Controversial teacher’s rules spark backlash
PARENTS ANGRY AT NO CONSULTATION OVER CHANGES
A controversial teacher branded the “toughest” in the land for his army-style rules has sparked a backlash from parents after he turned up at a Loughborough school.
The unexpected arrival of exhead Barry Smith at De Lisle College last week has got some people’s backs up, with reports that pupils are being forced to smile at staff.
It is understood Mr Smith was invited along to the Catholic secondary, which is part of the St Thomas Aquinas Multi-Academy Trust, on a temporary basis to help with the smooth transition of pupils between classes. Mr Smith was the subject of an ITV News investigation into his unusual methods while at a failing inner city school in London, in May.
His methods reportedly include confiscating mobile phones, introducing sick buckets in classrooms for unwell pupils, suggesting 9.30pm bedtimes and insisting children look staff directly in the eye when speaking.
Mr Smith also made headlines while he worked as head teacher at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, in Norfolk, whose fortunes he helped turn around before leaving the school last year.
Several parents of children at De Lisle, where smart phones were banned two years ago, have contacted the Mercury expressing dismay and confusion over his role at the school. One woman, who did not want to be identified, said a “new discipline regime” had been introduced along the lines of Mr Smith’s methods.
She said she was first made aware of his arrival after her daughter rang her from school. “Children are being made to do all manner of things, such as walking with both shoulders against the wall,” she said. “I’m not sure how that is even possible.
“They are also being forced to smile constantly at teachers and staff – or their punishment is detention.
“The children are confused - I’m confused.” She added: “We were not notified, pupils were not notified. I’m not sure about other parents but I for one am not happy. I was not aware of any discipline issues at the school beforehand.”
One father said the “De Lisle smile” is a term now being used at the school following the arrival of Mr Smith.
“Staff are saying this to students in the corridor!” he said. “I am devastated I have sent my child into school not knowing she will be pulled up for not smiling.
“She is a happy girl but generally only smiles if something makes her smile!”
Another angry parent said her daughter had raised “concerns and anxiety” about the visiting former head. “It is clear he has brought with him some very rigid behaviour policies,” she said. “One girl was told the way she folded her arms was rude.
“My own daughter is very anxious about returning to school, although she is a bright pupil who has never had any concerns raised about her behaviour.
“When she mentioned who the visitor was, I was shocked the school had brought in such a controversial person.
“Barry Smith is branded the toughest head in the country and I know he was at the centre of an ITV investigation.
“I have huge concerns he is even consulting within my child’s school, let alone the impact this could have on future behaviour policy.”
The woman said that she, along with several other parents, had written urgent letters to the academy trust demanding an explanation.
“What annoys me the most is that we weren’t consulted,” she added: “I’m deeply concerned this type of leadership is even been considered.”