A SCHOOL whose staff striked over allegations they were bullied by their interim headteacher is turning the corner one year on, parents believe.
Parents whose children attend Selwyn Primary School in Highams Park were rocked by the 24-hour walk-out last May after Maureen Okoye became acting head following headteacher Robert Highfield's long-term absence.
But now the head, parents and staff at the school in Cavendish Road are putting Selwyn "back on the map" as it battles to improve exam results after its satisfactory Ofsted rating last February.
The new chapter in the school's history was marked by its school fete on Saturday, June 16, at which 300 parents and children joined staff to enjoy the food and fun on offer, including bouncy castles for the kids.
Paula Caiger, of the Friends of Selwyn School, said: "It was a brilliant day, everyone had lots of fun and really enjoyed themselves. After that I think the school is turning a corner. We feel more confident in the school and we feel it's worth the hard work we're all putting in."
Ms Okoye, who still runs the school as its executive headteacher, said she and the staff have overcome last year's differences and blamed the problems on resistance to new measures she implemented.
"We are all singing from the same hymn sheet now and the staff work really hard for the children," she said. "There will be frictions [when someone new is in charge] and when you introduce new ideas there will be a bit of resistance. But now we're focused on improving exam results."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel