By Kelly Eve

Published at 11:25, Friday, 19 December 2008

WEST Cumbria’s academy has got off to a ‘fantastic start’ according to the council’s director of children’s services.

Showing talent: Pupils at the new West Lakes Academy performed at its opening ceremony last month

Moira Swann spoke out in defence of the Egremont academy after problems at one of the Carlisle academies and a leading teaching union said it was “deeply unhappy” about the way three new educational establishments – two in Carlisle and one in west Cumbria – were introduced.

The Richard Rose Federation opened its Central and Morton academies in September, a year earlier than originally planned.

Parents, unions and the federation’s chief executive believe the speed has contributed to the troubles now being seen in the city.

A third academy, West Lakes Academy, opened in Egremont, and consultations on a fourth in Barrow continue.

Staff will leave Carlisle’s two academies today – the last day of the first turbulent term.

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said: “We have been deeply unhappy about the way in which academies have been introduced in Cumbria.

“I have raised our concerns about problems in Carlisle at the Richard Rose Central academy with Jim Knight, minister at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and made it clear we expect the department to get these resolved.

“Most of the problems were avoidable and would not have occurred if the founders had listened to teachers and parents.

“We hope conditions improve, but we will be closely monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to act if further problems arise.

“We continue to be opposed to an academy in Barrow.

In Egremont, the West Lakes Academy held a launch in November and this week leaders signed a recognition agreement with trade unions.

Many unions oppose the Government’s academy programme but local recognition agreements help in terms of negotiating pay and conditions.

Director of Cumbria County Council’s children’s services Moira Swann, who is also a governor of the Egremont academy, said: “I’ve got a closer relationship with West Lakes and can report it is making a fantastic start.

“It is an example of what can be achieved.”

She added: “It must be remembered that this is the beginning of a transformation and it is early days. Academies are beginning to have creative thoughts about curriculums for example.

“The transformation will continue. A good school, like a good organisation, is constantly moving ahead. You never say you’ve got there.”

She urged parents to support academies to improve standards in education.

Peter Noble, chief executive of the Richard Rose Federation, said a lot has been achieved but warned that further difficulties lie ahead.

Ofsted made a surprise visit to Carlisle’s central academy last week.

Mr Noble said: “I think we are going to go through a difficult few months.

“It is usual for Ofsted to come in, but is it not better to have them in early so we know early where we are at?

“I want them to challenge us and that we are held to account. We must be somewhat bullish about this because this is what we are here for.”

KEve@cngroup.co.uk

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk