Secret probe at top-rated Hampstead Parochial School
Education chief on governing body of primary whose management is under investigation
Published: 29 April 2010
by RICHARD OSLEY
A SECRET investigation is under way into the running of the primary school where Camden’s education chief sits on the governing body, the New Journal has learned.
Neither the Town Hall nor the Diocese for London will discuss the fine details about the probe at Hampstead Parochial School, which has been ordered by a senior council official.
The inquiry, being conducted behind closed doors, does not concern pupil safety and no member of teaching staff has been accused of any wrongdoing.
The Town Hall said the investigation originally stemmed from complaints made by parents of children at the school but that further information would stay confidential. Although the school has an outstanding reputation, with top inspection scores and staff performance regularly praised, unrest on the governing body was revealed in November when members tried to stop Andrew Mennear, the Conservative councillor in overall charge of the council’s schools, from being appointed as a governor.
A deputation claimed his involvement on the governing body would lead to a “conflict of interest” but failed to block his appointment.
Cllr Mennear’s wife Sophie-Caroline had previously tried to serve as a governor. Liberal Democrat councillor Linda Chung is on the governing body. There is no suggestion that any of them are at the centre of the investigation.
Cllr Mennear said he could not comment on the probe at this stage.
The Holly Bush Vale school faced the upheaval of losing its headteacher, Rebecca Harris, last year, a departure which upset many parents.
Other familiar members of staff are rumoured to have taken up new jobs elsewhere.
Yesterday (Wednesday), the council confirmed it was now investigating “governance” issues.
A spokeswoman said: “The council is supporting Hampstead Parochial to conduct an investigation into complaints made by parents. The details of this investigation are confidential and only those involved are party to its details.
“Our commitment remains to the children of Hampstead Parochial and we are working closely with all involved to ensure that any problems are quickly resolved. This is a management and governance issue which does not impact on the education or wellbeing of children, nor does it concern teaching or learning at the school.”
It is understood there have been vigorous differences of opinions on the way parents’ complaints are handled, with splits emerging in relationships among governors and between some governors and staff.
Headteacher Simon Atkinson said: “Our focus at Hampstead Parochial continues to be 100 per cent on the education of the children.”
Andrew Baisley, branch secretary of Camden NUT, said: “Hampstead Parochial is a fantastic school as confirmed by last year’s Ofsted inspection. The great strength of the school is the talented and committed staff.
“There have been some governance issues that haven’t had an impact on the quality of teaching and learning or the children’s well-being. However, good governance is important for the long-term health of the school and we have been working positively with local authority officers to resolve these issues.”