London academy staff instilled climate of fear' among pupils

"Staff at a London academy instilled a climate of fear among pupils, with a drive for academic success likely to have harmed vulnerable children including those with special needs, according to a damning independent investigation. The report by Sir Alan Wood, one of the country's foremost experts in children's services, found that staff at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA) routinely used measures designed to humiliate pupils, frequently shouting at them and isolating them in corridors as part of a harsh and damaging disciplinary culture."

"The Department for Education said Wood's findings were serious and deeply concerning. A DfE spokesperson said: Every child deserves to learn in a calm classroom, and school behaviour policies should promote safety, respect, and a positive environment for both staff and pupils, tailored to the needs of their pupils and wider community. We will continue to engage with the [academy's] trust to ensure that it implements the changes needed in response to these findings."

"Parents who campaigned for an investigation into the school's culture said they were relieved, and called on the leadership to change course or be replaced. A spokesperson for the school's governing trust said the report was being carefully considered by its leadership. The Mossbourne Federation is committed to doing everything in its power to ensure the best outcomes for every child who attends its schools, it added."

Staff at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy routinely used humiliating measures, frequently shouting at pupils and isolating them in corridors as part of a harsh disciplinary culture. The academy's drive for academic success likely harmed vulnerable children, including those with special educational needs. The environment created a climate of fear and generated a high volume of mental health referrals, with some practitioners believing the culture exacerbated pupils' mental health issues. Internal oversight failed to investigate parental complaints about punishment, influenced by strong academic results. Parents who campaigned for investigation felt relieved and urged leadership change or replacement. The Department for Education described the findings as serious and deeply concerning.

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