SIR – I have just read your article on Education Secretary Michael Gove’s plan to force supposedly failing schools to become academies.

There is an urgent debate to be had over the merit and demerits of such a move.

The local example you draw upon is Perry Wood Primary and Nursery School in Ronkswood.

I would simply like to challenge the idea that it is a ‘failing’ school. I visit the school as a one-to-one tutor and like all other visitors to the school – apart apparently from Ofsted inspectors – I am very impressed by all that I see and hear.

I find the pupils friendly, courteous, well disciplined and motivated. The school itself is welcoming, colourful and lively with impressive and frequently challenging displays of the children’s work. Walking down the corridor the impression is of focused positive and purposeful work.

The children are proud of their school and identify closely with its many and varied aims and purposes including all sorts of curriculum enrichment and extra curriculum activity.

What is more my very good opinion is shared by all other visitors I have spoken to; parents, educationalists, oneto- one tutors and supply teachers.

We all think that Ofsted have got it completely wrong if they think that this school with all the social disadvantage it has to try to overcome is a failing school.

I think that Ofsted can’t see the wood for trees, if you’ll pardon the pun; and need to come out from behind their clipboards and tick boxes and defend their destructive judgements that so demoralise the hard working staff of this school and many others similarly condemned.

In the end the Ofsted team can cause enough pressure, distress and low morale that they do begin to see ineffective teaching, as committed teachers doing vital work in deprived areas start to wonder if it’s worth it after all.

CHARLES EDEN
Madresfield, Malvern