Against the academy: parents and teachers protest primary school conversion

OpenEye Film met the Avenue primary school parents fighting the conversion of the school into an academy. The joint General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers Kevin Courtney and The union representative for the school were present on the picket line on Wednesday 29th November.

The threat of academisation of our schools has spread from secondaries to primaries. many of the schools which could be about to be moved out of local authority control are in Labour authorities. One of the schools which is waging a campaign to defend their school is Avenue Primary in Newham. 800 parents and supporters have signed a petition against the school becoming an academy. the NEU have taken their first strike action at the school with another day planned.

OpenEye film commented:

“Solid strike action at Avenue Primary School with over 50 NEU members taking action to protect their conditions that are under attack through the planned academy conversion. The strike was well supported by parents and the local community. Many parents are opposed to the academy conversion and are angry the school governors do not listen to their views and are refusing to hold a ballot of all parents. A parent said “why are they afraid to find out what we want for our children’s education”. Louise, School rep and NEU Newham Officer, said this is just the start and the fight continues”. Kevin Courtney, NEU Joint General Secretary, attended the picket line and spoke to members and parents. Further strike dates have been announced.”

Further information is provided here by the Newham Teachers’ Association website.