this.

I replyed to a question I was asked about what I would have done if the porn incident had happened to my daughter I replyed only for you to say I was wasting forum space.

Sorry but I thought that was what it was for to answer what has been asked.

You have never told me where I can go for information on this or any matter.

So come on lets play the game.. Please do not pull me to bits and lie about the facts you are telling me because you are not giving me information.

As for the sets can worried ta explain them to me not in a personal e-mail but on this web site.

They state Mrs coupe has changed them from 3 to 2 sets. Then says she has now added a fourth set in year 6. Did year 6 have 3 sets and the rest of the school only 2. They also state that she has done this because she is in a panic. Can this women do nothing that will please you. She has done what you want but is still wrong.

As for your comment on my attacks of the MSAG it seems to me that it is you that attack. You all and I mean all have pulled me to bits since I first wrote to the gazette.

You have stated that you think I am wasting forum space.
I have recieved information but will not listen.
I read the web site and reply to what I read. But you are not saying anything that gives me cause for concern over Mrs Coupe being Head of school.

Mr Veale you said that you found this web site FUN. Is it fun to call people names because this is not what I have been taught. People are looking at this for facts on school and you are one of the people giving us these facts and then you make a comment like that. This is not a game it should not be fun.
You and the MSAG have made some serious chages about people on this site and in letters and then you say it is fun.

I do not find what you are doing FUN you are seriously damaging school with all your comments. If one of my children was doing something like this and found it fun I would consider getting them help.

Any E-mails sent to me go to my sons E-Mail adress as I do not have one. So I will get him to have a look for me as soon as I can.

Mr thornton I have asked you if you have children at school you have not answered this question. You seem to be saying it is I not answering questions but niether are you.

I am not a reasonable person when all you tell me is hear say coming from I don't know where.

ANSWER MY QUESTIONS MR.THORNTON.

Can the rest of you tell me how many of you have children in school?

Besides Mr Veale I don't know who else has.

I can not help the fact that my posts differ in style You can write to any you like and does this apply to you Mr Thornton. WHO ARE YOU?

AS for the spelling sorry about that but you see I am not very good at spelling and use a dictionary. But you probably know this as you seem to think you know a lot about me.

Also Mr Thronton I am still awaiting a reply to what a member of staff has told you about me and who they are. As anything about me and what happened in school is confidential and should not be passed onto anyone. But I suppose this is what I could have expected from some people. I have also been to the education department about this as I am very cross that a member of staff should speak out like that. You have also stated that you have held of printing this on the web site but feel free to do so. But please name where it has come from.

R. Thornton · Reply

Now Mrs Peacock, these will be my last words to you - reply if you feel the need.

I contacted you originally by email because I didn't want arguments on the site - and I thought you were a reasonable person. Obviously this hasn't worked, I now do not find you reasonable. This is purely my impression based on how you have responded.

Your posts over time have appeared to be very different - that was my statement. If as you say only one person has posted then I apologise.

The reply to your query about the teacher being removed by Mrs Coupe was in my last email to you only last week.

My comment about you wasting forum space was based on the number of times you ask the same questions and make the same statements.

You shouldn't need to be told where to go for information - I clearly posted straight after a post of yours with a long list of facts and information - and exactly where to get confirmation of all details I gave - so that you would know that they were not just my opinions. Have you contacted Ofsted for example to confirm the date of the first letter ? This was in answer to your claim that the whole forum was about the re-instatement of Mrs Alderson - do you remember ?

I resent being called a liar and I expect admin to edit that from your post.

As for the sets. I can't help you with that. I have simply expressed my opinions in response to sensible, well though out comments by a poster called Sarah. My comment was that if sets were working well previously, then staff would have had the right to question changes - if the sets and other changes after due discussion with senior management then fair enough. That is how a good management structure works. Now someone has claimed that sets are being increased again - that seems obvious to me that the changes did not work.

If you have read all the information on the forum and other things which have been said and think Mrs Coupe is not giving cause for concern as head of school then I really do feel for the staff who disagree with her in any way at all. Thank goodness there are still other parents who think that teachers and parents have rights. You are very blinkered in which pieces of information you read and which you pick out to argue with.

You say I do not answer questions - again I resent that. I answer every single question asked of me. If you need to know my personal details and whether I have children in school you only needed to have read my very first post to know the answer to that one - or my first private email to you.

My right to privacy is also protected on this website. Again if you only took time to read all posts you would know what I think about people revealing their names and personal details under the current climate and with Mrs Coupe as headteacher after her record over recent months. I have made my views clear and given my reasons on many occasions. Check what has happened.

Finally Mrs Peacock. You know full well that we have discussed the comments about you, repeated to me, by private message. YOU and I both know that. You corrected me and I apologised. You know that. I can only think that you have brought it up here in public after my apology to you, as a malicious attack on me. I have no intention of printing any names on here - especially as you have already told me by email that there was no truth in it.

I do not intend to waste any more time responding to posts such as yours. It helps no-one, gets nothing sorted out and does not move the debate forward.

For information READ THE FORUM and VISIT MY WEBSITE where you will see a long list of facts. http://martonschoolforum.co.uk

frankg · Letter Through the Door

Despite following all the stories connected with Marton School in then local press, I now find a leaflet posted through my door highlighting the "so called facts".

I am not associated with the school in any capacity and therefore can only make an opinion based on what I read. If what you say in your leaflet is true, then immediate action is needed. Having had previous dealings with the local authority in various capacities, Good Luck!

How must the children at the school feel when they pick up your leaflet. Many of "the facts" will up to now have been away from the children, not any more.

How much did your leaflet cost? Did you get clearance to use the photo's?

Have you not been able to get answers from the Freedom of Imformation Act?

I will now follow the saga on this site.

Alan Veale · Information

Thank you for your posting, frankg. Although you say you are not associated with the school, you are nonetheless welcome to contribute a viewpoint. That was our intention in distributing the leaflet – to make more people aware of the growing problem in the community, and that specifically includes the children.

If I may, I will take this opportunity to explain some more of our thinking, and answer your questions at the same time:

Although the problems at school started with the arrival of Mrs Coupe in September 2004, only a very few teaching staff were “in the know” – because at first it just looked like a relatively short-term difficulty in connection with new personalities getting to know each other. As time progressed, it became clear to staff that Mrs Coupe was a very strong personality, and would have her way no matter what resistance to change she may meet. Negotiation and compromise just were not in it! By the end of the academic year (July 2005), there had been numerous “casualties” among the staff, and the school itself had received an OFSTED report that shocked both staff and parents with its mark of “underachieving”.

If you browse through the postings on this forum you will find plenty more detail that has only been summarised very briefly on the leaflet you received. It was only in July last year that parents became aware that some of the teaching staff were positively desperate for help. It seemed that the Governing body could do nothing for them (the Chair had just resigned), and the LEA were giving the Head Teacher their full backing (which is to be expected).

Since that date there has been a growing nucleus of resistance to the present school administration, based initially on the formation of a web-site discussion forum (this site’s predecessor), and then with the formation of the Action Group, who are responsible for the leaflet through your door. Between September 2005 and now, we have been pressing the authorities, both at school and at the Council, to address our complaints and concerns about the administration of Marton Primary School. In so doing, we have been actively condemned by both the present Chair of Governors and the Director of Children’s Services. Our freedom of speech has been threatened on numerous occasions, in contravention of Human Rights, and a Blackpool Councillor who tried to ask questions himself has even been slandered and criticised by his colleagues. (Yes – we do need all the luck we can get in dealing with this Authority!)

Hence our determination to spread the word further – particularly now the Heads at other Blackpool schools have started to query the amount of attention that is being given to Marton by the LEA.
Questions DO need to be asked – by everybody who still believes that our elected representatives should be working FOR us – not against us.

As for the children – we feel that they are as entitled to know about this as much as anybody. It is their education that is at risk, and therefore their very futures. I tell my own children everything they need to know, and my daughter has even contributed to this forum. Why shouldn’t they? Better that they get to know the true facts than the misinformation that is fed them through certain school sources. One child told my son that his father was “a criminal” because he was part of the Action Group! Where did that come from? Incidentally, the photographs featured on the leaflet are not of Marton children, and the design is a licensed commercial product. We paid for the production of the leaflet ourselves, which is a measure of our determination to see this “saga” through to the very end.

Finally, my apologies for the length of this posting, but I hope all new visitors to this site will appreciate that those of us at the heart of this dispute are not out on a “witch-hunt”, and we are not merely involved because we have nothing better to do. I, like so many of my colleagues in the Action Group, have seen the school in happier times, and genuinely wish to see those times restored. If anyone reading this shares those same feelings, then please contribute to this forum with constructive suggestions and debate. There is no room here for those whose object is merely to ridicule the existence of this forum, or the people who contribute to it.

Alan Veale.

WAYNE HEYS · FOA Frankg

To add to the post above ,the Action Group is basically made up of a group of people who were/are very proud of Marton School and everything that it stood for,furthermore the people like myself who have put a lot of time into highlighting how an excellent school can suddenly find itself on skid row, will not be put off from returning the school to the position it was in under the previous head.
For one of the schools senior teachers to be suspended for 8 month's without having her case heard is a disgrace.Your taxes are being used like mine and many others to finance this whole fiasco,yet this situation should have been resolved many month's ago.
As I have got involved in this fiasco,it becomes evident that people who have jobs in authority,do not want to see the little old parent question any decision's made in regard to the school,THAT IS SIMPLY NOT ACCEPTABLE, to be labelled a "vindictive minority" is an insult to the integrity of anyone who has general concerns about the future of the school.
The Chairman of the Governors sends home letters which fail to answer any of the points that are put before him, if he was to look at the complaints that the Action Group have and deal with them with an open mind,then he may start to win back some of the respect that he has lost with many people, to inform Parents of incidents is fine,to simply wave away complaints without evidence is simply irresponsible,and that is why the Action Group will continue to put pressure on people who have the power to make decision's that affect all the children at Marton School.

R. Thornton · Leaflet

Just to clarify a couple of things about the leaflet in response to frankg's post:

The photos are copyright free photographs available on a free leaflet design site on the web - I hope you didn't think they were local school children!

Yes, we have tried using the Freedom of Information Act on several occasions and have been partly successful. I have been refused 3 times by Mrs Coupe to access the notes taken by Mr Coupe at the post Ofsted meeting. The request now lies with the Commissioner but his department deals with issues on a first come first served basis and on 'seriousness' so I could be waiting a long time.

form your own opinions

Extra Funds

Rising costs

Ruth Coupe

Mrs Lancaster

Facts

At last

Dear Scared

Message for hs

FAO Andrea Smith, scared, concerned and hs

again the attacks

Postings of scared, concernred and hs

Withdrawal of post

IP addresses

Removal of posts

posts removed

me again

Peacock repeats

Mrs Peacock

Re: me again

Clarification

Sets

REMOVAL OF SETS

Sets

There's only one Peacock.

Reply

Letter Through the Door

Information

FOA Frankg

Leaflet