In Confidence

jonbamboro · In Confidence

In order to obtain a better feel about what is happening at Marton School, I would like to hear from any teachers and staff. Anything we discussed would be treated in the strictest confidence. I would like to speak with both supporters of Mrs Coupe, supporters of the action group and those in neither camp.
Please contact me first via e-mail on edu@anchorsholme.com and we can make further arrangements to discuss matters.

Thanks, Cllr. Jon Bamborough

Alan Veale · Tell it how it is!

I sometimes feel it is unfortunate how the great “silent majority” are so easily influenced by the constant messages of a minority. The Action Group has so frequently been maligned by Coupe, Turner and Lund that there are some people out there who genuinely believe that people like me are “out to attack the school”. In fact, the reverse is the truth, and neither I nor any other person posting on this web-site has ever purported to be making such an attack.

It was noticeable to anyone last September that the postings on this site’s predecessor (Bravehost) were all anonymous – and that was the immediate source for an attack by David Lund on the authors. The implication was that the anonymous protests were coming from people who had nothing better to do than stir up trouble for the school. I have since explained to him that this is not true. The reason for anonymity is because there are so many people out there who want to speak out, but are scared of being picked on as a result by Mrs Coupe and her allies. Prior to the web-site being established, Mrs Coupe had made it well known to staff that they were to keep all their concerns to themselves, or face disciplinary action – as did Beverley Alderson.

So this message (and that above from Jon Bamborough) is primarily for the attention of all those of you who feel strongly enough about your school to want to try and sort things out once and for all. Jon is (like me) a person who can recognise when a problem needs to be resolved – and is prepared to do something about it! He has put his neck out to try and ask questions from his position as a Blackpool Councillor – one of the few to show any interest at all. So regardless of your point of view, regardless of politics (Mike Turner is also a Liberal Democrat), please talk to him. Let him cut through all the rumours and the hearsay, and let him form his own, independent opinion. Then perhaps the powers that be can be brought to the table to argue over the truth, and what to do about it.

Alan Veale

stan

Can it be guaranteed that people who contact him will not face the reprisals that Bev Alderson faced?

I know that many people with issues with Marton School are council employees and scared of such comebacks. As stated in a previous post a friend of mine who teaches in a school was told she should not mention any issues about Marton School again at work. It was put to her that if she did she would be in some kind of trouble.

Although she feels strongly about this matter she is not willing to take matters any further - she has been silenced...

stan

Can it be guaranteed that people who contact him will not face the reprisals that Bev Alderson faced?

I know that many people with issues with Marton School are council employees and scared of such comebacks. As stated in a previous post a friend of mine who teaches in a school was told she should not mention any issues about Marton School again at work. It was put to her that if she did she would be in some kind of trouble.

Although she feels strongly about this matter she is not willing to take matters any further - she has been silenced...

jonbamboro

All I can say is that I will speak to anyone in absolute confidence. At this stage it is not "evidence" that I am looking for, just an honest appraisal of the situation at Marton School.

KST · teacher

I am a teacher at Marton Primary. I am afraid that Jon Bamborough’s offer of a confidential discussion was the subject of Mr Turners meeting with all staff on Friday morning. That meeting was the most unprofessional meeting I have ever had to endure. He firstly criticised Jon Bamborough in language that would not be tolerated on either this website, or in any school. He then went on to warn off any member of staff from speaking to Jon. The school is now run through threats and intimidation. We have had the Link Advisor, the Deputy Director of Children’s Services and the Chair of Governor’s telling us how we should think.
I feel that the whole situation has become out of control and there will be absolutely no impartiality on behalf of the Chair and CSA. Mr Turner all but told us exactly what the outcome will be before any proceedings have even begun. This case is a forgone conclusion.

stan

well surprise, surprise...

Obviously, anyone who works for the council and dares to speak out regarding marton issues will face the same action as Bev Alderson...

stan

well surprise, surprise...

Obviously, anyone who works for the council and dares to speak out regarding marton issues will face the same action as Bev Alderson...

Archangel · My comments

Hi there, I'm new to this forum and as such I will try to say what I say with respect and deference to the people who have been here, fighting this fight, for a long time before me.

My comments are as follows, and are mainly related to what KST has to say;

1. This Mr. Turner, as I understand it, is a school governor? What power or authority does he have to call staff meetings where he bandies about expletives regarding elected members. Isnt that stepping outside the governors charter a little bit?

2. This meeting, was it formal or was it a backroom affair. If it was formal and a school governor was being abusive with regard to Councillors and staff I would question whether or not this gentleman should continue as a governor. Apart from being nominated as one, what real authority does he have?

3. Did someone complain to the head about Mr Turners conduct and language?

4. When you say that Mr. Turner all but warned you of the consequences if someone spoke to Cllr. Bamborough, what did he actually say. A governor threatening a member of staff isnt acceptable regardless of his motivation.

5. In the future, my advice to staff is that they dont attend meetings unless they are being recorded or formally minuted. The first time someone says "This isnt for the minutes...." stand up and tell them that either everything is going in the minutes or that the meeting is over. Include in the minutes why the meeting was terminated early.

6. Speaking to a Councillor is not a disciplinary offence, regardless of the subject. If anyone from Marton School chooses to meet with a Councillor in their spare time (note, not work time) there is nothing anyone can do. If someone attempts to eavesdrop on the conversation they are leaving themselves open to legal action. If anyone is the subject of disciplinary action because they met with a Councillor, it wont stick.

Thats about it. If I think of anything else I'll definitely post it here.

Regards,

AK

Nick_Shepherd · Support for KST

As an experienced teacher I would like to reply to KST.
You should contact your union immediately. Teachers must not discuss confidential information regarding children or teachers but in all other matters are free to talk to whoever they wish.
The Chair of Governors has no right to make those demands of you or of any other staff. His actions amount to clear bullying of employees.

Furthermore, you should not be speaking out alone. The most effective response is a united one, with all staff involved. Whatever the views of staff concerning matters at present under scrutiny, the Chair's action in this instance must be addressed by all. Please approach your colleagues to put aside any differences, contact their unions, in order to deal with this unacceptable, unprofessional behaviour.

You will be pleased to know that two recent instances, in Cumbria and in Cardiff, when staff worked together they were successful when they passed a unanimous vote of no confidence.

All teachers who have read your post will be thinking of you.

billandben

My friend who is also a teacher at Marton has asked me to post on here on her behalf. She can confirm that what KST has said is a true account of the meeting that Mr Turner chaired last week. She is terrified to speak out, but she feels that all the staff are being bullied into submission. She doesn't know which way to turn for help and daren't speak openly to some of her colleagues as she doesn't know who to trust. It is an abysmal situation for people to be in. Mr Turner should be ashamed of himself for acting in this manner. The staff need to do what they know is right in this situation. If you stick together you MUST be listened to. Please be brave enough to say how you feel.

R. Thornton · Mr Turner

For those of us who have experienced Mr Turner's behaviour first hand over recent months his action on Friday sadly comes as no surprise. He has regularly carried out personal attacks on people in the press and in letters to parents. He has never been willing to listen to any other opinion - even though he has stated on letters that he would be open to 'reasonable' requests for dialogue.
Recently I sent him a 'reasonable request' for him to think about some of the issues in the hope that he might attempt to mediate between the different groups. His tactic - like most modern politicians - is to choose one aspect and then completely ignore the rest. Much as he did in his letter concerning the HMI visit. He then proceeded to attack me personally in his reply, without answerering any question. This has been his way constantly, of deflecting his own inadequacies, and his non-acceptance of Marton's problems.
His comments have rarely been made with any factual evidence to support them. For example he claims to possess a 'portfolio' of evidence regarding the forums. However it is noticeable that when the school was asked by Bravenet, and their legal department to produce evidence for closing the site he did not use this 'portfolio' to do so.
So, KST, you can take some comfort in the above. It is common behaviour for him to make personal attacks on others. He blusters and attempts to bully. You are in the right, and you must continue to believe so, with the support of your union.
Were Mr Turner to do the honorable thing now he would offer his resignation immediately. However, from my recent experience, honour does not seem to be part of his character.

billandben

Mr Turner is supposed to be representing the school, the staff and most importantly the children. What he is doing is helping to destroy the school. He made his own opinion up at the start and won't listne to what anybody tells him. He is not even interested in looking at evidence according to the action group. He is taking the things that are posted on here (some admittedly 'close to the bone', but we are talking about desperate people here!) as personal insults and not looking at the bigger picture. Help is needed urgently to correct the damage that has been done over the last 17 months.

stan

AS STATED PREVIOUSLY IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT THE TERM "REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO MRS ALDERSON" HAS BEEN USED IN MARTON SEVERAL TIMES WHEN PEOPLE QUESTION THINGS, ESPECIALLY MANGEMENT AND THE LEA.

A TEACHER THERE INFORMED ME THAT SHE HAD DOUBTS OVER TAIME TABLE ISSUES AND WAS TOLD THIS!!

Archangel · Re: Mr Turner

disillusionedteacher · Chair of Governors

I have already posted this on the Governors board, but it is also relevant to this thread, so I make no apologies for posting it here too:

I am a teacher at Marton Primary School. I am remaining anonymous because I dare not give my name.

I am shocked and horrified by the behaviour of Mike Turner, the Chair of Governors. In my opinion, he is not fit to be on the governing body, and certainly not fit to be Chair of Governors. He seems to be under the false illusion that he, and he alone, is responsible for the running of the school. He is NOT fulfilling the role of Chair, but seems to have gone power mad.
The rude, unprofessional and possibly slanderous comments he made, during a school staff meeting, about a local councillor (one from his own Lib dem party, incidentally) were disgraceful, as were other comments he made about the impending grievance against Mrs Coupe. His actions are totally inappropriate. This is not just my view, but the opinion of many other members of staff, who are also frightened to speak up.

Marton School is in a terrible mess. Mr Turner is compounding the problems with his bombastic and unprofessional behaviour.

martonteacher · Mr Turner's meeting

I too am now speaking up. Mr Turner has rightly been criticised for his words and actions. However the previous evening Mr Turner had been seen entering school. The content of the meeting clearly had the full support of Mrs Coupe. She is the person pulling the strings and determining what happens. Everyone must be aware of this. Mr Turner is obviously out of his depth and is being manipulated.

Michael Shore · Mr Turner

Congratulations to Mr Turner, for once again encouraging more users to get involved in the debate.
He has single-handedly made this forum even more popular than anyone could have hoped.
If what has been reported on these pages is true, namely that the Headteacher has been charged with a grievance, why is he discussing it in front of staff? Surely she must be innocent until proven guilty! It also makes things clearer as to why the school is in such a mess.
Anyone prepared to tell us what Mr Turner said about Mr Bamborough? Or is it really too crude and offensive?
I will be expecting a letter to come home with my child over the next week or so to put Mr Turners lob-sided view forward, as he always seems to rise.
Now then, where did I put my fishing rod?

disillusionedteacher · Mr Turner

I will tell you exactly what Mr Turner called Jon Banborough:

"A brainless (or braindead) idiot."

If I were Mr Bamborough I would be looking into taking legal action against Mr Turner for that slanderous comment. To make a comment like this in a private conversation is one thing, to make it in a meeting with all school staff (a meeting held about a totally different matter) is disgusting.

HM · Grievance

This is actually more serious than I, and no doubt others, thought. The allegation made by Mr Turner of a grievance procedure surely needs investigating. But by whom? If it IS true then he certainly should not have been speaking about it - aren't such things confidential? Also when did this grievance start ? It must have been before the suspension because I wouldn't have thought anyone could start a grievance against school when they are on suspension. In which case was Mrs Alderson suspended BECAUSE of the grievance?
Doesn't it now become a legal matter ? An employee surely can't be suspended because they have taken out a grievance against their employer ? Any tribunal or court would never accept this as a legitimate reason.
Mr Lund must have known about all of this all along. How has it been allowed to continue - he MUST know that the authority can never win such a case in court ? Or is he hoping, as has often been stated on this website about the Action Group, that Mrs Alderson will just give up and go away. In this context the length of time for things getting sorted is beginning to make sense.
I just hope that more parents are reading this forum now so that they can get some insight on what is really going on behind the scenes. No wonder Mrs Coupe and Mr Lund wanted this site closing. The last thing they must have wanted was such an embarrassing disclosure by the Chair of Governors being brought to public attention.

Archangel · Re: Mr Turner

Alan Veale · Turner & Co

I should be grateful to Mr Turner for prompting this debate. We are now finally seeing some genuine reaction from some of the “happy staff” that we have so often been told about by Mrs Coupe and her champion toady! I may mock, but things could not be more serious. To have teachers posting on here under the pseudonym of “disillusioned” is an extremely sad reflection of what the staff at Marton School are having to suffer on a daily basis.

I will re-iterate a point that I made in an earlier posting – that it was the teaching staff that first brought my attention to what was happening inside school. It doesn’t matter about the numbers – two or twenty – but it DOES matter to me that people who have such a responsibility for developing my children’s future are having to endure such a corrupt line management.

You may recall the incident with the supply teacher last year – caught viewing pornography on a school computer. The outside world (including parents) only got to know about it through this discussion forum. Would you believe that both Mike Turner and David Lund have both been adamant in recent statements that the supply teacher had brought in his own disc, and was NOT using the internet? Now – neither of these gentlemen was a party to this incident, so they can only give such a statement based on what they have been told. The Action Group have documentary evidence from three different witnesses that the teacher was accessing the internet, even to stating which web-sites he was on! Ruth Coupe was the only other party to that incident who knew the truth – so I leave it to you to work out how Messrs Turner and Lund got their story wrong. “Marton Teacher” got it exactly right in their posting above – these gentlemen are being lied to and manipulated by an expert.

There are other teaching staff out there who know a lot more. I would urge them to re-think this whole thing, to remember that this is still a free country, that you cannot be harmed for speaking the truth, and to know that Mr Bamborough is an independent figure. He wants to get to the truth of the matter without the influence of people like Turner and Lund. I would particularly urge Val Brookes and Kathryn Bastow to speak to him, and to give your honest appraisal on the current administration at Marton Primary School.

Alan Veale

jonbamboro

Firstly, I would like to thank all those of you who have been in touch with me over recent events. If I haven't already replied to you it is probably because I am trying to get some info. However, I have had a lot of mail so please bear with me. The staff at Marton School are under a lot of pressure at the moment and I really don't want to add to that. However, my invitation for an in confidence chat still remains. I for one am big enough and idiotic??? enough to withstand any bullying attempts. I have no intention of taking everything said on this bulletin board at face value, however, I have to say that I am finding much more truth than fiction!
Keep up the debate, but please bear in mind that this is a PUBLIC forum. It doesn't do anyone any good to throw insults around, wether they are aimed at the Head, Chair of Gov, the Action group,Dir of EDU or even me!!!

Cllr. Jon Bamborough
education@anchorsholme.com

Lisa · Recent Incident Concerning Viewing of Pornography

I would like to state that I have seen a letter that Mr Lund sent to a parent last year that confirms he knew full well the circumstances that took place regarding the viewing of pornography in the school.
However, another incident occurred within the last couple of weeks and I am not sure whether this has been reported outside of the school, but I have been told that the Head is aware of the situation.
Parents who still have children at Marton please take notice of this. My friends have removed their children from the school for much less than this. My friends have written to Mike Turner and Ruth Coupe and they have totally ignored their complaints.
If there are any governors reading this please take action!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If anyone has any doubt about this being true then ask the teachers, ask Mrs Coupe ask - you are entitled to know the truth.

R. Thornton · Access to pornography

It is interesting that the above points have been raised once again. Many times on this forum and in letters to school and the authority, questions have been asked about the security of the school system (and therefore the authority's network) and NEVER has a response been received. We have seen that Mr Hill used a child's photograph on an adult site and we do not know whether or not he has other contact pages - it does not appear to have been investigated.

If you have access to last week's Times Educational Supplement I urge you to read the front page. In the government's own research into children accessing pornographic websites it is in Year 6 where it is most common - NOT in high school. The school CANNOT be complacent, and ignore our requests for reassurance that every effort is being made to protect the children at Marton.

WORRIED TA · Working at Marton

I am new to this site, I have followed the postings as an observer only, but I feel the time has come to speak out about the unacceptable situation at Marton.

It used to be a wonderful place to work, in fact most of the staff didn't think of it as work, it was school, silly, but we went to school not work. Sadly this is no longer the case, so much has happened over the last 17 months it is hard to remember what school life was like before Mrs. Coupe.

I have seen well respected teachers and teaching assistants leave or go off sick due to stress.

I have seen well over 60 children taken out of the school by caring parents not willing to jeopardise their children's educations. Several of these children are school staff's children.

I have seen a fantastic teacher and friend suspended without any charges being brought against her. Just 2 weeks after putting in a grievance against Mrs. Coupe.

I have seen staff moral plummet to record lows, we have been threatened on numerous occasions with our jobs, jibes such as remember Mrs. Alderson and remember Mrs. Connor ( a SSA who stood up to Mrs. Coupe and took her children out of Marton only to find she was then moved from Marton.)

No one can do anything about what is happening because the rot sinks to deep, my hope now is that the action groups efforts to get the DFES interested works and that an independent investigation will show the true state of Marton Primary School.

BBCCSA · Re: Working at Marton

mary · We CAN do something about it

Worried TA, we CAN do something about it. It's what many people are already doing - speaking up and sticking together. That's how things begin to change.

There are many incidents in history where this has happened - gradually people have realised the truth, and begun to work together. Remember, there is strengh in numbers.

Stick with it - believe in yourself and your feelings. The truth WILL eventually come out.

WAYNE HEYS

Worried TA, I can only assure you that the Action Group(not to be mixed up with "a vindictive minority") are and will continue to try and get Marton School back to where it was some 18 months or so ago.
There are more staff now posting on here which quite clearly demonstrates that they are not happy at work.The Marton pack of cards will eventually collapse but it takes time as there are so many areas which need to be addressed.
From the outset the Action Group has shown that irrespective of how many doors are shut in our face,we will strive to find the truth,we will not go away,and we will act upon information we have which has been validated.Many rumours have been spread regarding Mrs Alderson,s suspension,I wonder who the author of these rumours where, the LEA must have a very weak case if 8 months after the initial suspension,the cannot see fit to charge here with anything specific,
Mr Lund has gone quiet,Mrs Coupe has kept her silence and now Mr Turner has become the mudslinger at regular opportuniteis,its just a pity as head of the Governors, that he does not spend as much time and energy dealing with complaints of the Action GROUP. to allegedly call an elected councillor a the names that he did,shows me that he is sadly lacking in behavoural skills and questions should be asked as to whether or not he is the right person to hold the position that he currently holds !!
,SO , strength in numbers,be brave enogh to post your opinion's and as far as disciplinary action ............its laughable !!!!!!!!!!!!!

WAYNE HEYS

Worried TA, I can only assure you that the Action Group(not to be mixed up with "a vindictive minority") are and will continue to try and get Marton School back to where it was some 18 months or so ago.
There are more staff now posting on here which quite clearly demonstrates that they are not happy at work.The Marton pack of cards will eventually collapse but it takes time as there are so many areas which need to be addressed.
From the outset the Action Group has shown that irrespective of how many doors are shut in our face,we will strive to find the truth,we will not go away,and we will act upon information we have which has been validated.Many rumours have been spread regarding Mrs Alderson,s suspension,I wonder who the author of these rumours where, the LEA must have a very weak case if 8 months after the initial suspension,the cannot see fit to charge here with anything specific,
Mr Lund has gone quiet,Mrs Coupe has kept her silence and now Mr Turner has become the mudslinger at regular opportuniteis,its just a pity as head of the Governors, that he does not spend as much time and energy dealing with complaints of the Action GROUP. to allegedly call an elected councillor a the names that he did,shows me that he is sadly lacking in behavoural skills and questions should be asked as to whether or not he is the right person to hold the position that he currently holds !!
,SO , strength in numbers,be brave enogh to post your opinion's and as far as disciplinary action ............its laughable !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alan Veale · Declare your Independence!

The abuse of power by people who possess it is nothing new. History books (even those in Marton Primary School) have many examples. At the same time, when such powerful groups try to inflict their selfish will upon others, there is inevitably a point at which someone makes a stand, and a resurgence develops. Such was the case with the French Revolution, and that in America, which eventually brought about the United States of America, and the signing of the “Declaration of Independence” on 4 July 1776.

The following is an extract from the Declaration. See for yourselves how the people of America established their democratic rights:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

In other words, when there is something wrong, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.

That is why the Marton School Action Group was formed. And that is why certain people in authority have tried to discredit our very existence by painting a false picture of what we are trying to do. None of us want to see the school come to any harm, or to see members of staff suffer in any way. It is the administration of Marton School that is our target – where the likes of Ruth Coupe, and Mike Turner are prepared to use threats and intimidation to achieve their ends. You DO have a choice. You DO have a voice. Just make sure that you use both – and talk to people who are prepared to listen.

Alan Veale

Andrea Smith

I have to agree that getting in contact with Mr Bamborough is a good idea, as long as he is true to his word when people ay that they are supporting Mrs Coupe and that they do not agree with what people are saying about her. With him being a councillor I am sure that everything will be O.K.

teacherx

Andrea, I would love you to get in contact with Jon Bamborough. I think you might be shocked by some of the things HE tells YOU. Perhaps you will then have a more balanced view.

Peacock · listen to facts and decide for yourself

Please tell me some facts so I can decide for myself. As of yet I do not seem to get anything that gives facts about what is wrong with school apart from Mrs Coupe being the headteacher and that many out there do not want this. I got in touch with Mr Bamborough and he did not tell me anything either. He just thanked me for my e-mail.

The feeling I get from reading this website and believe me I have many times is that you are all upset about Mrs Alderson. I can understand this but does that really give concern for the fact that people are saying school is not safe, children are in danger, complaining about unsafe acts of staff crawling around putting in cables, are these just not petty grievances blown out of all proportion by a few to try and scare people into thinking the worst of some at school.
Because if our school is so unsafe please give me facts on how and why so I can make up my own mind and I am willing to listen to the truth but the feeling I get is that

the true act of the action group is to get Mrs Alderson reinstated.

I would not stand by and put my daughter at risk I am a person who would act on this matter if I thought she was so please tell me facts not fiction. I need to hear this from the people who know not people who do not work at school any more but from the ones who know what is going on.

If so many teachers are dissatisfied with school please speak out and let us know the truth. Mr Richardson so you all say left because he was dissatisfied with school at least he had the honour to stand by his feelings.

I can not make a judgement on what I read from people who will not give their true names that straight away makes me think that what they say is not the whole truth. I also do not believe that if something is really wrong the staff are to scared to tell. Surely they are stronger then this they are teachers teaching our children they must have some gumption to do this job.

jonbamboro · RE: Mrs Peacock

With reference to your previous posting (Mrs Peacock). I have asked people to get in touch so that I can make my own mind up as to the facts. It is not for me to gossip about things that I do not know are facts. Once I have established some FACTS, like I have done already, I will take the appropriate action, as I have done.
I do still welcome anyone getting in touch who is au fait with any real facts. Mrs Peacock says I did nothing but thank her for her mail, but whilst I welcomed her comments, they did not throw any light on events within the school, but I respect her point that many people are happy about how the school is run.
As for Mrs Peacock asking that people use their "real" names. If things are as bad as some people claim, then I don't blame them for wanting to remain anonymous. However, they can contact me with a gaurantee that I will not reveal their names.

education@anchorsholme.com

WAYNE HEYS

Mrs Peacock,firstly thank you for the constructive way you have put your concerns , I (as you no doubt already know) have no children currently at Marton,
yes,I do beleive Mrs Alderson has suffered an in justice,she taught both my children as well as took both of them on P.G.L..An experience they both thoroughly enjoyed,She was an excellent teacher and very much part of the Marton family. When Mrs A was suspended we were all told that she was not at school for the school leavers assembly due to personal reasons,I know of and have recently spoke to one parent who faced mrs Coupe some days prior and asked her to tell her the truth whether or not this was the case,she was told NO, Mrs A was off due to personal reasons,i WAS INDEED AWARE 4 DAYS EARLIER THAT SHE HAD BEEN SUSPENDED !!!
The ofsted report simply did not reflect the school that I had been a part of over a 9 year period,things had changed,the atmosphere at school had changed the Senior Management team were criticised in the report yet Mrs Alderson lessons were indeed singled out as very good.
To listen to the yr 6 kids coming out of school last year it was clear that many of them simply did not have the same respect for the head as they had previously,
As for Mr Richardson,I was told by a member of staff ,whilst helping out at school that he was leaving even though he had no job to go to at the time,contrary to what the letter from Mrs Coupe put out telling us that he was leaving to take up another post.When Mrs Baines left a letter was sent home stating her reasons why, strange at the bottom of the note it spelt out that it had nothing to do with the Headmistress,HOW MANY OTHER TEACHERS LEAVE AND TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN WHY ?I must point out that in my opinion she is an excellent teacher and this no way reflects on her in any way shape or form,
Mr Hill,tried his best to shut down the web site,did he do this on his own or with someone prompting him,the more I ,along with all the other members of the action group, strive for answers we are met with contempt and doors slammed in our face,and I am talking about people who do not teach at the school.
Mr Lund said last October we had vallied points and we where indeed acting in the interests of the children,he suggested to work together to resolve some of the issues,when was the last time you heard anything from him,I will tell you LAST OCTOBER ,Mrs Coupe held a post OFSTED meeting knowing very well a lot of parents had asked for a meeting with her to discuss our concerns,we are still waiting for that meeting,we never ever needed security at Marton for a meeting,which brings good old brings Mr Turner into play,who let it be known is still finding out factual information where previuosly he was under different impressions of certain situation's.
Mr Turner has become the Marton mudslinger constantly attacking anyone who dares ask questions about Marton,he either has more information than the Action Group(which he has not) or he is conducting his business in one of the most unprofessional way I have ever witnessed, lately he contacts the paper to suggest a get together and to supply more information,well ,If Mr Turner had taken time to do his job properly he would now have that information and many more people would actually trust him I FOR ONE DO NOT !! Finally, I can assure you that a lot of staff at Marton are far from happy,to speak up and put your career on the line is a very dangerous thing to do,bearing in mind staff are being told who they can't speak to,hopefully you can see why so many are still silent, 60 childen leaving Marton would be unheard of in recent years,are you suggesting Mrs P that all these people are wrong,surely you must understand that there a problems at the school , under Mrs Lancaster how many staff went on sick leave compared to that under Mrs Coupe,find out the figures you will be alarmed, I firmly beleive in freedom of speech its a pity then that we are regualarly trying to be silenced and discredited, well it wont work, the Action Group has a wealth of experience in many area and it could be a long fight,but we are prepared to take all the insult's because MrsAlderson and Marton School is simply worth fighting for,thank you for your post again and I hope this helps

R. Thornton · Facts

I do despair Mrs Peacock when there are posts such as yours. I know that you have joined the forum late, so I would advise you to spend some time reading ALL the posts, and my emails to you before posting. We are going over the same old ground.

1. Your statement about the aim of the forum is to re-instate Mrs Alderson. Please show me anywhere on a post where that is stated. What I have always asked for is the chance of a FAIR HEARING. A chance to know why Mrs Alderson was suspended and why proper procedures were not followed. 3 facts there for you about why we are asking questions. It is not up to us to decide whether or not she is reinstated - but FACT intimidating behaviour by Mrs Coupe and Mr Turner in a staff meeting does not lead us to believe that she will get a fair hearing.

2. The first cause for concern about the school was immediately on the publication of the Ofsted report. FACT the first letter and two others were sent immediately following the publication. Email PeakHaus (you can easily search for their web addresss - they are part of the RM group) and ask them to confirm this. You will need to apply under the terms of Freedom of Information Act for the letter and their response. This is difficult and time consuming but something that we have constantly had to do to try and find out anything. FACT letters to the press about school also appeared at this time - you can search the Gazette's archives online to confirm this. All this was nothing to do with Mrs Alderson, and before her suspension. FACT all I knew about Mrs Alderson was that the Ofsted report praised her teaching.
Complaints to the Ofsted team were thorough, and now form part of the complaint to the DfES. They are too lengthy to appear here but if you wish to see them as soon as the DfES complaint is dealt with I am sure you can apply to have access to them. Otherwise you would need to write to Mr Veale under the Freedom of Information Act, as we have had to write to other suthorities on numerous ocasions to try to get at the truth.

3. FACT - parents of the children in Mrs Alderson's class were not told the truth about Mrs Alderson, they found out for themselves. Again I really do not understand why you can see this as acceptable behaviour for a headteacher. You can verify this again by checking the Gazett'es archives - letters were written by angry parents, NOT about Mrs Aldersons suspension but about the way they were treated. They were parents like yourself.

3. FACT - a teacher was caught downloading porn on a school computer. FACT, parents did not discover this until the Autumn term because staff had been told not to let the information leave the school premises. FACT (see my other post of yesterday subject Downloading Porn) a similar incident happened recently at a High School. Parents at this school - and the press - wholeheartedly condemned the headteacher for trying to cover it up. I don't understand, and never will, why you and other Marton parents who know of it think it's O.K. for headteachers to try to hide things like this.

4. FACT - in Lancashire schools it would not have been possible to access this sort of material on computers used by children because of the systems they have in place. FACT, despite your accusations that we only wish to write about Mrs Coupe, I do not blame the availability of porn sites on Mrs Coupe or the school's IT department. Mr Veale and others have constantly also questioned the Authority's actions and procedures. If Blackpool's primary schools are part of a network it would be far easier and less costly to have safeguards in place for all primary schools instead of expecting each school to spend time and money on establishing their own. I am also told by an 'expert' friend that this would also be much safer for children.
You stated 'I would not stand by and put my daughter at risk I am a person who would act on this matter if I thought she was so please tell me facts not fiction. I need to hear this from the people who know not people who do not work at school any more but from the ones who know what is going on.' You have every right to write and ask about the safety of the systems. Attend on an open day at the school and ask if you can test the safety. If you are the type of person to act then do so ! We are NOT saying that the computers are unsafe BUT FACT we have never been told they are safe and incidents keep happening to make us believe that they are not. We simply would like to know what systems are in place - and why they do not seem as efficient as other authorities. O.K. convince me that children are free to surf or research safely - give me the evidence.

5. FACT - Mr Coupe attended a private school meeting when many other parents were not allowed to attend. Letters had been sent out before the meeting stating this. FACT - Mrs Coupe has refused to allow anyone to see the notes which Mr Coupe took. You once told me that he was there to support his wife - so please tell me what notes he was taking. Please tell me that this is not just a petty grievance blown out of all proportion by a few . How many ordinary people would speak up and ask questions when a person known to be a police officer, supporting his wife, is taking notes at a public meeting ? I will change my mind if you can show me any other instances of similar activity at any school anywhere in England.

This is long enough. Above are just a few facts for you there are many more. They are indisputable. They are not by any stretch of the imagination petty grievances - I only wish they were. As has been stated elsewhere on the site do you really think the DfES would still be investigating and not just have thrown them out? They are not all by any means simply aimed at re-instating Mrs Alderson - there are much wider issues here even if you choose not to recognise them.

As I have said in a private email to you, I was going to slow down in my posts - but having read yours today I felt that I had to respond. However there will no longer be any need. Whether you accept it or not, knowledge of Mrs Coupe's, Mr Turner's and the authority's mistakes have reached a wider audience. I feel now that we can just allow things to run their course.

Alan Veale · Personal message for Mrs Peacock

Mrs Peacock

This is to let you know that I have sent a "Private Message" to you regarding your request to speak to someone and find out more information for yourself.

I have a volunteer parent who is happy to speak to you over the telephone, but I am not permitted to post their details on the forum, so you will find everything in the message I have sent to your "Inbox".

If you go back to the Forum Index page after reading this message, then look at the top, you will see a sentence about "checking your private messages". Click on that and, if you are not already "logged in", you will be asked to do so. You will then be taken direct to your "Inbox", where you will find a message "In Confidence".

Alan Veale

Peacock · Thank-you

Mr Veale thank you for explaining to me how to use this computor I have now looked at what you told me and shall be using that Telephone number.

Sorry to all the other postings that I did not answer I did not know how to use it.

Soon will am going on a computor course soon.

SORRY AGAIN TO YOU ALL I AM WILLING TO LISTEN IF TOLD FACTS. BUT CAN'T HELP NOT KNOWING ABOUT COMPUTORS.

In Confidence

Tell it how it is!

teacher

My comments

Support for KST

Mr Turner

Re: Mr Turner

Chair of Governors

Mr Turner's meeting

Mr Turner

Mr Turner

Grievance

Re: Mr Turner

Turner & Co

Recent Incident Concerning Viewing of Pornography

Access to pornography

Working at Marton

Re: Working at Marton

We CAN do something about it

Declare your Independence!

listen to facts and decide for yourself

RE: Mrs Peacock

Facts

Personal message for Mrs Peacock

Thank-you