A report highlighting the “impressive” behaviour of students at a local school has been challenged by a retired Bridgnorth College lecturer. Fred Phipps, who also worked for many years as a probation officer, has complained to Ofsted following their inspectors’ recent visit to the Endowed School.
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Details of part of the Ofsted report, published in last week’s Journal, quoted inspector Michael Smith as saying that they were very impressed with the good behaviour shown and the way pupils concentrate in class.
‘There are two state secondary schools in Bridgnorth and both, I am sure, contribute to the growing incidents of anti-social behaviour,’ states Mr Phipps in his letter to Ofsted. He points out that town councillor Geoff Bodenham received unanimous council support in May to challenge the anti-social behaviour in the High Street.
There was an immediate response from the headteachers’ at the Endowed and Oldbury Wells Schools in which they vowed to work with the council.
Endowed headteacher Pam Chapman said then that all reports of bad behaviour were investigated and incidents outside the school would always be investigated.
‘What a case of rose-tainted spectacles it was, therefore, when Bridgnorth residents read the Bridgnorth Journal to report on your recent inspection of the Endowed School,’ Mr Phipps has told Ofsted.
‘How many residents in High Town from 3.45pm each weekday could say of these foul-mouthed, litter-bugging uniformed pupils ‘We were particularly impressed with your friendliness and helpfulness’ (in the inspectors’ report).
‘Perhaps Ofsted, before each visit, can do a search of local newspaper reports as to the conduct of pupils outside school.
‘I ask – dare I say demand – that this be included in Ofsted’s remit,’ he added. ‘Otherwise we must draw this conclusion: those who can teach, those who can’t – inspect.’
Mr Phipps’ letter follows up his concerns about behaviour of pupils out of school outlined in a letter he sent to Schools’ Secretary Ed Balls MP.
Craig Jenkins, from the Department for Children, Schools’ and Families, has replied to Mr Phipps’ on behalf of Ed Balls, pointing out that schools are now able to regulate pupils’ behaviour when out of school and not supervised by staff, but only to such as an extent as is reasonable.
‘Obviously, however, the ultimate responsibility rests with parents and the children themselves for their behaviour in such circumstances,” he adds.
An Ofsted spokesman said yesterday that Mr Phipps’ letter would be examined. Mrs Chapman was unavailable for comment.
