The Headteacher of Farnley Academy has spoken out after threats of violence were made towards himself and staff following the pupils mass protest outside the academy's grounds.
Hundreds of furious pupils at the secondary school in Chapel Lane have been staging a mass protest outside this morning (February 27). This comes after they demonstrated on Friday, upset with the school's alleged policy to lock all but one of the school's toilets during lesson time.
"Disgusted" parents are supporting their children and say the policy is "taking away their human rights". Some people in the community have made threats of violence and even threatened to 'blow the school up' forcing Headteacher Mr Stokes to speak out.
The school states that changes to its toilet policy have been made in a bid to tackle truancy. The school - which is part of the GORSE Academies Trust - has been locking the toilet doors during lesson times. Only one set of toilets are open for use, where a member of staff stands on guard outside.
Pupils who need to pay a visit have to get a written note from teachers in their planners, permitting them to use the facilities and then have to hand that note to the staff member outside the toilet. Once the pupil enters, the member of staff remains outside close to the door, according to parents.
The controversial policy “disgusted” parents on Friday, forcing many of them to support their children in the protest and have claimed it is "taking away their human rights". Headteacher Mr Stokes has since written a letter to all parents and carers of the school following "abhorrent comments" adults have made, which he claims includes "threats of violence towards members of staff, myself included".
He added that the school and parents must "work together to raise young people to recognise that everyone has a right to have their views heard but this doesn't mean taking matters into your own hands."
Mr Stokes also announced the school would be looking at putting a proposal together for changes to their new rules. They are also giving students the chance to right down their views.
The GORSE Academies Trust has said this policy is implemented "to keep all students safe". A spokesperson for the trust said: "We are aware that some comments are being made in respect of toilets and their availability during the school day.
"To keep all students safe during times when members of staff are not on duty, we have asked students to only use the centrally located toilets during lesson time. These toilets are open during all lesson times, are accessible from all parts of the school, and a member of staff is present to ensure all students are safe.
"During break and lunch, students are then able to use all of the toilets in school. We actively encourage all students to ensure that they go to the toilet before school, at break and at lunch, to avoid needing to go during lesson time. However, the option to use the toilets during lesson time remains available to students where it is needed.
"Additionally, through feedback from our wonderful Student Leadership Team, we are investing a further £100,000 to fully refurbish some of the toilets within the school in the coming months."
Mr Stokes' letter in full:
Dear Parent /Carer. I hope that this letter finds you well and that you have enjoyed your weekend. It is, of course, highly unusual that I would write you a letter on a Sunday. I feel that on this rare occasion, however, it is necessary to do so.
"As I am sure you can imagine, I have done a great deal of reflecting over the weekend, as well as reading of the various forums and news outlets that are reporting /discussing our academy. Whilst many of the comments are supportive of our academy, it has brought me no joy to read some of the highly abusive, upsetting, and frankly abhorrent comments that some adults in our community have made.
"Freedom of speech does not extend to threats of violence towards members of staff, myself included, nor does it extend to a desire to, in one case, blow up the school with staff within it. All such comments will continue to be reported to the Police. In partnership, we must work together to raise young people to recognise that whilst yes, everyone has the right to have their views heard, this does not extend to taking matters into their own hands and causing deliberate harm to others.
"At The Farnley Academy, we have several mechanisms to put forward student feedback. The Student Leadership Team is a fantastic group of students who actively seek to put forward the views of their peers, and genuinely want to make a positive difference. These students were at the centre of changes to rules on haircuts, trousers, the increase to 12 negative comment boxes and the half termly verbal warning resets around equipment, uniform and being late to school. They are also currently putting together a proposal for changes to our rules on earrings. These students make a difference in the right way.The request made to students to use only the Bronte Toilets during lesson time is not new and it was discussed with our Student Leadership Team at our last meeting. Students Leaders reported that it made no difference and they were still able to visit the toilet when they needed to.
"If it is the view of a wider group of students that on this occasion, the Student Leadership Team has not accurately represented their views, then I am very happy for further discussion to take place .To this end, on Monday morning, we will be running an extended form time that will run from 8.30am – 9.10am. During this time, we will be giving all students the opportunity to write down their views. The Student Leadership Team will then take the time to review all responses and discuss with me their collective views on how we can improve things. Once I have received the views of the Student Leadership Team, I will address the matter with students, parents and carers, and will let you know what, if any changes we will be making.
"I hope that you will agree that the above approach is sensible and will allow appropriate and constructive dialogue to take place. I look forward to writing to you again in the coming weeks to provide you with an update on the matter. In the meantime, I would ask all parents /carers to support our work by ensuring that students express their views through the correct forums and not be encouraged to act by parents /carers in a manner which puts themselves, or others at risk. Yours faithfully Mr C St."
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