Damning school report was no surprise to me

FOR FAILINGS

THE grandmother of a pupil at The Brooksbank School has called on leaders to “take responsibility” after a damning Ofsted report found the school is “not safe” for pupils.

Geraldine Douglas’ grandson attends the school in Elland, which was rated ‘inadequate’ by inspectors following a visit in February.

The Ofsted report, seen by The Examiner, has unearthed a long list of shocking failings with racism, sexual harassment, homophobia, bullying and violence all reportedly rife at the school.

But Geraldine says she was “not surprised” by the shocking findings as a number of problems have been reported on a Facebook group set up by parents whose children attend the school. Geraldine’s daughter, who did not wish to be named, added she now regrets sending her son to Brooksbank.

Ofsted found sexual harassment to be “distressingly common” at the school on Victoria Road and said “many pupils regularly experience inappropriate comments.”

The report states: “There have been a number of instances of inappropriate touching and assault. Some pupils also experience shocking threats of sexual violence. Leaders are not doing enough to protect pupils from these experiences or reduce the risk to pupils.”

Inspectors also found students are “discriminated against because of their race and religion” claiming kids “regularly hear racist language”.

Ofsted added homophobia is also rife in the school, saying: “Pupils are also targeted because of their sexual orientation. Pupils hear discriminatory language, such as homophobic language, every day”.

Bullying and violence during social times were found to be further major problems. In response, the school says it has worked “rapidly” to implement “sustainable” changes since Ofsted’s visit in February.

Reacting to the report, Geraldine said: “I was not surprised. I would have said it was a safe place a couple of years ago [when the school was rated as ‘Good’]. They need to take responsibility. They need to have an open discussion where people can speak and they can show people the way forward. They need to hold their hands up.”

Geraldine’s daughter said the report has made her feel as though she “made the wrong choice” by sending her son to the school.

“Although it was a damning report I am not surprised given the stories I have heard from both parents and my son himself,” she said.

“My daughter is also due to start there in September but, after looking at the “culture of sexual harassment” comments, I am really concerned for her welfare. My closest friend has a son in Year 8 and her views were the same as mine – shocked but not surprised. I regret sending my children there.

“I am afraid I made the wrong choice, unless the school seriously fixes up – and fast. Lots of parents are sick of the school and the Ofsted report was just a reflection of the worries they have.”

In a statement, The Brooksbank School said: “During the half-term holidays, on the evening of Thursday, February 24, the Education Exchange was contacted to support Brooksbank School. The Education Exchange is a group of like-minded trusts and friends who are dedicated to improving education in the north of England.

“The work is without cost and based on professional generosity and friendship. At 8am on Monday morning (February 28) a team of six arrived to work in the school.

They included one CEO, two executive principals, a director of safeguarding and inclusion, and an associate executive principal. All are experts in education.

“On Wednesday they were joined by colleagues from across the region and there were 26 specialists in the school from six academy trusts. This enormous capacity allowed the team to work rapidly to train staff and bring about a rapid transformation.

“New safeguarding processes, supervision, behaviour policies, school day structure and specialist catch-up intervention classes were all put in place. This meant that children were safe.

“A series of meetings were held with parents to explain the changes which were greeted with support. Dave Hewitt is an experienced executive principal who leads one of the highest performing schools in Kirklees. He has been executive principal and has led Brooksbank since February 28.

“We are confident that the changes are sustainable and embedded and that the school is now flourishing.”