Parents raise 'safeguarding concerns' over 'army camp' rules at an Audenshaw primary school

A headteacher has received severe criticism as parents compare new rules implemented at an Audenshaw primary school to those of an "army camp".

St Stephen's CE Primary School was taken over by new headteacher Guy Lovgreen in September of last year and some parents have claimed that, following this, they have seen a "drastic and draconian" change to school policies and values as well as a "worrying" decline in staff.

"Our once fun and vibrant little community school has become a place of negativity and constant uncertainty for our children," one parent said.

Another parent denied these allegations, saying: "I couldn't be happier with my children's education at this school - and they can't wait to go in each day.

"I've been really impressed with Mr Lovgreen's first year as headteacher - he has really high aspirations for all the pupils and that can only be a good thing - my son has just applied to be a school mental health ambassador for next year which is a new programme and he's really excited about it. We've attended several church events over the past year and our children love being part of that school community. I've never had any concerns over their safety in school."

The Reporter was told three teachers and one teaching assistant have already left, with a further three currently off taking "long term sick", leaving several classrooms without permanent teachers in place.

"The constant disruption - particularly to our younger children - is causing a huge amount of upset and uncertainty, as well as having a detrimental effect on their education."

One mum said many extra-curricular activities, such as sports within the community, and the school's close involvement with the neighbouring St Stephen's Church have "either stopped completely or been significantly reduced".

Parents have also criticised the "lack of unity" amongst the staff and new headteacher, saying it has caused a "very visible divide" and, as a result, communication is now "at best ineffective, but at worst, dangerous".

Multiple parents raised safeguarding concerns with the Reporter, claiming that a 6-year-old had been able to leave the school without a supervising adult and messages in regard to cancelled after-school clubs had not been sent out to parents, causing children to be unclear on whether they could walk home on their own or not.

"Us parents and carers expressed the need for this - and many other issues - to be addressed over three months ago," another parent said.

"However, due to the obvious breakdown in relationships across the whole school community, the governing body fell apart and it's only very recently that Tameside Council have introduced an Interim Executive Board (IEB) in a bid to help deal with the many obvious and growing problems."

She added: "Sadly, we feel this has all come too late. We're already losing excellent staff members - teachers and TAs who have been at the school for many years and have built relationships and helping many of our children to flourish at this, once fantastic, school - and we know there will be more to follow.

"As well as losing staff, we are also losing pupils, whose parents have simply had enough of the lack of action being taken to fix the ever-growing list of issues.

"There have been generations of families attending this school over many years, and everyone has always been made to feel welcome and included as part of their 'SSP (St Stephen's Primary) Family'.

"To see so many of our much-loved and respected teaching staff, many of whom worked tirelessly and went completely above and beyond for our children during the Covid pandemic, feel like they have no choice but to leave, or who are unable to work due to illness, is devastating for our school community and we are desperate to have our voice heard before the school we all once knew and loved is completely gone."

A spokesperson for the school said: "St. Stephen’s Primary School is pleased to be a popular choice, with the Reception Class for September 2024 being oversubscribed.

"In May 2024, the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report highlighted several key strengths of St. Stephen’s: 'The school’s values and vision help pupils understand how to live positive and productive lives', 'there is a growing culture of hope, resilience, and ambition', 'pupils are treated with compassion and understanding' and 'school leaders seek a wide range of opportunities for pupils and adults, aimed at enhancing the lives of the community'.

"The recently appointed Interim Executive Board (IEB) has been actively working with parents to address any concerns and ensure that St. Stephen’s children receive a positive school experience."

Tameside Council were approached for a comment.