News

Three members of staff absent from Woodley primary school

By Caroline Cook
January 11, 2012

Three members of staff at a Woodley school are absent this week for reasons undisclosed by Wokingham Borough Council.

Headteacher Joe Moyster, deputy head teacher, Alan Ridgway, and teacher Grant Close are all absent from Willow Bank School in Duffield Road.

The chair of governors informed parents and staff on Tuesday that the three members of staff would be absent for an undisclosed period of time.

Headteacher absent from Woodley primary school

It is not known why the three members of staff are not at the school.

Steve Hempson-Jones, who was previously headteacher at The Hawthornes Primary School in Northway, will take on the leadership of the school for the interim period.

Parents have been assured that the education and welfare of pupils is the main concern of the governing body and the local authority during the interim period.

They have also been told they will be kept informed about the headteacher's return.

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Can I just then - so some parents have had concerns about 3 teachers, but what about the parents who have nothing but praise for Mr Ridgway and Mr Close - are they not allowed a voice as well? Mr Close rebuillt my son's confidence after he had been taught by another male teacher (who screamed at him and called him stupid, ripped work up, told him he was the most useless child he'd ever met - just a few 'highlights'.) Mr Ridgway taught all my children and I have nothing but praise for him. Surely my opinions are just as valid as other parents?

WoodleyParent
16/01/2012 at 09:28

Abbo2. It seems you are on a different planet. According to OFSTED this school has gone from Outstanding to Good and now to Satisfactory.

parentyear6
15/01/2012 at 12:40

Let's hope it gets sorted soon adn the school can return to its glory days.

parentyear6
14/01/2012 at 09:43

I am a mother of three whom choose Willowbank for a school several years ago. I think all these remarks on here are not helping the school and children. What is done is done. We now have a new head, he has an excellent history. Let's now put all this behind us and all work together to make the school outstanding. That's not going to happen without positive attitude towards the school. Negativity will only bring it down further.

woodley mum, reading
13/01/2012 at 18:32

I for one cannot believe that members of staff and governors, past and present, are actually posting biased and liable comments on public forums. Fair enough if there are issues to be dealt with, but please, in the correct manner. What happened to professionalism? I wouldn't want to employ anyone thats raning on here. Ultimately, staff, governors and the authority have a duty of care to the children and whatever the outcome of this case, all this summising of what's happened and who's at fault, is only damaging the school and therefore the children. Let's all grow up a bit, please!

beenthere
13/01/2012 at 17:17

Innocent until proven guilty. I know all three teachers very well as they have taught both my daughters. I think they are outstanding, passionate teachers with utmost professionalism. Jella Gill

Jella
13/01/2012 at 17:15

I think it is such a shame that parents are turning on each other and pointing the finger at "who" is to blame !!! Surely therefore missing the bigger picture, no way would they remove 3 teachers just because of gossip. This is in no way a new issue, problems have been going on for years with many staff and parents having issues and many parents ending up having no choice but to remove there children or staff leaving !!! It is not the act of anyone in paticular there are infacts lots of concerned parents. I wonder if all the facts were known if people would be so pro the teachers that have been removed !!! There has been no witch hunt just concerned parents doing whats right and fighting for there children. If any witch hunt is going on it is those who have made comments pointing fingers at parents and governers saying they are to blame. There has been so much hurt and stress to those familys already, this is NOT helping !!!

Woodley mummy
13/01/2012 at 17:09

Yes Parent Of 3, I am referring to the Nov 10 report which people have chosen to run around screaming about. I suggest you re-read it thoroughly.

In short it states that the Head was doing a very good job personally, and if the Science dept had delivered it would still be outstanding. It also recognised he was covering two schools.

It recognises all the improvement measures put in the place by the Head and asked that "all senior staff, not just the Headmaster" look to apply themselves to achieving the suggested improvements.

It also states that in Maths and Reading the school is well above average.

Get that report out and post up here anything in it that in any shape or form is not positive about Mr Moyster or his efforts.

OFSTED reports are all about the detail, and it is wrong and remiss for anyone to start waving the markdown about either unwittingly, or worse knowingly, ignoring the detail.

Abbo2
13/01/2012 at 14:17

I see...reasons "can't" be disclosed and therefore reported but here on line, this is most certainly in the public interest.

Come on let's have it.

hudson, reading
13/01/2012 at 13:44

I dont know what Ofsted Report you are looking at Abbo2 - obviously not the recent one dated November 2010 Question "School Managed and Well Led" Scored 3 which is only satisfactory. Some people don't seem to be too concerned on here and facebook and are happy with the running of the School and obviously don't realise the School could of been so much better for their children, This was Oustanding before Mr Moyster joined - since its has gone from Good to Satisfactory... which must be a concern for LEA/Governors/Ofsted and parents anyway.. Maybe you should read the School Improvement Plan that was issued last year to see the areas where the school needs to improve. This School should never of been allowed to go down hill like this.

Parent of 3, Woodley
13/01/2012 at 13:43

i'm really bored of people dictating to others on here what they are "allowed" to comment on as they "don't know the terrible things Moyster has done to WB". typical bully boy tactics.

here's a tip to all you burning pitchfork merchants, go and actually READ this infamous OFSTED report everyone bangs on about.

it actually credits the HM, credits the IMPROVEMENTS made. in fact, if the science & writing depts had achieved more with the very top performers then it would have been a glowing report.

personally I am delighted to see such support on here for the teachers concerned. and most of it really heartfelt and from their former pupils.

i'll say this: Moyster was Moyster when they hired him, and Close was Close when they hired him. you got what you paid for.

Abbo2
13/01/2012 at 12:30

To save the willowbank3 how can you say Mr moyster is the best thing to of happened to this school, you must go round with your ears shut and eyes closed.You dont have a clue what has gone on in that school. You have no right to make those comments at Joma they were an ex member off staff who were badly treated.Open your eyes love.

bubbles29
13/01/2012 at 12:12

Joe Moyster being removed from Willow Bank Junior School is the best decision that's been made in a long time and it's really taken far too long to make that decision. These decisions are not made lightly. If everyone knew the true facts about everything that has happened at the school since Joe Moyster joined, then I think they would all be extremely happy with the decision.

Ex T.A. Willow Bank Junior School
13/01/2012 at 12:11

Where is the justice and fairness in a verdict without a trial. Suspending the Head and Deputy is an outrageous over reach by the Governors. Mr Moyster is the best thing to happen to Willow Bank in a long time - people might not like change but that doesn't mean it's not best for the school. Mr Ridgeway is extremely dedicated. He taught me and I have nothing but good memories of him.

Who among us would withstand this witchhunt in their work place? How would any of us like having our work criticised by ill-informed strangers? None of us of know what has actually gone on and embittered ex staff on here have clearly got an agenda! Why haven't you moved on Joma? Heard of people fleeing from a fire, but a primary school?!!!

Shame the mother's mafia can't focus their attention on something more worthwhile. What kind of example are they setting their children?

Hope that Mr R and Mr M are back in their rightful place soon and people stop this spiteful witchhunt. Look at yourselves people!!!

FreeTheWillowBank3
13/01/2012 at 11:42

I am glad the HT has been suspended. Had several children through the school over 11 yr period and worked at the school for both current and previous head. I feel sorry for the few good teachers who have stuck it out and new ones who had no idea. Mr Close may not suit all tastes but he gives hours of his own time unpaid. Mr Ridgway is probably thanking his lucky stars retirement is looming. Glad I got out to another school where I was treated with respect and my contribution valued.