The Future

R. Thornton · The Future

Dear Mr Turner, I am not sure how you have managed to remain as Chair of Governors, but you are obviously determined to stay.
With this in mind I have found the perfect activity for your summer break. Learn how a real chair of governors should do the job at:-

http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/governors/

Taking the Chair
This skills-based training programme is the first of two training programmes which together form the National Development Project for Chairs of Governing Bodies and Headteachers

chris

I have not posted for a while although I have been following whats gone on by reading the posts and by speaking to people I know who still have links with Marton School (some very close links).
I heard something the other day about a certain chairman of governors he was heard shouting and I mean shouting very agressively across the classroom at a teacher. I believe the teacher was one very well known to us on this forum. The person who told me this said they were outside the classroom and could hear every word, they were really shocked. There was more than 1 person listening.They didn't know what had gone on, but they were shocked that a chairman of governors could think it was alright to speak to a member of staff like that.
I'm shocked and disgusted too. Why should he get away with that? The sooner he gets removed from the governors the better.

PR

As somebody said on another thread, how do you know this is true?

You didn't hear it for yourself.

There are too many rumours flying around, and not enough true facts.

You need to make sure you are telling the truth or you could be accused of spreading malicious gossip.

Please check your facts thoroughly before posting them for public viewing.

BBCCSA · Disgraceful behaviour

Yes it is true, The Chair of Governors did blow a gasket & lose the plot. I know first hand from two witnesses that not only did the above happen, but that his behaviour was even worse. The goings on at Marton are becoming a standing joke these days but I do not think that the real victims, Alderson, Reidy and the pupils are laughing. This mess needs sorting out, and quickly!!!

chris

Thanks BBCCSA, I don't know who your witnesses are or whether they are the same as mine but I DO know that I trust and believe the person who told me unlike some other people involved in this whole sorry mess, as you say this needs sorting out now. How long are people going to turn a blind eye to things or is it only when it begins to affect THEM that they decide there is a problem? Well it could be too late then there are already too many victims in this. Looking back over all the facts on this website these are the victims I can list,

Mrs Alderson
the children who had to be moved away from their friends
their parents
the staff who went off sick with stress
the member of staff who was "removed" to another school
the governors who were removed to be replaced by yes men and women
the member of staff who left with no job to go to
the staff who have been trying to get out but can't (at least 5 have applied for other jobs)
other schools in the area that have had to face cuts because all the money has gone on Marton
Mrs Lancaster who has had her name bandied about by many people
and of course the staff and children left in a school that is such a mess

Anybody like to add any more?

And still the LEA defend what is going on and Mrs Coupe continues to treat HERSELF like the victim. What do we need to do to get someone to listen???

The whole thing stinks!

WAYNE HEYS

There is one victim you missed out,my MP,because he wont be getting my vote anymore,he had an opportunity to make progress in this case and he told me that he had advised all parties to bring this to an end,yet he failed to publicly address the waste of taxpayers money which has gone into this whole sorry tale,in my opinion, his silence in the media has been deafening,!!!!!!!!!!!

martonteacher · Shame

The only previous time I have posted was following an outburst from our 'chair of governors'. I didn't expect that it could happen again.
Events discussed above were worse on the day that any of you realise.
Where do you think we all were when all this happened ? We were shut in the staffroom by Mrs Coupe - with her deputy standing guard.
I thought that I had entered into a 'profession' when I went into teaching, but the headteacher here treated us like children. She knew that Mrs Alderson and Mrs Reidy were coming to school, because there had been a phone call to the office. Why didn't Mrs Coupe just keep the front door locked if she didn't want them in. Instead she let them in and then must have called Mr Turner. What a shameful way to behave.
Her actions make me ashamed to be a teacher.
Mrs Alderson and Mrs Reidy were colleagues and friends and were treated in the worst possible way. Mrs Alderson has been cleared and Mrs Reidy had never been suspended. So why couldn't they just call into school to collect all their own belongings they were not able to collect a year ago. Everything between Mrs Coupe and them could then have been over and done with. Instead Mrs Coupe won't let go - trying to cause these two teachers as much upset as she can. What stress must this cruel action by our headteacher have done for Mrs Reidy's illness ?

Alan Veale · Ostriches

In view of the above post by “Marton Teacher”, I make no apologies for reproducing two letters, the second of which just goes to show the kind of blind, insensitive support some people will give if they have “the right connections”… The reply to my letter was written by Councillor Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Young Peoples Steering Group, and a close associate of Gordon Marsden MP. Mr Marsden, incidentally, would appear to have no interest in the problems at the school, preferring to ignore every item of correspondence addressed to him on behalf of Marton parents. This is in complete contrast to other MP’s in the Fylde, who do NOT have the school in their constituency!

While I encourage anyone to post their personal viewpoints, Mr Blackburn shows astounding faith in Coupe, Turner and Lund, in spite of all the evidence presented in my letter – it is a pity therefore that he did not realise that his observations on Edmund Burke could equally apply to our Chair of Governors…

The letter to Mr Lund (below) was copied to ALL Blackpool Councillors –

Dear Mr Lund

I write to you for what I hope is the last time regarding not only Marton School, but the whole Blackpool community. We met only once, last October – when you agreed with me that Marton Primary School had its problems, and that it would be better if we worked together towards solving those problems.

How sad it is that, since that date over eight months ago, you have instead preferred to shelter behind the mask of “internal proceedings”, and then use your position to try and intimidate parents with threats of legal action. I write today to remind you that those “internal proceedings” do indeed appear to have been concluded (and I have yet to receive your solicitor’s letter through my door).

I will ignore the ridiculous attempt to claim that those “internal proceedings” were delayed in any way by the Action Group (although I am flattered you should publicly acknowledge that we had any impact), and simply ask whether you are now prepared to take positive steps to put Marton Primary School back on its feet, and also whether you are yet in a position to satisfy the Blackpool Council Tax payers that the tremendous costs of your abortive attempt to discredit Mrs Alderson and Mrs Reidy was money well spent?

The principal facts to consider (as I understand it) are these:

Between September 2004 and April 2005 the staff at Marton raised several complaints with you about the behaviour of their new head teacher. You did nothing to resolve those complaints.

In April 2005 you saw fit to personally welcome the OfSTED inspection team at the school – an unnecessary act, one would feel, but perhaps you have a good reason why, on this occasion, and at this school, you should see fit to make a personal appearance?

In the Summer term 2005, with staff resigning, going sick with stress, and removing their own children, you removed one support assistant to another school. Why? You then received a written complaint from Mrs Alderson about the behaviour of Mrs Coupe. On this occasion you took no action – Why? Within weeks that teacher had been suspended personally by Mrs Coupe, the OfSTED report was published, and the Chair of Governors resigned. Where were you? Would this not have been a more suitable time for the personal intervention of the Director of Children’s Services?

So – during the 6 week holiday, with the school descending into chaos but no apparent interest from either the head teacher or the LEA, parents started to get a bit “twitchy”: letters were written to the local paper, and a discussion forum set up on the internet. Enter David Lund with dismissive contempt on local radio. Not a good move! With more and more parents and staff demanding to know why the school had suddenly deteriorated, with no apparent support from the LEA, an Action Group was formed on October 9th 2005. I want you to note that date – because it is important to note that the Action Group was formed as a result of the incidents mentioned above; it did NOT cause them!

It is also important to note the contributions of Mr Mike Turner since that date. While assuming the title of “Chair of Governors”, Mr Turner has in fact totally ignored all the rules of that important role – preferring to take on the role of Mrs Coupe’s lackey (and by default, another one of yours). This was a man who could have played an important part in trying to resolve divisions within staff, in encouraging governors to take a pro-active role in settling differences, and inviting parents to air their grievances and questions in a tolerant and considered way. He did none of these. Even when he spoke to Councillor Bamborough earlier this year, he could not refrain from making personal attacks on myself and other parents for questioning his actions, and immediately afterwards personally slandered the Councillor before continuing to destroy any chance of an independent hearing for Mrs Alderson’s Grievance hearing. Now we hear he has seen fit to lose his temper with a member of staff on school premises in front of several witnesses.

And finally, Mr Lund – what have you achieved over the last twelve months as Director of Children’s Services? Apart from evading questions on the financial costs of this shameful business with two of the best teachers ever to serve at Marton Primary School, you can honestly claim to have put parents minds at rest over internet safety – but only after nearly twelve months of staff and parents applying pressure over concerns about the accessing of pornography at the school.

Those, as they say, are the facts in this case – unless of course you can prove otherwise?

The school now approaches the end of its second year under the head-ship of Mrs Coupe, and one wonders what kind of future awaits those pupils who walk through the gates in September 2006. As you know, I have now removed my own son to a better school, where I believe he has a better chance of preparing for secondary education. I am no longer a parent of a child at Marton School. I did not come into this campaign lightly. I did not sign up as some sort of “vigilante” – but I did feel genuine concern that people who should know better were prepared to condone bullying and intimidatory tactics to impose their will in what was once a happy and successful community. I still feel that way, and I recognise that the blame for all that lies not so much at Mrs Coupe’s door, but at that of her “mentor”.

The buck stops with you, Mr Lund. So what are you going to do about it? If you won’t tell me – then at least have the decency to tell the elected representatives. I will leave them to consider whether your answer is the right one.

Yours sincerely

Alan Veale
(on behalf of Marton School Action Group)
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Edmund Burke
Irish orator, philosopher, & politician (1729 - 1797)

Reply from Councillor Blackburn :

Mr Veale,

Now that the situation at Marton School has been resolved, I am delighted to give you my thoughts on your most recent unsolicited message, as well as on your previous messages.

For the record, I have now, and have had throughout, full confidence in the ability of the Head Teacher, School Staff, Governors, Parents and Pupils of Marton School. That they have been able to make such significant progress (as noted in the most recent OFSTED monitoring reports) recently, despite the best efforts of a small, disgruntled minority - is a great credit to them. Likewise, the Director of Children's Services has, in my view, handled what was clearly a delicate situation in a highly professional manner. Mr. Lund continues (as a recent Inspection of the Children's Services Authority demonstrated) to manage a flourishing and improving department, which does him and his team proud, and serves the pupils and parents of Blackpool very effectively.

Quite what you sought to achieve in your protests remains a mystery to me. I can only hope that now that you have no connection whatsoever with Marton School, you will allow the Staff and Pupils there, with the support of the Governing Body, the opportunity to continue their efforts to further improve the school.

I notice, incidentally, that you have a habit of quoting Edmund Burke. I studied Burke at University, and would draw your attention to the following analysis "Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France was extremely controversial .... its intemperate language and factual inaccuracies even convinced many readers that Burke had lost his judgment."

Regards,

HM · Letter to Mr Simon Blackburn

Dear Councillor Blackburn,

I am not sure if you look at this website but I sincerely hope that you do and that you might share with all those who follow Marton events closely the reasons for your confidence. If you are able to do this then we might see the end of the ‘disgruntled minority’ and an end to the MSAG. I write to you via this forum as I am unable to find other contact details.

Could you demonstrate the evidence for your statement “they have made such significant progress” ?
On reading your statement I checked the Ofsted site again and read the report written by the HMI in December. I found only the following 2 statements about progress :-

Initial Paragraph
However, the quality of pupils’ work and information from tracking records show that standards are improving. This is because of good intervention by CSA support staff that has resulted in teaching staff having higher expectations of the pupils.

In other words standards are improving – BUT only over the standards at the time of the inspection – NOT over standards in 2004 and he did not anywhere use the term ‘significant progress’ . Also note that the HMI attributed this not to the head, staff and governors but to the intervention by CSA staff. As a councillor can you assure the people of Blackpool that all schools get the same access to CSA staff input in order to improve their achievement.

Main Judgements
The school has made satisfactory progress in dealing with the causes of underachievement. This visit has raised some concerns about the standard of education provided and the school’s performance will be monitored.
Please note again that in summary he did not use the phrase ‘significant progress’ and goes on to say that his visit has raised concerns about the standard of education in school. You did not mention this in your letter to Mr Veale.

In addition you write "I can only hope that now that you have no connection whatsoever with Marton School, you will allow the Staff and Pupils there, with the support of the Governing Body, the opportunity to continue their efforts to further improve the school. "
Please take a look at the PANDA section on this forum where we have obtained a full independent analysis. The ‘further improvement’ you refer to is (I quote)

a drop in attainment at KS1 in 2005 compared to 2004 in all measures, and that Writing showed a very large fall of 15 points from 2004 to 2005.
Attainment ON ALL MEASURES was lower in 2005 than it was in 2004.

At KS2This was a further slight improvement in 2005 in terms of Average Points Score (APS) but there was no improvement in the L4+ measure in ANY subject and there was a serious drop in Maths in 2005.

The English CVA for 2005 is the only area where in terms of Value Added the school features as significantly higher than other schools nationally (highlighted)
I would like to point out that it was the co-ordinator for this subject (the only successful one) who was suspended by Mrs Coupe
I am awaiting news of the SATs results with trepidation - do you have access to these for the school ? Are they going to show that 'significant progress' as you describe it, has been made? If they do then I will publicly apologise to you for this letter.

I would you also like you to explain the statement
“despite the best efforts of a small, disgruntled minority”
Take a look at the figures for viewers on this forum, and the number of people posting. In any organisation there will be a small active committee, but many more supporting them in their efforts, gathering information for example. Because these people do not always voice their feelings does not mean they should be discounted. This particular thread for example has had 252 views in only 4 days.

You state “Mr. Lund continues (as a recent Inspection of the Children's Services Authority demonstrated) to manage a flourishing and improving department, which does him and his team proud, and serves the pupils and parents of Blackpool very effectively.”
So I went onto the Ofsted site again and read the (extremely long) report on the CSA. The most useful pages though are the final few which give grades for performance on all areas from 1 – 6, 1 being the highest. Blackpool achieved NO level 1 grades, some level 2s (good) the majority 3s, nine 4s, some 5s and a six. So as a councillor, and as you pointed out to us, a university graduate, your definition of ‘effective’ is to achieve an average score.

So finally I plead with you once again to share your confidence with us. All the documents to which I refer above are public documents. You are free to view them yourself and to view the forum’s viewing figures before replying. These are the only facts to which I have access, so perhaps you can provide others. Using these and the increasing knowledge we are gaining of the expenditure by the authority on sorting out the suspension of the ONLY successful co-ordinator and long term illness of staff gives me no confidence whatsoever that the head, governors and Mr Lund are providing value for money or that they have the management skills to turn the school around. How much more money is to be spent before results and achievement return to 2004 levels when this headteacher took over ?

Your letter to Mr Veale is alarming in that it shows that there are others in authority who make pronouncements, affecting the jobs and careers of not only teachers but others now, within Blackpool without either being aware of the true facts or simply ignoring them for their own purposes.

(Mr Veale - I would appreciate this letter being forwarded to Cllr Blackburn if you are able to do so)

BBCCSA · Council Website details for Cllr Blackburn

Simon Blackburn Evil or Very Mad

Labour
Home Address:
3 Lowfield Road
Blackpool
FY4 5BJ
Home Phone:
01253 760877
E-mail:
cllr.simon.blackburn@blackpool.gov.uk

AR · Cllr Blackburn

Like HM, I found the reply by Cllr Blackburn very disturbing. By his own admission he is a university graduate so not unintelligent, yet makes statements which cannot be verified. I can see now why Cllr Bamborough must be having a hard time.
People posting here and the MSAG have access to public documents such as the Ofsted report, the HMI follow up, SAT results, the DfES Panda report. They all tell the same story - of a school making no progress even back to its original status 2 years ago.
Perhaps Councillors are just too busy to read the information about Marton, But why then is Cllr Blackburn so confident ? How has he formed his opinions ?
Seriously, we must consider whether there is some other data which has not been made public. Does anyone know of any information Mr Blackburn might be using so that I could apply for it under the Freedom of Information Act.
I can only speak for myself but I would love to see some information from anywhere which shows that Marton is on its way back to what it once was.

disillusionedteacher

Martonteacher, I agree with everything you say. The whole situation was made into a melodrama - deliberately.

I know, for a fact, that a phonecall was made between 12.45 and 1pm, taken by Mrs Parkinson, who was asked to pass on the message to Mrs Coupe (the message being that Mrs Alderson would be in after school to collect her belongings).

As Mrs Coupe Knew that Mrs Alderson was coming in, why did she act as though it was a total shock to her?

Why were Mrs Alderson and Mrs Reidy treated like escaped prisoners on the loose - from whom the rest of the staff had to be protected?

These people were (and are) our friends. They came in (with permission) to collect their belongings and draw a line under their time at Marton School.

Their treatment was disgraceful. I can only liken the situation to an animal luring in its prey and then pouncing.

I am disgusted that other members of staff were drawn into such a sordid debacle.

And as for Mrs Reidy's health, I should think it took a massive nosedive.

DISGRACEFUL!

annie

shameful! why didnt staff challange this? surely they know that the two teachers were only getting their belongings, thats why they came after school was over.

disillusionedteacher

Following his disgraceful, uncalled for outburst, Mike Turner was overheard telling somebody to keep hold of the film in the CCTV cameras "in case it's needed for evidence".

EVIDENCE?? OF WHAT??

Have I missed something here?

Are Alderson and Reidy actually the modern-day Marton equivalent of Bonnie and Clyde or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?

Have they robbed a bank?

Have they held anyone hostage?

Have they attacked anybody?

Have they held anyone up at gunpoint?

Have they committed murder?

No. One has been suspended and that suspension now lifted. The other has been off work, ill. One has worked at the school since it first opened, the other slightly less time. They came in to collect their belongings (several years' worth), after letting Mrs Coupe know that's what they would be doing. They buzzed to be let in. Mrs Parkinson let them in. They stopped and chatted on the corridor to staff who obviously hadn't been held hostage in the staffroom.

Are these the actions of dangerous people??

RIDICULOUS!

Mr Turner needs to take a reality check.

jonbamboro

In order to maintain my neutrality in this, I have withdrawn my previous barbed comments regarding events taking place in Marton School last Monday (3rd July).

However, it is becoming increasingly dificult to remain neutral. I would be grateful if anyone else witnessed these events who has a different story to tell would get in touch with me in confidence.

I can be contacted on marton@anchorsholme.com

R. Thornton · Quotations

I noted with interest Councillor Blackburn's final paragraph in his letter to Mr Veale. Notice that he doesn't mention his source for this criticism of Edmund Burke.
Many great writers, artists, musicians have been discredited but does that mean that the content of their work has any less meaning?
I know that biblical writers have been subjected to critical analysis and many questions have been raised about them and the validity of their writing, but I could quote many sayings from the bible which stand up to scrutiny. I choose only one from Proverbs (26:12)

Cllr Blackburn take note !

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

HM · Cllr Blackburn

This post is just to let regular readers of this forum know, unsurprisingly I suppose, that Cllr Blackburn did not reply to my email. Thanks anyway to BBCCSA for providing the email address.

I must admit that, as a lifelong member of the Labour party (as all my family before me have been), I was saddened that a Labour councillor can make such uninformed and inaccurate remarks to Mr Veale. I would have hoped that a labour person would have checked things much more carefully. But then perhaps I am simply being naive and must face up to the fact that it is my party squandering thousands of pounds of tax payers money to dig Marton out of its current predicament and cover for the actions of its head teacher and governing body.

The Future

Disgraceful behaviour

Shame

Ostriches

Letter to Mr Simon Blackburn

Council Website details for Cllr Blackburn

Cllr Blackburn

Quotations

Cllr Blackburn