GMB hold protest at Tower Hamlets school over axing of support staff
GMB hold protest and leaflet parents outside Manorfield Primary School over proposals to axe support staff
We held the protest not only to show the school we will challenge this disgraceful proposal but also to make parents aware of what is going on, says GMB London
GMB, the union for school support staff, yesterday (November 8) held a protest against the axing of school support staff at Manorfield Primary School in Tower Hamlets.
The school are proposing to axe 11 posts and replace with apprentices. The proposal details how the school would remove the staff who currently provide vital support for children at breakfast club and lunchtime. [See notes to editors for previous GMB press release]
Anna Lee, GMB Regional Officer said:
“We held the protest not only to show the school we will challenge this disgraceful proposal but also to make parents aware of what is going on. They had no idea of what the school are planning and were naturally extremely alarmed.
“11 support staff supervise 700 children during break times. That in itself is inadequate but now the school want to replace highly experienced and valued staff with apprentices who may have no understanding or experience of the sort of issues and situations they will be expected to deal with. Supervising large numbers of children is a very difficult, demanding and responsible job and the school don’t appear to recognise that.
“We know from speaking to parents that bullying and gangs are issues they are concerned about and they are alarmed at the prospect of the midday staff being replaced with staff who have no experience dealing with these very serious issues. They are worried that if there are incidents such as bullying, the apprentices will not have the knowledge or experience to deal with it.
“The parents were shocked when we told them of the school's plans. They are rightly worried about the safety and welfare of their children. They intend to raise their concerns with the school and are supporting our campaign. I hope the school is listening and does the right thing and abandons these worrying proposals.”
ENDS
Contact: Anna Lee 07870 176 720 or Kehinde Akintunde 07508 745 767 or GMB London Press Office 07970 114 762
Notes to Editors
GMB Press Release – “Tower Hamlets School propose axing of 11 support staff” (18 Oct 2018)
https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/tower-hamlets-school-propose-axing-of-11-support-staff
