Statement of 9th December 2024 from Educating Hackney regarding the developing situation regarding the Mossbourne Fedaration:
In November 2024, Educating Hackney formed to raise concerns about schools, and as part of this to bring attention to the adverse experiences of around 30 children at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy. One of the parents had been attempting to do this less publicly for almost a year without success. We felt the accounts suggested a systemic issue that warranted investigation. We invited, and continue to invite, others with similar experiences in Hackney, not just from Mossbourne Schools, to share their experiences confidentially if they wish.
On 23rd November, the Observer published a story about this. In the following week, the number of accounts received grew to over 140, now including over 30 ex-students, many of whom described the long-term impact of their experiences.
At the time of writing and after a follow-up in the Observer, a further 40 accounts have been received, largely from more ex-students. The reported experiences and long-term impact correlate closely. We believe the accounts, now rapidly approaching 200, suggest issues with the school ethos that create a harmful culture. We welcome the announcement from the DfE that they are working urgently with the local authority and the Mossbourne Federation to establish the facts and any necessary action.
Much of what the Mossbourne schools do is good, with many excellent and caring teachers. While it appears that some changes are required, time is needed for that change to be considered and managed carefully. Last week we asked all relevant authorities to work together to prioritise stability in the schools and to give reassurance for the sake of current students.
We hope at this point it is clear that this is not the grievance of a lone parent. We hope that the governors of Mossbourne might heed the assessment of a number of authorities that there appears to be a significant issue that requires investigation. We believe it would help reassure families with children at the school to hear that Mossbourne is willing to work with others to understand, and if necessary remedy, the broader issues that are being raised.
Finally – we understand the uniqueness of this situation. We are aware that similar concerns exist at academies around the country, but this appears to be the first time a collection of evidence of long-term harm has been large enough for a council to consider a whole-school safeguarding review, to investigate what appears to be a systemic, long-term issue.
We understand the difficulties that may have faced Hackney Education in the past, as many councils have faced, in their restricted powers to act on local concerns relating to academies. We hope that additional light being shone on this situation will lead to improved systems that do not leave parent activism as the only route to broader issues being raised.
Educating Hackney 