School trust to appear on TV documentary following parent protest
Athena Learning Trust will be featured in a BBC Panorama documentary tonight.
A group running schools in Devon and Cornwall is set to appear on BBC TV tonight after parents protested about strict rules.
The Athena Learning Trust is already looking for other organisations to take over its schools including ones in Camborne, Bideford and Ilfracombe
The government says it’s stepping up checks on the trust, focusing on how it handles pupil behaviour and complaints.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
"These allegations are serious and concerning, and we are taking robust action to make sure the Trust improves, ahead of the schools transferring into new Trusts, so that every child gets the safe, calm and inclusive school experience they deserve."
“The trust is subject to enhanced monitoring and oversight from senior officials at the department, with a particular focus on making sure its approach to pupil behaviour is reasonable and proportionate."
“More widely, parents always have the right to complain to both their school and their Trust – and if they are unhappy with how a complaint is handled, this can be escalated to the Department.”
Issues with discipline at the trust will be featured on tonight's edition of Panorama.
A spokesperson for Athena Learning Trust said:
"We recognise that the BBC Panorama programme may raise questions for families. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and respected, and the staff in our schools work hard to balance high expectations with compassion, understanding and individual support. Staff are expected to use their professional judgement and make reasonable adjustments where needed, particularly for children and young people with SEND and additional needs."
"Education is a shared endeavour with schools, trusts, local authorities and the Department for Education all working together to ensure that children across Devon and Cornwall receive the best possible education and support. Our schools and the Trust are engaging closely and constructively with all our partners across the education sector as we move forward to secure the best for all our children."
"Earlier this month, the Board of Trustees announced its decision to work with the Department for Education to identify alternative trusts for Athena Learning Trust schools. That decision followed careful reflection and listening to feedback, with the aim of securing the strongest possible long-term future for the children, families and communities we serve."
"While this process takes place, our priority remains unchanged. Our focus is on ensuring every child continues to receive a high quality education in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment, and that our staff have the support they need to continue delivering for children every day. We are committed to working positively with all partners so that, in time, each school joins the trust that is the best fit for its children, its community and its future, while maintaining continuity and stability throughout the transition."