A Sutton-in-Ashfield primary school rated among the worst-performing schools in the UK has responded to claims from parents about bullying, teachers leaving and parents pulling their kids out. According to education inspectorate Ofsted, Brierley Forest Primary and Nursery School, on Westbourne View, is among the worst 100 primary schools in the country.
Residents living near the school have said parking is a "nightmare". One resident went as far as describing living there as "hell" due to foul language being used outside the school gates, too.
There are two in Nottinghamshire that feature among the 100 or so, with the other being Harlow Academy in Nottingham Road, Mansfield. Both schools are rated 'inadequate'. Brierley Forest has recently been taken over by Transform Trust, a multi-academy trust, to improve its performance.
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The latest Ofsted report on Brierley Forest, when the school was inspected in November 2021, found some "do not feel safe" there. Speaking before the trust takeover announcement, some parents raised concerns about bullying, kids being pulled out of class by parents and teachers leaving.
Cailee Madin, 35, whose child attends the school, said: "My daughter who has special needs has been bullied there, and there's lots of bullying that goes on at the school. It's not great at all and teachers appear to be changing all the while, all the decent teachers have left."
A parent of a Year 3 pupil, who did not want to be named, said: "I think there have been three kids in my daughter's class that have dropped out where parents have pulled them out.
"What I've seen is parents not liking how the school is being run, and that children are not learning. No progress is being made. Parents want what is best for their children."
The CEO of Transform Trust has been encouraged by what has been seen since the trust took over the running of Brierley Forest, having listened to parents' concerns.
Rebecca Meredith said: "While there are challenges at all schools, after vigorous due diligence and a really positive meeting with staff and Brierley parents and carers, we know at this school there is a real desire and appetite to change for the better. We want to reassure everyone concerned that we share this desire and will be accountable for the next chapter at Brierley - and from the moment Transform was chosen as the school's trust, we haven't wasted a minute in putting our improvement plans into action.
"Safeguarding policies, processes and reporting were found to be clear with evidence that teachers know their children well and the policies can now be found on their website. Encouragingly, school leaders have accurately identified priorities and are working collaboratively with the trust to bring about swift and sustainable change."
Other parents have said the school is good, particularly those whose children with special educational needs attend the school.
Craig Dunning, 36, whose step-grandson attends the school, said: "They seem alright, I'd rate them 10 out of 10. Our child that goes here has learning difficulties, and he's been getting the help he needs which is brilliant. The little brother goes to the same school, and I'm not aware of any problems."
Lyndsey Moll, 37, said: "I've not been aware of any problems, my daughter is in a wheelchair and my boy has borderline ADHD, and they both get lots of support. I don't have a bad word to say about the school."
