Over 300 parents push back on Mossbourne criticism

More than 300 parents of current and former pupils taught by a multi-academy trust in east London have defended it following allegations of a "toxic culture".

In a letter to the Observer, external newspaper, which first reported the allegations in November, the parents said the two Mossbourne Federation secondary schools in Hackney change the "trajectory of young people's lives for the better".

The federation runs the Mossbourne Community Academy (MCA) and Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA) - the latter is facing an independently-led review into the allegations.

The trust previously told BBC News the allegations were part of a "vexatious campaign" and it offered a safe learning environment.

Earlier this month, former pupils, parents and staff described an environment where fear and intimidation were used to enforce a strict "no-excuses" approach to discipline to achieve strong academic results.

Among other claims, former pupils told BBC News that teachers would shout at and publicly humiliate pupils for minor infractions.

They alleged it affected mental wellbeing and impacted those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) disproportionately.

A campaign group called Educating Hackney, made up of parents and local councillors, compiled a list of more than 150 accounts from current and former pupils, parents and ex-staff detailing negative experiences at the schools.

The federation previously told BBC News: "We are confident that the extensive external scrutiny, strong academic outcomes, and high attendance rates demonstrate the reality of our thriving and inclusive schools."

In the Observer letter, the parents said that while "there is room for improvement in some areas, the vast majority of the children are well adjusted, happy and well cared for".

They said the accounts being reported in the media "do not represent the spectrum of experiences and opinions of parents, students and teachers".

"To give just one example, the Department for Education (DfE) has (we understand from the school) already investigated a series of allegations and found no evidence to support the concerns about safeguarding practices," they wrote.

The letter also states that both MCA and MVPA rank highly on academic performances for children from disadvantaged backgrounds while SEND students do "exceptionally well".

"They are successful schools with brilliant and committed teachers," the letter continued.

"Their ethos of providing a level playing field for all children from all backgrounds is commendable."

"While the rules can be strict and firm, and there is room for improvement in some areas, the vast majority of the children are well adjusted, happy and well cared for."

The review, ordered by the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership, will aim to "determine if the concerns can be substantiated" into the claims against MVPA.

The letter signatories said that "no school is perfect" and welcomed the opportunity presented with the review to suggest and support some changes.

Mossbourne Federation has been contacted for comment.

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