Survey shows parents unhappy with Calday school management (From Wirral Globe)

Survey shows parents unhappy with Calday school management

1:32pm Monday 31st January 2011 in News By Stephanie Cureton

Flashback to parents' protest at Calday last year

MORE than half of parents at a top Wirral school are unhappy with the way it is run, according to a new report.

Calday Grange Grammar conducted a parent/carer survey and found that 63% did not agree that the school was "well-led and well managed" by governors.

The findings come just months after angry parents rallied to demand the board of governors stand down.

They felt the school was in jeopardy after headteacher Andrew Hall was suspended in October 2009 and governors "failed to keep parents in the loop" about his return.

In December, education watchdog Ofsted stripped Calday Grange of its overall "outstanding" status, highlighting that the school needed to restore confidence in a "significant minority of parents."

The new survey reveals how just 11% of parents who took part are pleased with how governors are operating.

The school, which celebrates its 375th anniversary this year, was released from council control in January 2009 and became a trust school.

Trust chairman Tim Sibthorp said he was disappointed with the results.

He said: "It is a great shame that there is a clear lack of trust between parents and the senior members of the governing body.

"And I hope that the situation can be rectified as soon as possible."

However the report also showed that the majority of parents were pleased with some other aspects with 92% agreeing that the school was a safe place for their children to work.

And 75% of those quizzed said they would recommend the school to others.

Acting headteacher Micheal Twist said: "We have been delighted with the size of the parental response to this survey, and our thanks go to all parents who contributed.

"We feel that we have a detailed analysis of parent perception that can be used in developing the school further. "In publishing the results, we are showing strength and we are being open and honest.

"The survey identifies some clear priorities, and we will be sharing our plans for development and progress through the parent newsletter."