Moira The Governor

Moira Swann spoke out in defence of the Egremont academy after problems at one of the Carlisle academies and a leading teaching union said it was "deeply unhappy" about the way three new educational establishments - two in Carlisle and one in west Cumbria - were introduced.
The Richard Rose Federation opened its Central and Morton academies in September, a year earlier than originally planned. Parents, unions and the federation's chief executive believe the speed has contributed to the troubles now being seen in the city. A third academy, West Lakes Academy, opened in Egremont, and consultations on a fourth in Barrow continue.

Staff will leave Carlisle's two academies today - the last day of the first turbulent term.

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said: "We have been deeply unhappy about the way in which academies have been introduced in Cumbria. I have raised our concerns about problems in Carlisle at the Richard Rose Central academy with Jim Knight, minister at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and made it clear we expect the department to get these resolved.
Most of the problems were avoidable and would not have occurred if the founders had listened to teachers and parents.  We hope conditions improve, but we will be closely monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to act if further problems arise. We continue to be opposed to an academy in Barrow.
What a completely ineffective organisation the ATL is isn't it?

In Egremont, the West Lakes Academy held a launch in November and this week leaders signed a recognition agreement with trade unions. Many unions oppose the Government's academy programme but local recognition agreements help in terms of negotiating pay and conditions.

Director of Cumbria County Council's children's services Moira Swann, who is also a governor of the Egremont academy, said: "I've got a closer relationship with West Lakes and can report it is making a fantastic start. It is an example of what can be achieved."
Well well. Not only is Moira a governor of Carlisle College she is also a governor of an Academy. Surely this cannot be right conflict of interest and all that. She is laying herself wide open to accusations of preferential treatment surely.

She added: "It must be remembered that this is the beginning of a transformation and it is early days. Academies are beginning to have creative thoughts about curriculums for example. The transformation will continue. A good school, like a good organisation, is constantly moving ahead. You never say you've got there."
Oh dear 'creative thoughts about curriculumns'. Scary stuff when such a large proportion of Cumbrian kids leave secondary education not being able to read, write and add up properly. Why not get the basics right first?
Well getting the basics right is boring and won't get as many column inches or plaudits as 'creating'.

She urged parents to support academies to improve standards in education.
What she is admitting here is that the majority of parents don't want the 'advantages' that Academies are alleged to bring to education. Silly woman. If the she had bothered speaking with parents in person before chasing the governments golden carrot she would have know this. Who knows there might even have been a set of Academies where the parents were all for them.

Peter Noble, chief executive of the Richard Rose Federation, said a lot has been achieved but warned that further difficulties lie ahead. Now this man, long since sacked by his sponsors, may actually have had a moment of second sight when he said this!

Ofsted made a surprise visit to Carlisle's central academy last week. Mr Noble said: "I think we are going to go through a difficult few months. It is usual for Ofsted to come in, but is it not better to have them in early so we know early where we are at?
I want them to challenge us and that we are held to account. We must be somewhat bullish about this because this is what we are here for."
Ofsted put the Richard Rose Academy into special measures and Mr Noble and his number two were sacked because despite Moira and Mr scowcroft saying they were 'best men for the job' clearly they weren't. Even worse Richard Rose despite the best efforts of Mr Noble's replacement is STILL in special measures. Just how bad was it when Mr Noble was sacked if the new team cannot haul it out of special measures?