Where is the equality?

As Ron knows, when you publicly express opinions, you run the risk of boring some and irritating others and with this in mind and the referendum over, I decided to give it a rest.

However, on reading the article ‘Council makes it to top 10 for work in education equality’, on August 9, I was moved to respond.

I realise, Jackie, the award was for work done in the field of gender inequality but who is going to speak up for the young of Parson Cross whose life chances will be severely affected by the lack of quality in their local schools?

Since Yewlands’ last Ofsted inspection when it was rated inadequate and placed in special measures and Chaucer was rated as being in need of improvement, things appear to have gone from bad to worse.

Of the more salient points made by Ofsted are the following:

Yewlands: In their first monitoring inspection since being placed in special measures, in 2015, Ofsted reported:

‘Leaders and managers not taking effective action towards removal of special measures’ and highlighted the following:

The Trust’s statement of action is not fit for purpose.

The school’s improvement plan is not fit for purpose.

Chaucer: since being rated as in need of improvement at their last inspection, Ofsted reported:

Inadequate: Effectiveness of leadership and management.

Inadequate: Quality of teaching, learning and assessment.

Inadequate: Personal development, behaviour, welfare.

Inadequate: Outcome for pupils.

Inadequate: Overall effectiveness at previous inspection requires improvement.

Ofsted comments regarding Chaucer: Leaders have an over-optimistic view of how they and the school are doing. In lessons too many children lack enthusiasm and look to disrupt learning of others keen to learn.

Who is at fault here? The schools or the Trusts under which they operate? Whichever, surely it can’t be considered good enough that young people are losing valuable years of the decent education they need in order to compete in this highly competitive world.

Where is the equality for these young, Jackie?

Mary Steele

Deerlands Avenue, Parson Cross, Sheffield 5