A PUBLIC meeting has been called in response to changes at a Barnsley secondary school after parents and staff raised concerns about the actions of the new academy trust in charge.

Delta Academies Trust has been brought in to drive improvement at Darton College, which was put into special measures by Ofsted last year.

A new executive principal Andy Barnett, from the trust, was brought in last month after the departure of principal Kate Davies, and although not yet an academy under the trust’s formal control, changes have already been made including a strict new behaviour policy, ban on mobile phones, and changes to the timetable.

Teaching union the NEU has called the meeting tonight, after being contacted by ‘unhappy parents’.

Nicola Fitzpatrick, Barnsley division secretary for the NEU, said: “We simply want to facilitate a discussion for parents.

“I’ve had three parents contact me with concerns. Their concerns are around the way their children are spoken to and dealt with, particularly around the strict new zero tolerance behaviour policy which they call consequences.

“I’ve not had any of our members raise any concerns about these issues, although we have yet to have a meeting.

“But members have raised concern about other changes such as timetable changes.

“From the union’s point of view, this is still a Barnsley local authority school. It’s not an academy yet, but Delta are in this school making changes.

“There has been no consultation whatsoever.

“They (Delta) are not the employer yet. If a member raises an issue with us about their terms and conditions of their employment, it would be Barnsley Council we would be speaking to.”

New executive principal Mr Barnett said discussions with parents so far had been very positive.

“The interim executive board have introduced a new behaviour policy and parents have been consulted widely,” he said.

“Two parents meetings were held which were attended by more than 800 parents and carers.

“The overwhelming feedback from both students and parents and carers has been very positive as the changes allow staff and pupils to focus on teaching and learning.

“It is apposite that these changes come at the time when the removal of mobile phones from schools has found support from Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman and from the culture secretary, Matt Hancock. Indeed, MPs in France have also recently called for a ban of mobile phones in schools.

“Year ten, who are now entering their final year of study for GCSE exams, have already benefited from support and lessons delivered by outstanding practitioners from across Delta Academies Trust. This includes English mock exam preparation and small group tuition in maths.

“Delta has also put in place a significant staff development programme to support the professional and hardworking staff at Darton College. I am delighted to be working with such an enthusiastic and professional group of people.

“As a trust, Delta enjoys good relationships with National Unions and prides itself as a good employer. It is disappointing that a post has been made on the NEU Barnsley Facebook without any conversation or approach to the school by local branch representatives.

“I do hope the vast majority of parents and carers who have been disappointed in the past by the school’s lack of action to address the poor behaviour of a very small minority of students, which has significantly impacted on the teaching and learning their children will make their feelings known to the NEU.

“I am currently organising a parents meeting for students who access nurture provision so that we can look together at how their children can be supported by the excellent team in nurture and at the same time gain a high quality education to support their progress into adult life.”

The public meeting will be held tonight, 6.30pm, at Mapplewell Village Hall.