An academy chain has been criticised for expecting its staff to apply for “downgraded positions” following the announcement of restructuring plans at three coastal schools.
The Inspiration Trust is consulting on how Great Yarmouth Primary Academy, Cobholm Academy and Stradbroke Academy can “raise standards and improve the education of children” - largely via smaller class sizes and the recruitment of more qualified teachers.
As part of this, fourteen new roles are being created but many other jobs could be lost.
According to the trust, the new roles consist of five teachers, one parent support officer, one attendance officer, three inclusion support officers, one administrator, five classroom assistants, two SEN classroom assistants and one higher-level teaching assistant.
But a source close to the school told this newspaper that this amounted to an “exchanging of titles” in an effort to save money, with current members of staff expected to compete for jobs with less responsibility and lower pay.
He said: “The ‘classroom assistants’ are simply re-named teaching assistants with vastly reduced positions. These are at a reduced grade, lower pay and hours and they are expecting the current TAs to apply for them.
“The message of doing things for the benefit of the children is very different to the one that has been put out in the consultation to the staff.”
In response, the trust admitted that the schools would “no longer need teaching assistants” under new proposals.
They said: “Teaching assistants offer a high level of support for teachers and lead on certain tasks.
“Due to the increased number of teachers, smaller classes and other new roles we’ve proposed, we would no longer need teaching assistants.
“Instead, we are proposing the recruitment of classroom assistants - this role has less responsibility and is solely supportive. They would be providing administrative support, supervising and supporting children in class/on trips and administering first aid.
They added: “If the proposals go ahead, we will be encouraging our staff members to apply for any of the new roles (classroom assistants and promoted roles) that they are qualified for.”
They added: “No posts will be advertised externally until existing employees have had the opportunity to apply. We understand this is a difficult time, but we need to make these changes to improve the education of our children.”
GYPA is in Ofsted special measures and Cobholm “requires improvement.”
Stradbroke was handed a “Good” rating following its last inspection in 2017.
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 here