Hackney superhead Greg Wallace suspended
Suspended: Executive Principal Greg Wallace
Hackney superhead Greg Wallace has been suspended amid claims that he awarded an IT contract to Tony Zangoura, a man with whom he has a close personal relationship.
The financial and staffing powers of the Best Start Federation governing body have also been suspended.
Best Start Federation is made up of London Fields, Woodberry Down, Burbage, Mandeville and Whitmore schools, all of which fall under the remit of Executive Principal Greg Wallace.
The suspension follows an investigation launched in April 2012 by Hackney Council into management practices at the Federation.
The suspension of powers of the governing body means governors are banned from dealing with financial and staff-related matters within the schools.
However governors’ access to the schools has not been revoked.
All of the schools run by Mr Wallace have been celebrated for their improvements. The head has been singled out for praise on several occasions by Education Secretary Michael Gove for improving Hackney primary schools.
The Best Start Federation governing body has appealed to the Secretary of State for Education to intervene on the matter.
Peter Passam MBE, who sits on Best Start’s board of governors, said in a statement that Wallace was “open with me about his connection with [Tony Zangoura of] C2 Technology.”
However, not all members of Best Start’s governing body were made aware of Wallace’s personal connection to Tony Zangoura.
“The whole governing body was not aware of the relationship and that’s where there is concern from the council,” said Jane Kemsley, Best Start Federation’s acting vice chair of governors.
“We weren’t aware of that relationship. The governing body were not aware of what the investigation was all about until very recently.
Kemsley claims that the Best Start Federation also had no obligation to inform the council of the relationship between Wallace and C2 Technology.
The IT contracts in question are renewed annually.
Following the first contract at Woodberry Down in 2009, Best Start Federation’s relationship with C2 Technology was expanded to include the other four schools in the group.
The Best Start Federation governing body is working currently to convert all five schools into a Multi-Academy Trust outside the control of the Hackney Learning Trust.
The intended conversion date was 1 May 2013 but the investigation has delayed this move.
Currently all five schools operate within Hackney Council’s Learning Trust, which gives the Town Hall the right to intervene in matters of school management.
However, if the Federation is successful in its bid to become a Multi-Academy Trust, its budget will be devolved entirely to the Department for Education, making it unaccountable to the local authority.
Greg Wallace had been working toward this goal. But, says Kemsley, “the investigation has put this on hold. It might well stop it. We don’t know.”
Hackney Council was unable to comment on Wallace’s pay terms while on suspension, or on the details of the governing body’s involvement regarding the investigation.
Note: The editor of the Hackney Citizen, Keith Magnum, was a governor of the Best Start Federation until October 2010. While on the governing body he was unaware of Mr Wallace’s personal relationship with Tony Zangoura.
This article was updated with new information at 12:30pm and 5.30pm Monday 29 July 2013.
Hackney and corruption….that a new development!
I am a parent of a child who attends one of Greg Wallace’s schools and I will be communicating my opinions from this perspective. Two years ago, my son hated school for a number of reasons: teaching was of a very poor quality, he was subject to bullying regularly and behaviour in general was out of control. I was in the process of looking for another school when the Best Start Federation took over. Greg Wallace turned the school around in an unbelievably short duration. For the first time ever, my son was coming home animated and excited about what he had learnt that day. Pupils were exposed to lessons and assemblies that educated them about bullying; the verbal abuse that my child had previously endured for a number of months was addressed immediately and successfully. I am extremely grateful to Mr Wallace for the way in which he has improved education at our school. It is now a successful and thriving learning community for both pupils and parents. He is an excellent Headteacher who has the interests of the children at the heart of everything he does. His personal relationships are irrelevant to me and I am shocked and disgusted that my local authority would treat Mr Wallace in this way. He has my full support and I am sure that any parent who has had first-hand experience of his leadership, will back him entirely.
[Deleted by moderator for legal reasons]
My children do not go to any or Mr Wallace’s schools but my wife worked at one of his schools for many years and loved her job until a few months after Mr Wallace took over.
My Wife was apprehensive at first but carried on as normal until she believed he would point out how he wanted things to be, this didn’t happen as he was impressed with her work and was full of praise, she became in other staff members own words his “golden girl” who he apparently had high expectations for and filled her head with promises of advancing her career with his full support making it seem he would bend over backwards to help her……that is until she fell pregnant, he then dropped her like a proverbial “hot rock” and would literally walk past her in the halls without any acknowledgement at all.
… [Deleted by moderator]…
In short Mr Wallace’s vision for the schools under his power is applaudable, unfortunately his methods of covering over the cracks have much to be desired
Husband of former employee and concerned parent
She was a successful head teacher with excellent Ofstead (sic) results, and was undermined by him…
If her Ofsted results were so good, why leave the country? There is a shortage of good Headteachers …
[Deleted by moderator]… I hope he now gets what he deserves . I have little doubt he will not return to this position. Greg, remember to be nice to your staff on the way up because you will meet them on the way down!!!! … [Deleted by moderator]
Well said Rock – I too worked under his rule 2 years ago and I was so unhappy . I was not a bad teacher, but he made me feel I was . I had a path worn to his office. Thankfully, I ran once I had secured another position.
Lee- I think I may have worked with your wife and yes, you are spot on with how he treats staff . Your wife will remember what happened when Ofstead was announced – all hell broke loose .Again, you are spot on with how problem children were removed from any potential treat to his results . To be honest as I no longer work there ,I can say and Lee your wife will know this , staff were also not spared from his secret hideaway . Well how can you say that this is an honest assessment of a school.
Unfortunately he is not the only Head to have behaved in this way. Many of the Head Teachers and Executive Heads have been allowed to ruin and jeopardise careers of many a good teacher in Hackney. Other school also remove problem children when its time for inspections, assessments etc. It is something that the Learning Trust has been aware of and chose to ignore. There have been numerous stories in the local papers over the last couple of years of bullying Heads. I am no fan of his but he is not the only Head in Hackney to behave in this way other Heads also give jobs to friends or people they favour.
My wife also worked at one of Greg Wallace’s schools. Contrary to what Lee B has recorded, she absolutely loved it and was heartbroken to leave (we moved out of London due to my own work being relocated). She was thoroughly inspired by Wallace’s ultimate dedication to provide the very best education for pupils in Hackney. She also fell pregnant whilst working for Greg Wallace. He was completely supportive during this time and she was eager to return to work part time following her maternity leave – again, Wallace was entirely supportive of this. My wife is now Deputy of a school in Somerset. She is unfulfilled in this post precisely because the school is being led by a Head who is content with a staff base that is made up of satisfactory teachers; therefore the provision provided for these children is also at best satisfactory. It was very interesting reading Sarah’s post. As a parent, you want to feel secure in the knowledge that your children are receiving the very best education. Sending them to one of Greg Wallace’s schools guarantees this. I met him a few times when I collected my wife from school – he came across as a very polite and warm man – my wife’s description of him as a manager confirms this to be true. I wish him all the best with this investigation and I hope his return to work is quick – the children of Hackney certainly need him.
I am also a previous employee of Greg Wallace’s and have had experience of working in five inner London schools including two in Hackney. Greg was undoubtedly the best Headteacher I have ever worked for and I feel extremely fortunate to have been employed by him. Not only is his relentless determination to provide the best start for every child wholly inspiring but unlike other Heads I have worked for and alongside, he truly practises what he preaches. He regularly teaches in class and models concepts to new teachers rather than just expecting them to know how to do something – like so many Heads and mentors do. The training that I received whilst working for Greg was superb and as a freelance Literacy advisor, I regularly incorporate the principles of this into my own CPD for schools in and outside of London. Greg Wallace’s schools are underpinned by outstanding leadership and high quality teaching. In reference to Lee B’s comment, ‘problem children’ are not hidden. On the contrary their problems are addressed and dealt with thus enabling them to achieve success where often local authority intervention has been completely ineffective. I too hope that his return to work is swift. It will be a disgrace to our education system in this country if he is not entirely backed and supported by the government.
I did a 2 year teacher training at the Federatiion and I hated every day I spent there . I lived in constant fear and to be fair it was not Greg alone . I was watched every minute .He no doubt gave the orders. However, it was their choice to put me under so much pressure . I was exhausted, stressed and miserable and what does that SPELL – not a very successful class . I am now teaching in France and am very happy . Remember happy teacher , happy children- repeat it —–
Purity is right about other schools doing the same as Greg and removing difficult children when assessment time came along . Greg just takes it a step further and staff get the chop too . How can anyone in their right mind find that acceptable ? . I was an office worker at one of his school and I can tell you , he is not a very nice person . He loves power . I doubt it very much that he will be returning to his glory days .
Julia- I can now laugh about it as I am no longer a teacher , but I too spent an afternoon hidden away after Greg told me ‘ I didn’t have what it took’ Maybe he was right , but looking back I find him an arrogant human being . Honest I don’t care what way this goes , but I know for sure most have lost respect for him and if he returns he might just be a better b person .
Why do so many of you former teachers leave a space between the last letter of the sentence and your full-stops? And why do a number of you not know how to spell ‘Ofsted’? Bizarre!
Maybe that’s why Wallace got rid of them!
Seriously, your comment does say it all. And what does ‘Now a journalist’ mean? Hidden away? Get real. If s/he is now a journalist, why not write an article about the time Greg Wallace ‘hid you away’ for an afternoon.
Yinka,
Are you a current/former employee of Mr Wallace? or a parent at one of his schools?
I only ask as your comments dont really have much to do with the story at hand
Some of these comments are surprisingly similar in language, style and content. I am intrigued that a parent – even one so supportive of her son’s Headteacher – should take such careful trouble to craft a comment in a distinctive “Ofsted” style. And such length! Almost a report. Similarly, ex-employees, ex-colleagues and spouses of ex’s all write in such a remarkably similar style. I can’t help wondering if these are all entirely genuine? It seems a bit odd – but entertaining.
And how bizarre that Lee B’s comment, which I was interested to read before it was removed, has received such condemnation from the Headteachers “supporters”. Presumably, if it was so offensive – and, speaking as someone not connected with any part of this story, I don’t believe it was – it is sufficient that it has been removed? The energy with which his comments have been refuted seems a little exaggerated? Why?
Purity is right. The Director of Education – Okoruwa – has both her sons working for the council in her education department. The practice is widespread.
To Lee B. No. I have never worked for him. I work in the Council and you hear a lot of stuff. We’ve known about that this was coming for ages.
Happy teacher made me smile . Now I do not wish Greg to be found guilty of any mismanagement of school funds , but I do think he will have time to reflect and change his ways with how he treats people ,especially the underdogs . We might just come back to bite you one day . I too like Happy Teacher was a trainee teacher on the 2 year trip!! I ran from morning and most of the night in constant stress mode . I didn’t eat, sleep or have any social life . Nobody really cared once I turned up and was able to function . Looking back of course these children suffered and I was in such stress mode I was not able to even think straight I am now sitting at my office desk and thinking – what will I cook tonight . Also I need to use the bathroom and it’s a joy to know I can . Yes, this is a good thing that people get to tell of their experiences at the Federation . .
My child goes to one of Greg Wallace’s schools and needs lots of extra support and I can not speak more highly of the staff and the school. Surely this is the most important thing – that the school runs well and all the children get a great education. Reading what other people have written sounds like a lot of sour grapes from teachers who have personal axes to grind and who think schools are for them and not for the children. Also seems like a very big coincidence to me that Hackney council did this investigation at the same time as the schools wanting to become academies – seems like if anyone is to be accused of bullying, it should be the council.
I have seen first hand the amazing difference Greg Wallace’s leadership has made to the lives of the children within the federation.
The children of Hackney deserve to reach their highest potential, and the federation has proven through outstanding results to do just that.
In regards to the above article it seems that Hackneys Learning Trust is victimising a man who should be applauded for his outstanding contribution to these children’s lives. I think the question that should be asked is where will these children be left if they succeed in their attempt to hold onto their funding?
I am a current teacher at one of the five schools. I started off as a teaching assistant and I am now a qualified teacher. I wanted to do my training in the Federation because I saw first hand, working as a teaching assistant, the fantastic work that the Federation did and still do for children. Greg always said that ‘Children come first’ and I believe that without the intervention of Greg and all the fantastic staff at the schools, under the Learning Trust, the schools would have remained ‘satisfactory or below’. I believe that this campaign against Greg is just malicious and selfish. No-one other than Greg is thinking of the children. I hope that many more people come on here to tell the truth and not spread vicious rumors stemming from jealously.
John says, ‘I was not a bad teacher’.
That’s OK then??? Well done. You’re not bad.
What a strange way to look at things. All children need teaching that is good or better all of the time.
They don’t need people that say, ‘I was not a bad teacher’. If you kept having to go to the office – what was that about?
I don’t think it is fair to judge until this investigation is complete.
You are right Mark, but I do not think it is FAIR for these people in Hackney Learning Council to suspend governors and headteachers. There are so many stories about the Hackney Learning Council it is really upsetting they do this and the schools that were so good will not be as what matters to HLC is only that they are all in jobs. They have some very bad schools in Hackny and they do not really want to sort them out themselves as they like to sit in the big offices they have and have meetings where they plot and plan and forget that somewhere in all this there are children. Why did they do this so late in the term and why do they ignore what the Acting Chair of Governor says?? I’ve worked as TA in a school in Hackney and had to go and visit the federation because our school was in a Hackney Council support category. If we had the facilities they have in the best start schools we would be better.
I feel sad for Greg. His good name is just dragged through the dirt. Yes, he has his faults,but don’t we all.? How can he ever return to work if its a free for all on these sites.
This whole thing looks like a stitch-up to me, reading between the lines. I notice the schools were pretty bad till Mr Wallace took over…maybe Hackney Council are embarrassed, and they don’t like his success where they failed? I also read others’ comments with interest, and saw that Mr Wallace was still often in the classroom, despite his position. That is so rare! Most heads bury themselves in an office and you don’t even see them! And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with striving for excellence. I was a teacher, and it saddened me that some colleagues were far short of the mark in my establishment, and nothing was done about it. I would have liked to have seen strong leadership, I have to say. I hope this guy isn’t being unfairly victimised, because it looks that way to me!
Mark, you are right, I believe. But the comments here are not about the investigation; they are about the man himself, which is intriguing. I listened carefully to a 5 minute BBC interview, between the Headteacher and Dr Mary Bousted, who gave an informed and articulate account of phonics and young children learning to read. Dr Bousted, I discovered, has a clear pedigree when speaking on the subject (Wikipedia et al.). I leave others to judge for themselves the personal impression that Mr Wallace gave. You’ll find the Today recording as a BBC link: Greg Wallace in Phonics Debate. Reading between the lines, I can see why people might be divided in their opinion of him.
The longer Greg Wallace is suspended for, the longer those children suffer!
The children of Hackney were being failed by before Greg came along and improved their life chances with his clear vision. We should all be applauding him for his outstanding work in rapidly improving failing schools. Having worked within the federation for 4 years I feel proud to work under his outstanding leadership.
His vision is precise ‘best start for all children’ if Hackneys Learning Trust wish to take this man away from the children, not only will they be at a huge loss those children will surely suffer.
I am not a teacher, but I have worked in the Federation and I do know when important guests were coming Greg would make an appearance. He would then make a staff shuffle. I have no idea why,but I can say with certainty that I have seen teachers removed from their daily tasks. This may be what the above staff are referring to. They were certainly not locked away and I doubt very much it was meant to be taken that way.
Greg Wallace … [Deleted by moderator] … deserves everything he gets, if you treat people badly the chances are it will cone back to you ten fold in negative karma.
Most of the children can’t stand him or the Senior Management Team and their regime, Children have less playtime and have to leave the playground and move around the building in complete silence like a boot camp.
The day prior to Ofsted arriving the children were all pulled together in the hall and they were coached and told how to act and what to say.
[Deleted by moderator] … i wonder who is having the last laugh now?
The children will not be suffering but rejoicing at the fact that they no longer have to behave like robots any more.
In response to YINKAS comment:
I wonder if The Director of Education – Okoruwa has been so open about her children working within the Learning Trust? As the article above states that Greg Wallace has been.
If not I find this very hypocritical!
I was about to say the same AH87. What makes Okoruwa so special that she is allowed to make judgement but is not judged herself?
Well said Michelle.
‘The children will not be suffering but rejoicing at the fact that they no longer have to behave like robots any more’.
Does Michelle Thompson even know what she is talking about?
Without Greg, the children would be failing, going through a system where nobody cares about them and they’re just another figure slipping through the system because The Hackney Learning Trust would rather care about their own fat budget.
I don’t know what happened to you to make you such a sour grape but I can certainly say, as a teaching assistant and teacher, I have never felt that Greg is anything other than dedicated to get the best out of his staff. I love my job and the children love the school. Parents come up to me to say what fantastic improvement they have seen in their children and have not once complained about the leadership.
Maybe you just can’t hack it?
IN RESPONSE TO MICHELLE THOMSON COMMENT:
I’m a bit confused as to which one of the schools you worked at as I have had the pleasure of working/visiting all the schools in the federation and have not come across children who cant stand him or the senior management teams. I have only seen children happy to be receiving such high standards of education, which unfortunately they were not receiving before his intervention.
To further on your comment I myself am a teaching assistant in the federation and have NEVER felt like I was beneath Greg instead, completely supported from the start in my continuous professional development.
It’s bizarre where you talk about children not having any play? As all children are given 2/3 playtimes a day. What do you want? For them to come to school and not learn anything?!?! I hope with your negative views, you are no longer apart of the federation.
I actually think Michelle made a few very honest points. He does look down on staff. I fear it’s more the power trip he likes and not the children. Having said that I think he needs a fair chance to prove he is innocent.
WELL SAID KDLY5!
MICHELLE THOMPSON – Why can’t you spell or use capital letters correctly? Is that acceptable for someone working with children?
The people posting the negative comments are inadequate teachers who would only be happy working in a school where you can sit in the staff room and drink tea all day. At least Greg Wallace works hard to better the life chances of children everywhere. Probably a lot more that can be said for you.
Michelle Thompson your comment does not refer to the above article. It’s clear you have personal vendetta against Mr Wallace.
I agree with FTL should you really be working with children if you yourself can not spell correctly? I think not.
It is obvious Mr Wallace only wants the best for the children in his schools and if staff are not providing that then yes, I agree they shouldn’t be working with these children who need opportunities more than most.
Why should lazy, inadequate staff continue to provide education to our next generation.
As a dedicated professional who has seen the effect Greg Wallace’s leadership has had on the children of Hackney. I believe these children and those to come will be at a huge loss if the Learning Trust are able to continue with this witch hunt.
In response to kdly5 I don’t need to state which school I worked at, but its obvious that you fall into a minority of support staff that are happy. Also if there are so many staff that are happy, then why is there such a high turnover of staff every year?
You obviously fear him but not respect him and your purely looking for some brownie points. If you took the time to engage with the children then maybe they would express their feeling if the question was asked.
In response to TA67 you state that you have visited all schools, that’s great and that’s your opinion but its not mine.
You sound like you are also in a very close relationship with Greg Wallace because I don’t think its possible to suck up anymore than you already have.
When you quote someone get the quote right, I said less play not any play. Treat others as you wish to be treated and thanks for your negativity at the end of your comment. Unfortunately I will have to dissapoint you and say I still work for the federation.
Michelle – why do you still work there if it is that bad? Do you really have no dignity? A lot of his staff clearly love working for him when you read the comments – perhaps the problem lies with you.
. Both of my children attend his school. He is a fantastic head and we are really happy with the education they receive. I do not care if he is gay – why does this matter? My children have daily breaks and their sports day lasted a day last year – that is lies. I agree with Sarah and I fully support him.
Michelle why stay when you have such a negative view of your own workplace?
My four children attend one of Mr Wallace’s schools, I surly hope you do not work there.
The staff and children, including my own who I see on a daily basis are happy and have nothing but praise for their school, They are proud to be apart of it. You should really think about joining somewhere that you can feel proud to be apart of.
I worked as a teacher at one of Greg Wallace’s schools. It was a brilliant opportunity for me and I learnt so much. In truth, he is a hardworking and inspiring individual. If there were more heads like him, then the education system in this country would be far better and children would achieve far more. Hackney Learning Trust is an absolute joke. Greg Wallace has sorted out their schools because they did not have the skills to do this. Now they have turned on him because these schools were looking like they were going to become academies. I hope that justice prevails in this situation and he returns back to his schools soon.
Greg has undoubtably had a huge impact on the education of so many children in Hackney and beyond.
He has advised the government and inspired many teachers.
Unfortunately, I have also witnessed first hand his culture …[deleted by moderator] … the IT contract going to his boyfriends firm is of no surprise.
Claiming that they were not together in 2009 when the contract was given.
Search any whois domain for C2 technology and you will see Mr Wallace himself was the secretary for this very company from 1999-2004?!?
Was this conflict of interest declared BEFORE the contract was awarded? One governor didn’t seem to think so! … [Deleted by moderator].
This is a fact and it feels good to make it public. Stop blaming the teachers and staff for sour grapes or not being up for the job as they are speaking out against a regime that is finally under investigation, it’s not their fault. Stop with the superiority complex!
Being constantly overworked towards ridiculous expectations takes its toll on us all. Just take a look at staff turnover or better still the faces of those who slave away under this dictatorship each day. Greg has his followers, its like a cult.
Although, I and many many others are very happy … [deleted by moderator] … for the their sake and the children we are thankful the HLT has finally taken action. I am sure there is far more to come to light and it won’t only be Mr Wallace who is having a horrible summer.
Some of the heads of school within the federation need to be held to account over their ‘spends’ too!
Michelle, I too am a teaching assistant within the federation and am confident to say I do not agree with your comments.
In every school you have the weak staff who turn up just to receive their pay check but have no passion for what they do. We call those people inadequate, Im sure personally you have seen this word a lot.
It is amazing that you can speak on behalf of the children, when looking through the comments their parents say differently and speak so positively of Mr Wallace.
FEDFEST-‘Being constantly overworked towards ridiculous expectations takes its toll on us all’
Teaching is a profession which can make or break a child’s future. To expect teachers to work hard in order to secure higher achievement and potential for the children should be a fundamental expectation in every school.
Michelle Thompson
The fact that you still work for the federation is a total embarrassment and disgrace.
It pains me to think that someone with such bad spelling has an impact on the children within the federation!
Since when did fear, stress, intimidation and bullying make for good or outstanding practice. I know many, including Michelle, who work incredibly hard and are truly dedicated to the children. Just because we hold a view that does not fully support the Wallace regime does not make us inadequate. Lets talk about the real issue here, Mr Wallace is under investigation claiming he had no relationship before 2009 with c2 technology when he was the officially named as the secretary between 1999 & 2004!
Finally!! We are talking about the actual issue.
It does not state that Mr Wallace said he never had no relationship with C2 Technology before 2009. Actually it says he was always open with the Chair of Governors about his connection with the company. The contract was awarded on quality and value for money.
I have to say that those people whinging about being ‘bullied’ seem to have done so as they do not like being told what to do. Grow up he is the Head, you are a junior member of staff, do as you are told! I also work in the public sector and the whingers mean that others have to work harder to take up the slack.
I am also rather relieved that ‘one happy office worker’ can think about what they will cook tonight while at their desk. I hope your current employer knows you are concentrating so hard at work, committment must be your middle name.
The conclusion I draw from the sour responses to Wallace seem to echo much of what is wrong with working Britain – lazy, feckless individuals with no backbone or spirit who cry at the first sign of hardwork. Go to your silly little desks and if you don’t want to do anything useful then fine but it seems to me that Wallace, and the people who have stuck up for him here are the kind of people we want teaching our children.
What is the IT like at these schools anyway? Surely if something funny has been going on the facilities would be quite poor?
BILL- Speaking from experience the IT equipment and services received by C2 Technology is outstanding!
Keep blaming the workers Bill! It is not them under investigation. You want scandal and embarrassment surrounding those who teach some of the most vulnerable children?!? Irresponsible spending of school funds taken from the poorest children?!?? I agree with CCA too many of these comments are too similar, emotive or desperate. Let’s stick to the real issue.
FEDFEST
I have commented on the real issue and still await your reply?
Michelle Thompson…just stop. Your comments are so laughable. Plus if you read properly, I didn’t ask you what school you worked at. Furthermore I stated that I worked as a member of support staff and I’m now a teacher! You talk about expressing children’s feelings and that I don’t know what their views are! Well let me tell you, you sound nonsensical…someone who sits in the staff room and gossips all day without having full knowledge about anything. I don’t need ‘brownie points’…as I said I love my job whereas you, who clearly doesn’t, is still there!
FedFest – You commented earlier about holding a view that does not fully support Greg’s regime.
Well many people do support Greg and his vision. I see from the comments you keep wanting to talk about the real issue however, when corrected from the facts you have hidden away from the issue.
The fact that this has become such an emotive issues just shows that there are and have been so many blunderings by the Hackney Learning Trust. Whether you support Greg Wallace or not, one cannot deny that many Head Teachers in Hackney have fostered a culture of bullying and intimidation. Unfortunately the Learning Trust have been happy to promote that culture and partake in it. I have seen good teachers broken down by the senior management with the support of HR at the Learning Trust. I don’t think it is right that in quite a few cases at Hackney schools personal feelings of the senior management have dictated whether a teacher is promoted or put on capabilities.
Again putting feelings aside about Greg Wallace, see him as person A he is being penalised (and of course there should be an investigation) but why say person B Tricia Okoruwa in not being subjected to the same rules or even some of the other Executive Heads in Hackney who have also employed friends/acquaintances.
Does anyone remember in the local papers about the Head Teacher at DeBeauvoir Primary School Vijay Bhanaut (person C)? He bullied a pupil and was allowed to take early retirement. He was also friends with Tricia Okowura. Some staff from DeBeauvoir remember when they had a vote of no confidence in him and Tricia steeped in to save him. He stayed at he school for 7 years never managing to bring it out of satisfactory.
…[Deleted by moderator]…
Why are the Hackney Learning Trust willing to take action against person A but not persons BCD and E?
Fedfest I am you no longer work for the federation yet your username implies you wish you were up to it. You couldn’t cut it and you are jealous of those teachers who can. The real issue is that Wallace can turn round schools that nobody else can – that’s why HLT don’t want to lose these schools to becoming academies. You state that anyone can look up that he was involved with the IT company from a number of years ago. If that’s the case then why was this not picked up years ago? Why has HLT only brought this up when academy status appeared imminent?
FEDFEST – Do we know that the money has been taken from the children? Has this been proven?
FTL It states that in the independent article also in Information Age it states Greg was actually the director of the company until 2004. It’s always good to read around an issue, it gives you a much more rounded perspective.
There are some really moronic, grammatically flawed (read ‘incorrect’) comments on here. I can only hope that these people are merely masquerading as teaching staff; if you worked in my school the door revolving around you would spin quicker than you could say “Your [sic] not giving me enough chances.” Last time I checked schools were supposed to be all about the children. Perhaps the disgruntled amongst you could seek employment at Hackney Learning Trust – their [take note] standards will no doubt suitably match your own gutter-level expectations and commitment to the profession.
I’ve visited some of Greg Wallace’s schools, both pre- and post- Federation. I’ve seen the changes for the better, the support and enthusiasm from stakeholders and worked with many of his (actually very happy, hard-working) staff.
Hackney Learning Trust offers less than nothing to Hackney schools. It is a total embarrassment to the education system. This is the organisation that needs investigating and bringing to its knees. Its behaviour towards Greg Wallace and his schools is disgraceful. Money over children? What a surprise HLT, you’ve excelled yourselves again. The quicker this investigation is resolved with an inspiring headteacher back where he rightly belongs, the better.
Well said Vicky G!
Very good point Purity. I would like to know this as well.
Maybe Persons BCD and E never intended to take away a percentage of their funding by deciding to convert to academy!
I am sure that had Greg Wallace never decided to convert this would not be happening.
FEDFEST – Yes it does state that but AGAIN it also states he has always been open about his connection to the company.
So what point are you trying to make? If the man was always open about this where is the issue???
I’d give up on FEDFEST, FTL. Some people are beyond redemption; generally it’s the ones that have no idea what they are talking about. I’d question their actual reading ability to be honest, never mind the ability to form a coherent opinion on the subject.
I agree with you – there is no issue with Greg Wallace. The issue is with HLT, and it’s that that needs addressing!
As a new Headteacher, I attended training delivered by Greg Wallace five years ago. I left this training utterly inspired. Stood before me was a Headteacher who still marked exercise books because he wanted to model expectations to staff. This was a Headteacher who had trialled the current topic curriculum that the Y6 teachers were now executing and hence, could advise them accordingly. The training not only gave me insight into the changes I needed to make in my own school but it also made me aware of some of my own shortcomings as a manager. It is rare to find a Head of Wallace’s calibre; Hackney Learning Trust, like so many others, could learn from observing his effective leadership. I have requested to visit Woodberry Down Community Primary School on several occasions over the years; what I have seen has always exceeded mine and other visitors’ expectations. Gove was correct when he deemed his work to be ‘magnificent’. His relentless determination and commitment to providing the best possible education for every child in Hackney can only be commended. I look forward to visiting Wallace’s schools when they are academies in their own right. There is no doubt in my mind that the government will intervene to prevent Hackney Learning Trust’s corruption from disadvantaging the pupils of Hackney.
“The whole governing body was not aware of the relationship and that’s where there is concern from the council,” said Jane Kemsley, Best Start Federation’s acting vice chair of governors.
“We weren’t aware of that relationship. The governing body were not aware of what the investigation was all about until very recently.
Maybe you should read the above article, it was not declared to all which brings us to the main issue and reason for suspension.
There was a website called DeBeauvoirschool.com and it exposed a lot of the double standards of the Learning Trust. The website also stated that Vijay Bhanaut walked away with £166,000 early retirement. Tricia Okowura and the Learning Trust need to be investigated.
FedFest I read the article and it is wrong that the whole Governing Body was not aware of the full facts. But I can assure you there are other Governing Bodies that are not aware of what is going on. Why are they not being disbanded and the Heads being taken to task. In one school in Hackney, a school was put into a partnership without the Governing Body being made aware. A Head Teacher at another school gave pay awards to staff without the Governing Body being aware. A Chair signed cheques without the Governing Body being made aware, the Chair was not legally authorised to do so.
One has to be objective and question why is Greg Wallace being targeted when other people in some cases are doing the same if not worst. Let’s not forget Vijay Bhanaut bullied a pupil!
This is not a spelling competition love and does not offend me in the slightest. Let’s keep to the point of the article and remember he has been suspended on allegations of misuse of public funds.
So if this is what he means by its all for the children then I am amazed …[Deleted by moderator], that’s why I’m bitter.
The truth will come out eventually and let’s see what your responses will be then regarding your beloved Greg Wallace.
MICHELLE THOMPSON where in the article does it say he has been ‘lining his own pockets’???
You clearly have no idea how to debate a topic, let me give you some facts:
– Greg was open to the CHAIR of governors from the start about his connection
– The contract was awarded on value for money
– He never said he did not know C2 Technology before 2009
I have visited one of the Federation’s schools as an occasional helper and have had the privilege to see for myself the phenomenal work that is done there. As a mother and as someone who has been involved in education my whole life I am passionate about teaching and learning and am not easily impressed. From the moment I stepped through the doors of the school I was blown away by its fantastic ethos and the absolutely superb work produced by the children. There is a sense of altruism that I feared was lost within the profession and the children thrive in an environment where discipline is firm but where learning is fun and standards are high. Teachers who can effectively achieve that balance are rare. Every child matters. Greg Wallace is right to expect nothing less.
Were all schools (primary and secondary) to provide the level of provision that I have seen, all young people would stand a better chance in life wherever their talents and their aspirations lead them and universities wouldn’t need to be asked to lower their offers as a remedy to plugging the gap between the state and private sector. All children should have access to excellent state education and the biggest scandal of all is to seek to undermine the work of someone who has had the courage and vision to make this a reality.
The suspension of Greg Wallace is a scandal and without spelling it out here, it’s quite obvious what has motivated it. Anyone who claims to be interested in education should set aside personal differences and personal interests and recognise the damage that will be done if he is not allowed to continue to do his work. Don’t lose sight of what matters here and what is quite undeniably at the heart of Greg Wallace’s agenda, – ensuring the best start in life and the highest educational standards for your children.
The most successful headteacher in Hackney, with a track record for turning around some of the most difficult schools in the country. Is this how he is to be repaid for doing the job that Hackney Learning Trust could not do themselves?
Shame on you Tricia Okoruwa!!
Having read the above article it is clear to say that Hackney Learning Trust should be ashamed of themselves!
Attempting to withdraw a man who has made an impressive contribution to so many children’s lives is an outrage.
If this is about holding onto their funding they should be ashamed of themselves!
Michelle Thompson
It is not a spelling competition. This is fortunate for you. However, spelling is a core skill and you should not only spell correctly when you are in a competition! What a strange, distorted view you have.
I presume you would say it is not a punctuation competition. This is also fortuitous for you.
Eg
You wrote:
So if this is what he means by its all for the children then I am amazed … [Deleted by moderator]… that’s why I’m bitter.
You should have written:
So COMMA if this is what he means by COMMA START QUOTES it APOSTROPHE s all for the children COMMA END QUOTES then I am amazed … [Deleted by moderator]… that’s why I’m bitter.
It is amazing that you claim to work in a school!
Fedfest gives the most accurate account of how the Federation is. I vote him for Greg’s position.
What a shame that Hackney Learning Trust is only thinking about money and not the children!
Fed Fest,
You say Greg Wallace was a Director of the company in 2004.
The contract started with the Fed started in 2009… That’s a difference of, um, 5 years?
Greg Wallace should be applauded NOT suspended!
My children attend one of Mr Wallace’s schools. They love it and come home talking passionately about what they have learnt every day!
As a parent who is situated in Hackney and having heard stories about numerous awful schools within the borough I was very fretful upon deciding which school to send my children. However, within minutes of visiting his school I was completely secure with my decision to send my children here. I knew that they would be receiving education delivered by passionate and dedicated professionals.
I was and still am very supportive of the decision to convert the federation into an academy.
Well said Stephan!
I want Stepan teaching my child.
Michelle take a few lessons from Stephan. I hope he is a teacher.
Well said Stephan! Michelle you should think about changing professions.
RE12 – Your comment is irrelevant to the article.
I’m not a teacher. I have followed this story though and have found it truly shocking. I don’t see why Hackney have the right to disclose this guy’s sexuality all over the country and that was what first got me following the story.
The comments from some of these teachers seem shocking to me. (I work in a bank.)
There is so much out there about the schools being failing schools – presumably this was linked to the staff? If Greg Wallace was encouraging people to move on – there would have been a reason?
And have the schools improved so much without these people?
I think people not directly involved see that 2 + 2 = 4.
Few comments have a direct relevance to the article, which is why, as an outsider to the situation, it is fascinating. To add to the actual debate taking place here, I would ask, doesn’t a “super” leader, of any organisation, company or community, unite people, first and foremost? I reiterate, any member of the public can draw their own conclusions about the personal attributes of the subject of this debate by listening carefully to his own words, in a BBC radio interview. I feel sorry that this community is tearing itself apart over this. I suspect that you are all decent, worthwhile people, who have lots to offer children. It takes a community to raise a child, not one individual.
Did I really read on the BBC website that Henry de Zoete is a governor of one of the schools? 29 year-old Henry de Zoete? “A scion of the de Zoete banking family?” Educated at Eton? Described as “media savvy”? A special advisor to Education Secretary, Michael Gove?
If it wasn’t raining, I’d be in the garden, pruning the roses.
I see that much of Lee B’s comment (4) has been reinstated, after my comment about its removal. “‘Curiouser and curiouser!’ cried Alice.” Someone is watching these comments very closely. Perhaps I should get out there and tend those roses.
@ CCA: We partially reinstated Lee B’s comment following his query as to why we had removed it in its entirety – Ed.
I am a senior leader who has worked in the borough of Hackney for eight years. My first post was at a school that was deemed satisfactory (i.e. requires improvement). Ofsted was imminent for this school in 2006 but teaching and learning was poor. The school was mainly comprised of NQTs (like myself) who did not know how to teach or assess to a good standard precisely because we had not been shown how to do this. The Learning Trust highlighted the school as requiring support and intervened to raise standards. However their ‘support’ was entirely inadequate. To solve the school’s problems, they dictated reading, writing and maths targets for class learning walls. This was a ridiculous action. The implementation of these targets had no impact precisely because no CPD or teaching sequence was provided to enable pupils to achieve these targets. The Learning Trust worked in our school nearly every day for a year and with each day that passed, teachers lost more and more respect for the so called ‘advisors’. These well paid professionals observed lessons but did not model concepts to teachers. They scrutinised marking and books but did not provide training on how to improve assessment. They spoke about the principles of Stay on Green and positive behaviour management but were always engaged in the office when a serious behaviour incident broke out and support was required. It is of no surprise that even after working with the school for a year, zero impact had been made by The Learning Trust. Teaching and learning still required vast improvement. I believe it was in 2007 when Hackney Learning Trust asked Greg Wallace to intervene and support the school’s Senior Leadership Team in improving teaching and learning. I distinctly remember the first staff meeting that he delivered. As he was setting up his PowerPoint, the mood across the staff was one of despair; here was yet another ‘professional’ who was about to lecture us on classroom based principles that he would know nothing about. However, as soon as Greg Wallace started speaking, everybody in the room sat up and listened. It was immediately apparent that this was a Headteacher who was different from so many others: not only did he evidently have exceptional subject knowledge and skill but he was so obviously passionate about bestowing children in Hackney with the education that they deserve and this was positively infectious. Like the Learning Trust, he emphasised that pupils in our school needed to make accelerated progress due to a legacy of inadequate and satisfactory teaching. However, the key difference was that he actually showed us how to do this. Over the course of the subsequent term, staff received progressive and regular CPD relating to marking and core teaching principles. The transformation and improvement in teaching and learning was phenomenal. Greg Wallace not only provided us with insight into the importance of daily feedback and assessment but his superb CPD enabled us to perform this to the highest standards. Within the duration of two weeks, my own marking progressed from satisfactory to outstanding and I can honestly say, that I learnt more in the ten minute 1:1 marking tutorial that I had with Greg Wallace, then I did in a year working alongside the advisors from the Learning Trust. Our Ofsted inspection followed shortly afterwards and our marking was recognised as a core strength as was the support that we had received from this local Headteacher. The school I left three years ago was a good school with an outstanding leadership team and any member of staff who worked there in 2007 will credit this long term success to Greg’s Wallace’s support. Most of the above posts have focussed on Wallace’s magnificent work within his federation. I can confirm that he has also had a positive impact on schools outside of his federation, supporting the management in developing capacity so that all improvements are sustainable. I have the utmost respect for Greg Wallace and am sincerely grateful to him for making me the teacher and manager that I am today. Hackney Learning Trust have so obviously suspended this Headteacher because he quite rightly wants his schools to become independent academies. They do not want to lose the monetary funds that his schools deliver and cannot face losing these schools when they are clearly among the best in the borough due to his relentless hard work. This highlights not only how desperate this authority is but also how corrupt. Greg Wallace has my complete support and if there is any justice in our education system, hard work, morality and the interests of children everywhere will triumph.
Thank you, Ed, I am partially reassured.
This has torn a whole community apart. What a shame. There are no winners – irrelevant of the outcome.
Mike, that is precisely what I said (comment 92) and – as you said – irrespective of the outcome. You’re welcome.
CAA – thanks for the correction above. Had not even noticed. Hope your not a teacher or I will be getting a C on that one.
Yours was only a mild malapropism, Mike. You are clearly a genuine contributor and no wolf in cheap clothing. I apologise for being mean enough to point yours out. We all write at speed in this context and throwing stones at others for their errors is silly.
How about if we agree to share an A* for pouring water on troubled oil?
CCA and Mike could team up and prune CCA’s roses…
Or maybe one of them should expose corruption and issues FOI requests to Hackney forcing them to justify their conflicting behaviour.
How can Hackney have issued a report (published on Best Start’s website) on 22/07/13 claiming leadership is ‘outstanding’ in EVERY SCHOOL???
Next day – suspend the governors. REALLY CLEVER and ‘joined up’.
Who runs the show in Hackney?
I have a child at London Fields. I don’t know Greg Wallace personally, and don’t know if he is guilty. I will await the evidence – unlike many it seems.
I will say he has helped transform London Fields. It is a happy, productive school. Before him, even teachers at the school were advising us not to send a child there.
I sincerely hope this is not a political campaign because, if it is, it will blow up in the face of those pursuing him.
Personally, I fear my child is being used as a political pawn by the Learning Trust.
Keith Magnum claims he was a governor.
What’s his email address?
Let’s get all his ‘Governor visit’ notes and make them PUBLIC.
Why isn’t he a governor now and – who is he? What’s he done for Hackney’s children?
Run away???
Well done fedfest I applaud your comments. It should be noted that Jane Kemsley the governor for Finance was not aware of the relationship between Greg and Tony despite comments otherwise from Peter Passam. I don’t blame the parents of children from federated schools for championing Greg and his teaching methods or the staff that have thrived under his guidance and direction for having such positive views here but please do not ignore the comments of others that are not so rosey. We all have our own experience of Mr Wallace and sadly mine is negative. I worked in one of his schools for 13 years and when he first came on board I was delighted that someone with his vision would be heading our school! However, i have seen first hand the difference Mr Wallace and his senior staff can make to the lives of decent hard working people. This is not the right forum for this debate but it will happen.
Your negative experience does not mean he is guilty – or even wrong in the way the schools are run. And, yes, parents who have seen the life chances of their children dramatically increase under Best Start will probably champion him during what looks like a political game at the possible expense of their children’s education. The council risks opening up a rift with parents who are not prepared to go back to the bad old days.
There is a culture of bullying at The Learning Trust, that the HR department know about but do nothing about. So many people have left because of it.
There is also a lot more staff of Directors working there than Tricia Okuraawwa’s two sons. There was Steve Belks wife, Alan Woods son and daughter.
Why dont we investigate them?
Roger you say your child is at London Fields? You should know then that Caroline Tyson pretty much runs the show over there with minimal input these days from Greg. I say this so that you don’t stress too much about the future of your childs education cos if Greg does happen to be found guilty LF will still run under the outstanding leadership of Caroline and your childs education will not fall foul to any dodgy politics that you mention.
There is a culture of bullying and it starts at the top in the Learning Trust. Okowura, Belk and Wood should be investigated, as should some of the HR team, and some of the Clerks to the Governing Body.
There should also be an investigation into how Head Teachers have taken huge retirement funds, how many compromise agreements have been made …[Deleted by moderator].
I worked for a year at the Federation and Mr.Wallace never greeted me once.I still feel this is not the place to be getting personal and is really not a topic of discussion.i see a from above trainee teachers feel bitter. I doubt it very much they would have been left to run a class alone at any of his schools.Why the stress?
TRICIA OKOWURA how are you able to investigate someone for something you yourself has done????
If your SON works for the Learning Trust; have you followed all the correct procedures?
I wonder???
This should be a debate about the actual article NOT about ex-employees personal experiences.
From reading the above article it is very clear we are not being told everything.
If Mr Wallace was open to the chair of governors; Where is the wrong doing?
TRICIA OKOWURA – POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK????
The problem here is that the Director of Education has incredible double standards. It suits her to subvert rules and procedures in order to get someone out of the hole that her failing policies have ceased to eradicate from Hackney. Once these people have done the dirty work she then turns on them to ensure they don’t get too powerful. It is not coincidental that Mr Wallace was going to convert all 5 schools into academies i.e. out of local authority control. Certainly this would not be a future that the Learning Trust of the Director would want. They are ALL about the control. Education comes very low in the Directors’ list of priorities as many in the know will tell you.
I agree with KateFrank99. This is a debate about the article. If people feel the need to tell their story start a separate discussion .
There is a clear link here to find some “dirt” on Greg Wallace and smells of a classic Learning Trust set up. There will be a “successor” in the pipeline already appointed who will be another crony or friend of the Director of Education. That is how it works. Not about what is best for children despite all the rhetoric and seemingly high principled talk. The Executive Head of the Primary Advantage Federation is very good friends with the Director. Everyone knows this. How did she get all those schools to run? I rest my case.
Knowing how some of the individuals in the Learning Trust operate, I think you are spot on Hackney Truth when you say that the “successor in the pipeline” will be a friend/crony of the Director of Education. She along with some of her friends/colleagues have demonstrated on many occasions that they don’t actually care about what’s best for the children (only what is best for their careers). Also schools are being forced/encouraged into partnerships often just to promote the Head Teacher but not because it is best for the children and the school. This is all relevant to the article because it is demonstrating and questioning the double standards operating at the Leaning Trust. Okuwara should be investigated.
I would like to see a quote/statement from this Tricia Okowura as her name seems to be appearing a lot.
@Hackney Citizen Why don’t you put forward to her the many comments that have been bought up in this discussion?
I for one would like to know her views … [Deleted by moderator]… and I’m sure others will as well.
Okoruwa takes her instructions from Alan Wood. He is meant to be in charge of the whole shoddy, poisonous operation.
An MP should intervene in the House of Commons and demand a public investigation into what people really think about the Learning Trust.
Great diversion from Greg …[ deleted by moderator]. If personal experiences from working at his schools are irrelevant to the discussion here then why are personal opinions about Tricia acceptable. Someone has worked very hard on this thread to divert attention from the real issue. So lets thank Dave, John, Alan and Susan. If in doubt scroll through the comments and just look at how similar the layout of those comments are. It’s so easy to tell someone is pulling the strings, but be careful as you are pulling so hard those strings may finally snap!
Good idea Raj. All through this dialogue is a strand related to Tricia Okoruwa. … [Deleted by moderator]…
End of day it appears that people more interested in getting Greg Wallace back into the driving seat of his schools and keeping the Learning Trust out of them.
Sounds as if Look is making out something menacing is going on here (conspiracy? – a member of the Learning Trust perhaps?) and refers to Tricia (a friend?)
I am interested in good schools for my children NOT in someone who is trying to keep control of schools and their functions with second rate organisations steeped in political intrigue and malice. How is that helping anyone? Certainly NOT the children of Hackney. Too many people appear to be sniffing a rat here and as they say no smoke without fire!
@LOOK The difference is the comments being made about Tricia Okowura ARE relevant to the actual story. How is she able to lead a investigation on something she has done herself?
You cant honestly say that is fair?
I agree with @Hackney Truth Are you friends?
To the ex employees who feel the need to come on here and drag Greg Wallace’s good name through the mud.
You all seem to have been apart of the FAILING schools before Mr Wallace intervened.
So, it leads readers to believe that you contributed to the failure that was continuing in these schools before they were saved by the federation.
How ironic you are now bitter towards the man who identified weak areas/people who were failing the children.
To give credit only to Mr Wallace for the improvements to London Fields PS is both unfair and incorrect. In July 2008 the impovement to that school since going into Special Measures was judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. That was months before he took over. There were many teachers and support staff that worked at the school before and after his appointment that should be given the credit they deserve for the huge improvments they made to the school. They did it with the support of the Learning Trust and without using controversial teaching schemes such as Read Write Inc and Making Maths Make Sense. I’m not saying that he hasn’t been sucessful in improving failing schools. I am saying that his ‘teach by numbers’ way of running a school isn’t the only way to run a outstanding learning environment!
There is a lot of scandal around Sian Davies’ Primary Advantages Federation and Okoruwa.
Okoruwa is a governor of Primary Advantages and now they are making Betty Layward and Morningside join into it. Okoruwa has another close comrade – GILLIAN BRADY – who is also involved in Primary Advantages.
Thanks to Chantel Jose for pointing the above out.
I somehow doubt that Primary Advantages Federation will be converting to academy status!
What is the scandal around Primary Advantages?
When will people realise that this is NOT about how he contributed to turning schools around, or his regimented ways, but rather the issue of awarding someone a contract. There are so many protocols and procedures in schools, and its a pity if Mr Wallace didn’t follow them – not the best example to lead by for any headteacher, let alone a ‘super head’.
Interesting comment that the Director of Education for Hackney is a governor for Primary Advantage and yet it is the Director of Education who has seemingly instigated the investigation against Mr. Wallace and his governing body. So if there was malpractice for this federation of schools who would be responsible for doing this. Seems to be a conflict of interest here or do those rules not apply to Ms Okoruwa? Again we keep going back to the same issue re: relatives, procedures etc the Director of Education appears to apply different standards to different situations.
Confused where it states he didn’t follow the protocol??
I thought it said PETER PASSAM (CHAIR OF GOVERNORS) “GREG WAS ALWAYS OPEN WITH ME ABOUT HIS CONNECTION TO THE COMPANY’
Annonymous is correect -did not follow protocols and procedures. No doubt he did a lot of good for school. However,he also did wrong which needs to be investigated. Not a shining example for our children.
Greg is an intelligent man and should have know better than setting himself up for disaster. I am sure there is a lot more to this than we know.
You lot show how little you know. Read Write Inc is not controversial… get a life.
If you do not follow procedures and protocols you should be held accountable. But that rule should apply to all. Davies comment 125 mentioned Gillian Brady, Brady went into a school and manages o pick a teacher who she likes to work with her as a as a moderator. (Parents and staff know this colleague to be weak). This means that an incompetent who cannot teach has been put in a position to go and judge colleagues in schools. How can this person do this when they were no good themselves. Too often in Hackney School people liked by the management and Learning Trust are getting the promotions. What happened to advertising the role/job and allowing people to apply and giving the job to the best candidate?
At this stage nobody knows the facts- wait and see.
The wider issues are:
1) Learning Trust do not want to lose 5 schools (10% of their primaries) to academy status
2) Director of Education will have no power over the schools – and it appears she likes “power”
3) He may have fallen out with the Learning Trust and this is a complete stitch up
4) Procedures and practices are uneven across the Education system in Hackney
5) Learning Trust cannot “piggyback” on others success as they have with this Head so far. They might have to prove they can do it themselves.
There’s never smoke without fire – just saying .
Purity talks about Brady and has a point. A friend I have that works in Hackney knows Brady was told to act as a reader in the SATS papers for one of Okoruwa’s friends. Guess who the friend was?
… [Deleted by moderator]…
Brady is meant to be a senior primary adviser. Why is she acting as a ‘reader’ for children in Okoruwa’s best mates school?
BRADY does not even have a degree!
She is meant to be this important person but she is not qualified to any kind of level.
What a farce the place is.
Maybe Brady should work in an Academy!
It appears there is a lot of intelligence out there about this type of nepotism, malpractice and cronyism. So why doesn’t this information filter upwards to someone who might be able to do something about it? Or is it being ignored?
Surely someone could just direct the right person to this site to see that all is not right.
I have just read all this and it sounds to me as though lots of answers are needed. Presumably we can rely on the Citizen to ask for the true responses from hackney about the allegations. Sure Greg Wallace is in for questioning but someone needs to sift through this blog and take the allegations to the council. Ad well as Wallace and the best start governors we’ve got hackney in the dock for bullying, dodgy recruitment, cronyism, favouritism and the point about Brady reading says questions out. There seem to be a lot of people fed up with Okoruwa and Wood too.
I think the Citizen shd lead the call for hackney to come clean
Maybe Brady can show her degree certificate and put that one to bed at least.
Ive just read back. Okoruwas son works in there too.
Well someone might well ask Okoruwa why she could never train as an Ofsted inspector or could not be considered for it?
Why couldn’t she?
Either she’s not qualified or there’s a bit of history with Okoruwa and Ofsted?
Someone will know. Let’s get it all out and stop the hackney rumours. I suspect this blog will run and run. When teachers go back to school everyone will have a learning trust story. I know someone who worked there and was so desperate to leave it behind she went without pay rather than tell them where she was going next.
It might be of some interest for people to have a look at the Burbage Primary Ofsted report from 2004 when the headteacher on the report was T. Okoruwa.
I believe she was actually the principal Adviser for the Learning Trust at that time … [Deleted by moderator]…
There are too many stories flying around about the calibre of this person that might question the moral compass and their ability to judge anyone especially.
Greg Wallace who has only done good for the children of Hackney.
That should read the 2009 Ofsted report for Burbage.
It’s 2008! I’ve checked. This is outrageous!!
This is an outrage, I remember the learning trust had to step in because the head at the time had given a lucrative building deal to her boyfriend. She was suspended pending the investigation. Wait, doesn’t this this sound familiar? You couldn’t make it up.
To 150 – Dick –
Who said it was lucrative??
Wait until there are some facts. remember that Hackney Council have refused to supply these!!
Anyone who has been afforded the pleasure of working with Greg Wallace will recognise what a hard working, dedicated and respectable Head he is. Teachers, parents and pupils at his schools and beyond (well said Megan M 95) will all be fully behind him. We want justice for Greg Wallace and the pupils in Hackney!
Mr Wallace you were the best teacher I ever had. You was so kind and you always said nice things about our work. Mr Wallace if you are reading this, you taught everyone to be strong and to stand up for what is right. We are going to stand up for you now.
I do not believe anyone should press “children” into service, to add fuel to what appears to be an increasingly political situation. I believe there could be child protection issues here.
I’m 20 years old CCA loser and at college – old enough to read the newspaper and make my own decision. You are a big jealous hater.
This investigation is disgusting. How can the head of HLT possible suspend Greg Wallace when he has done so much for HLT and the children of Hackney. It is HLT who should be suspended. Well done Lies for bringing their shortcomings and corruption to our attention.
The important piece of the jigsaw here is about getting the “right” people to view the level of discontent about the treatment of Mr. Wallace, the wider distrust of the Hackney Learning Trust and in particular the Director of Education. It seems to me that Mr Wallace has been a victim of some wider political issues indeed.
Emmanuel would be right, I would suggest to ‘big’ CCA.
There is something called ‘freedom of speech’.
Greg Wallace has been around a while. There will be many pupils older than 20 who have been taught by him.
CCA: child protection – get real. Kids and former kids can have a voice – or is this against Hackney’s rules too?
CCA: Where is your evidence of any impact? Point us to it on the web… Let’s play fair.
Well said Stephan. CCA you need to go back to primary school – preferably a school in the federation as you clearly need to make accelerated progress – so that you can revise the definition of child protection. It does not in any way refer to adults expressing their opinions . I believe that Greg Wallace took over Woodberry Down in 2001 and was teaching for a few years before that. Lots of his pupils will be in their early twenties and older. The children of Hackney need protecting from people who have no understanding of education – precisely people like you!
My sincere apologies, Emmanuel29. When I read your first post, I assumed you were much younger. Your second one wouldn’t have convinced me that you were any older than about 10 at the most. And since there has been so much praise for the Headteacher and his schools, I naturally assumed that pupils’ standards would be high. My mistake and, again, my apologies.
As I said previously, it is sad that this issue is tearing the community apart. Yours, not mine. I live about 120 miles away.
I’ve been reading comments on The Independent site about this story and it’s good to see some of you there. I’ve lost interest in it all now. Goodnight to you.
CCA CHILD PROTECTION!!! REALLY??
If I was you I would really think LONG and HARD before making another comment on here.
CCA – Thank goodness you have lost interest. We all lost interest in you after your first dull post. Don’t call us – we won’t call you.
I have been reading this forum (as some may call it) myself on the other hand would call it a witchhunt and the wrong person is being hunted, it seems to me that the learning trust are scared that the thought of losing five established schools (best start federation) pulling them into oustanding positions schools that were failing the poorer children of hackney by a man (GREG WALLACE) who not only wants the best for these children but also employs only the best staff to nourish and feed education into these children! I work in one of the schools and I have seen how the school has improved so much since Greg has taken over!!
The learning trust should be ashamed of themself’s is money more important than educating children because it all comes down to the fact that you lose those five schools into academy status you lose a hell of a lot of money but where is this money going is it paying the wages of the Okurawa family ?
I am 100% behind Greg in his fight for justice to clear his name!! The sooner he is back the better for the federation and children the better!!
Oh yes as for the people making there hearsay comments unless you have actually worked alongside Greg (not under his regeme as some ppl put it) keep your nasty comments to yourself he is approachable and human you can have a laugh and joke with him he is a normal guy and obviously he is going to have his off days ( which normal person wouldn’t) but the people who work with him would know when was a good or bad time to have a quick word or longer.
A very happy and commited worker of the BEST Start Federation
My daughter is did her teaching training and has always felt so fortunate to be given the opportunity to work within one of Greg’s schools. We do not live in London but we speak to our daughter everyday who is always full of enthusiasm for the job and so much praise for Greg.
It is not always about the big picture, the inspections or exam results, Greg cares, not only about the education of the children in Hackney but also their well-being. He has done so much for many children in many aspects of their every day lives. He has worked hard to surround himself by an amazing team of staff who all aim for the same goals. My daughter did well throughout her training within the Federation because Greg has supported and inspired her so much we are thankful that he saw that within her and gave her the opportunity.
The children also think so highly of Mr Wallace, and as my daughter has told me, the children are happy when Mr Wallace visits their lessons, they feel proud when they show him their work or when he comes to watch their school musicals or shows. They are not prompted during Ofsted inspections, they are all proud children, proud that as a school they set an example, that they can say that they are role models. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your school.
My daughter worked closely with two children for a number of years and these children progressed in so many ways. The Federation of schools offer such a huge number of opportunities for pupils and also parents. I am upset by the allegations against Greg and the way that some people have spoken about someone, who also has feelings, and someone that has worked for so many years to improve the education of the children in Hackney.
Does anyone know what the “Independent” site CCA was referring to? Any help most welcome.
It is important that the momentum generated on this site is not lost but needs to be taken to a wider audience. If this is the national newspaper “The Independent” then it would be good if people also contributed to that.
As Happy Worker says the focus should not be solely on Mr Wallace but with the wider motives of the Learning Trust and its Director of Education who by all accounts on here is of questionable character and ability.
This discussion has become quite farcical and so off the point its hilarious. Most comments are so obviously from Gregs cronies!! Come on guys let’s stick to the facts please. Greg did not disclose his personal relationship with the BSF IT service provider to all governors or HLT and he was also once secretary to c2 Technologies this information should have been made available to all governors not just Peter Passsam. If we all behaved in this way we would be suspended and investigated too. Let’s not forget that freedom of information requests to the beststart federation have been ignored oin recent years? Arrogance? Ignorance? Fraud? The truth will out in the end!
Maybe ‘exfed’ is ex-Fed because of poor reading ability?
The statement on the Fed website says:
“While no system ever operates perfectly, we refute entirely that there was persistent lack of governance or worse, misfeasance by this Governing Body. The Best Start Federation Governing Body has appealed to the Secretary of State for Education to intervene.”
It also says:
“The first contract was signed with C2 Technology in 2009.”
The Citizen says:
“documents from Companies House show he was its secretary from 1999 until 2004.”
‘exfed’ – as well as poor reading – what’s your maths like? How many years DIFFERENCE?
‘exfed’ writes, “Let’s not forget that freedom of information requests to the beststart federation have been ignored in recent years? ”
Hackney Gazette says:
“A request in March 2011 asking for quotes submitted by contractors for any purchases over £1,000 at Woodberry Down, Mandeville and London Fields schools was refused in March 2012 in an unsigned letter from the “chair of governors” on the grounds of being “vexacious” and too costly.”
‘exfed’ – ‘refused’ does not mean ‘ignore’.
So you have problems with your basic vocabulary range as well.
‘exfed’, if you are still teaching, spend the summer doing reading comprehension practice, widening your vocabulary and rehearsing basic maths facts.
When you’ve done that, learn to use the apostrophe for contraction –
‘so off the point its hilarious’
should be
‘so off the point it’s hilarious’.
Then, you can move on to learn how to use the apostrophe for possession –
‘obviously from Gregs cronies’
should be
‘obviously from Greg’s cronies’.
If you can demonstrate all these skills in your next posting, we can move on to your new targets. Small steps for now. Best approach is little and often.
I think you’ve shown why you are ex-Fed.
Exactly Dom, Greg and three of his schools failed to show the requested quotes to prove the IT contract was given to C2 because it was value for money. It is them who need to prove their innocence and everything is above board. The chair may have been aware but why not the governer in charge of fiannce for the federation. It was not totally public until this recent article that Greg also worked for the IT company whilst he was also a head teacher. He had both personal and professional involvement with a company that he later gave a contract to without putting it out to tender,
Please do not correct my spelling, punctuation or grammar. Writing for different purposes such as posting a comment on a public forum is not the same as writing a formal letter. This obsession with the literacy standards of each post is again distracting from the real issue. This may blow your mind but it is generally acceptable to write 2 in a text message and it may mean to, two or too!
Dear Dom (or should I say Greg?!) You doth protest far too much sweetie, have I riled you??! Apologies for my poor literacy skills but I’m communicating whilst lounging around a gorgeous pool and not putting too much emphasis on punctuation and such!! Once again, let’s see how this all unfolds shall we. As for c2 being value for money compared with IT support from HLT if that’s true then I’m a cheese sandwich 🙂 feel free to do a spell check!!
Dear Fedrick,
I am sure it is perfectly acceptable to spell ‘governor’ as ‘governer’ and ‘finance’ as ‘fiannce’… really sure.
There are abbreviated ways people communicate in texts and emails. Not sure this comment forum is either of those. Also, there is a difference between abbreviated language for texts etc and people like yourself who have ingrained problems with language and spelling.
But I am sure it shows you in a really good light, Fedrick. I guess you are a teacher?
THE RED LINE MEANS YOU HAVE MADE A MISTAKE
Dear ExFed,
I am called Dominic, Dom for short.
You are called Ex Fed, soon to become a cheese sandwich.
Enjoy your lounging around.
Ah! Still no real debate about the facts of the issue. Exfed raise a glass for me and enjoying your lounging. Spare a thought for those not as fortunate as yourself. Those who will be spending the summer worrying about their ‘good’ name and damaged reputation. Simple’s! (Ironic use of apostrophe there or was it?)
@INVESTIGATE HACKNEY
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6108161
In this article it is discussed that critics complain that Read Write Inc it is just “sterile decoding”. There are many other things that good readers do other than just decoding. Reading involves more than just phonetic knowledge. I have done Ruth Miskin’s training and I think there is a place for phonics but it is not the only skill we should be teaching our children. I have heard that Ruth has said that some people take her scheme and take it to the extreme. I believe that Greg Wallace does this because I was told that he believes that children shouldn’t be read any books that they can’t read by themselves. Surely part of a teachers job is to model what good readers do and expose children to exciting and stimulating literature that they necessarily can not access by themselves. I assume that when you didn’t defend MMMS that you agree with my opinion of that particular scheme…?
I am slightly curious as to why Greg’s supporters don’t put their real names and hide behind pseudonyms like INVESTIGATE HACKNEY.
@INVESTIGATE HACKNEY
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6108161
In this article it is discussed that critics complain that Read Write Inc it is just “sterile decoding”. There are many other things that good readers do other than just decoding. Reading involves more than just phonetic knowledge. I have done Ruth Miskin’s training and I think there is a place for phonics but it is not the only skill we should be teaching our children. I have heard that Ruth has said that some people take her scheme and take it to the extreme. I believe that Greg Wallace does this because I was told that he believes that children shouldn’t be read any books that they can’t read by themselves. Surely part of a teachers job is to model what good readers do and expose children to exciting and stimulating literature that they necessarily can not access by themselves. I assume that you when you didn’t defend MMMS that you agree with my opinion of that particular scheme…?
I am slightly curious as to why Greg’s supporters don’t put their real names and hide behind pseudonyms like INVESTIGATE HACKNEY.
@INVESTIGATE HACKNEY
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6108161
In this article it is discussed that critics complain that Read Write Inc it is just “sterile decoding”. There are many other things that good readers do other than just decoding. Reading involves more than just phonetic knowledge. I have done Ruth Miskin’s training and I think there is a place for phonics but it is not the only skill we should be teaching our children. I have heard that Ruth has said that some people take her scheme and take it to the extreme. I believe that Greg Wallace does this because I was told that he believes that children shouldn’t be read any books that they can’t read by themselves. Surely part of a teachers job is to model what good readers do and expose children to exciting and stimulating literature that they necessarily can not access by themselves. I assume that you when you didn’t defend MMMS that you agree with my opinion of that particular scheme…?
I am slightly curious as to why Greg’s supporters don’t attach their real names to their posts and hide behind pseudonyms like INVESTIGATE HACKNEY and HAPPY WORKER.
I have tried to post 3 comments but none of them have appeared. I wonder why?
@INVESTIGATE HACKNEY
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6108161
In this article it is discussed that critics complain that Read Write Inc it is just “sterile decoding”. There are many other behaviours that good readers do other than just decoding. Reading involves more than just phonetic knowledge. I have done Ruth Miskin’s training and I think there is a place for phonics but it is not the only skill we should be teaching our children. I have heard that Ruth has said that some people take her scheme to the extreme. I believe that Greg Wallace does this because I was told that he believes that children shouldn’t be read any books that they can’t read by themselves. Surely part of a teachers job is to model what good readers do and expose children to exciting and stimulating literature that they necessarily can not access by themselves. INVESTIGATE ACKNEY… I assume that you when you didn’t defend MMMS that you agree with my opinion of that particular scheme…?
I am slightly curious as to why Greg’s supporters don’t attach their real names to their posts and hide behind pseudonyms like INVESTIGATE HACKNEY and HAPPY WORKER.
Any ideas?
And again….why cant anone answers these posts?
Mr Wallace’s workers as you put do not hide behind anything. I am sure that anyone of them if asked would speak the truth.
All of them proud to be part of the Federation and we all stand in support of Greg.
This is not a debate about the best ways to teach our children how to read.
Stick to the real issue!
This is a witch hunt to stop the academy status conversion. Greg was HLT’s problem solver for years. It was them who approached him in regards to becoming a federation they practically begging him to take on the failing schools to save themselves as the contract that was set up when the learning trust took control of education in Hackney stated that if they had more than 5 schools in special measures they would lose the contract. When London fields was looking like going that way they asked Greg to fix it for them and save them. As soon as he wanted to the best for the children in the federation by becoming an academy hackney knew then everyone would see how bad they were once they lost the 5 schools in the federation so the dirt digging started they tried everything in there power to stop it. Alan wood himself wrote a personal letter to Gove asking him to not allow the federation to become an academy . This failed so they then took this route. The chair of governors was aware of the connection between Greg and C2 therefore it had been declared. So the investigation should be null and void. As this is the issue the investigation is based on. Yet the witch hunt continues so HLT can save there own skin.
Hackney Learning Trust leadership are universally mistrusted by schools apart from those in the Primary Advantage Federation. Questions need to be asked in the council, DFE, OFSTED? What has happened at Morningside to stop Academisation? Oh yes Primary advantage. Who paid for Tricia to go on a shopping trip to New York with her cronies? Yes that was us.
Why can the Learning Trust veto new headship appointments against the wishes of the governors- see Parkwood school? Ask the governors of Betty Layward what pressure they are under to take a crony as exec head.
Why are excellent headteachers sidelined to let the cronies have more schools? See Sian Davies, Michelle Thomas? Ask what happened at Princess May during OFSTED? Greg Wallace was part of all this until he turned his back on Okoruwa and she saw red and did everything she could to find a way to scupper him. It is all about her own personal power and control and Wood has let this happen. Hackney teachers are now praying it may have been a step too far for Okoruwa and she is on the way out. This is the only hope for Hackney education. Her unprincipled sidekick Gill Brady needs to go to
Chantel Jose/Jse is another one of the idiots that cannot spell their names consistently. How she has the nerve to talk about teaching literacy…
She should team up with Fedrick , sometimes spelt Fedick.
Fedrick Fedick has to work for Hackney!
It won’t just be Greg Wallace that will suffer in this.
The likes of Chantel Jose/Jse aka Channers epitomise the low quality that is prevalent in HLT and HLT’s favoured Primary Advantages.
Why can’t Chantel Jose/Jse aka Channers post her comments??? The standard of her writing is truly dreadful. Clearly her IT needs development as well.
Jose/Jse/Channers writes, “And again….why cant anone answers these posts? ”
MAYBE THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND YOUR INCOHERENT RANTS.
Maybe she is the moderator chosen by G Brady as referred to by Purity (135). That would make some sense.
This debate should not even be happening as Hackney Learning Trust should never have been allowed to suspend a man who has saved their schools 5 times over.
Hackney Learning Trust are just pulling at straws now as there has been NO wrong doing here.
Greg Wallace has always been open about the connection with C2 therefore, whether he was the seceraty of the company 5 years prior to the contract being awarded is irrelevant. HE WAS ALWAYS OPEN ABOUT THE CONNECTION. I think some readers are either can not read this comment or chose to ignore it?!?
What is the IT services provided by C2 like?
I don’t know about Greg Wallace. I have seen him in the building and I saw him on ITV and I think most people say he is good a turning schools round but not very friendly.
But I do know I’ve worked for the Learning trust for several years and it is not a healthy environment. Staffs come and go all the time and we do not get proper management to help us do our work. Everything will be quiet for a while and then suddenly something kicks off and people are blamed for not doing things they did not know they had to do. You never know who is going to leave next. It is often at a day or less notice period. You hear stories about the people at the top and nobody knows what to believe.
Everyone in the place seems really worried to cover their backs and that is about it.
I am looking for a job elsewhere. I have never been so unhappy at work.
And I HATE the Trust Alert emails we get when schools have Ofsteds and everything has to stop because they all go over and cover things up to get the school through.
This is scandalous behaviour by senior people within our education system in Hackney. Why have the national press got hold of this all? if anyone knows of someone who could be directed who works in that field could be directed to this site I think there is some scope for this going wider.
From what is being suggested on this site the Director of Education is involved in some very shady and dodgy activities and it is right and proper that it is stopped.
If anyone has such contacts please direct them to this site to start the ball rolling. What about some local journalist?
Hackney Truth this is only the tip of a VERY nasty iceberg and it has been going on for a long time.
At one point there were even rumours (true or not I don’t know) that the DoE was monitoring (i.e. reading) all headteachers emails on the Hackney Intranet. Many now correspond with each other on personal emails. That is why there is a huge level of distrust.
BTW – by reading I mean – tapping into!!!!
Maybe Gill Brady reads them when she is not reading SATS questions out!
HLT will suffer over this. I agree with post 183.
“Hackney teachers are now praying it may have been a step too far for Okoruwa and she is on the way out. This is the only hope for Hackney education. Her unprincipled sidekick Gill Brady needs to go too.”
To Lies – 191,
You have gone a step too FAR. Brady is not good with computers. Many of her emails are sent by a PA who then ‘RECALLS’ them almost immediately.
When Brady does write an email, unaided, it will be a max of two sentences and they will be confused.
@Hackney citizen
I hope you are reading these comments as amongst them is a real story for you to discover.
Exfed and Chantel Jose, well said to every damn point. Yes I think we might just be speaking to Greg himself or individuals who have very close relationships with him.
These individuals seem hell bent on teaching us a few things about grammar and punctuation.
Exactly Exfed lets see how this all unfolds.
HILARY RYAN IS A NEW FAT CAT IN HACKNEY
Ryan joins Okoruwa’s team under the leadership of FAT CAT Brady
Comments from her last school’s Ofsted include:
Almost all pupils are from White British backgrounds.
Then, as key URGENT recommendations, Ryan should have:
[1] Planned opportunities for children to learn more about cultural diversity
[2] Monitored impact of the children’s understanding of modern multicultural society
What is she doing in Hackney???
Guess what – she is now best mates with Okoruwa and Brady…
She must have no moral values whatsoever
Wow, had a message from a friend telling me to check out this rather interesting thread!! There’s some dirty washing being aired that’s for sure. I have a question for the Governors of the federation. I’d like to know if they were aware that the contractor who supplied the PA systems to the schools was the brother of Tony Zangoura the partner of Greg Wallace? Now I’m not that good with figures but I am pretty sure those systems would have needed at least 3 quotes before the work was awarded to Mr Zangoura’s brother. Just thought I would return this thread to its initial train of thought….. Or does somebody need to mention Tricia O again and again and again????
195 says moans about her grammar being criticised etc
‘Exactly Exfed lets see how this all unfolds.’
COULD BE BETTER IF…
‘Exactly! Exfed, let’s see how this all unfolds.”
You must be a teacher! Teaching not much that is useful.
This should STOP!
We need Wallace to have his investigation finished, we need to the Governors to have their investigation finished. And we need the Hackney Council to suspend key staff and investigate them. SUSPEND THEM ALL!!!
We need the truth. This is not a game. Children’s education is being jeopardised by GREED.
I wish the parents of children who have not had such a positive experience of the federation would comment so that it is a fair judgement. What about the children who are bullied in the schools – not just by pupils! Like all stories there are always two sides – it is a shame in this case – with children at the heart of it that both sides aren’t listened to.
Agree with GETTHETRUTH – it isn’t a game. The federation states that it gives ALL children the BEST POSSIBLE START – having worked in the federation schools in the past this is not true. Parents need to speak out and stand up and be heard – surely we all want the best for our kids and the only way this is going to happen is for the truth to finally be revealed.
In response to the comment made by KLE about negative comments being posted by indadequate teachers: some maybe but there are many good and outstanding teachers
… [Deleted by moderator]…
What about the teachers who do work for the fed and work more than 17 hour days with no recognition of their hard work – a simple thank you would suffice.
Also what about the teachers who do care about EVERY child – what are they supposed to do when they see children in the schools suffering and cowering under the federation ways – they are not listened to and if they try to speak out they are silenced or blackmailed so where is there for them to go?
Most teachers are happy to work long days, not ever set foot in the staff room and go all day without a cup of tea for the best interests of the children – most teachers within the federation work in this way but being constantly watched and hounded is wrong and is a violation of human rights.
All of our children have rights too and as teachers we should be protecting these – there should be a voice for teachers to speak out about the conditions in the federation schools – both sides of the story should be heard before any judgements are made.
I do believe that these schools offer the best start for every child. Many of you talk about Greg being very hard to work for, but is there anything wrong with making sure that he has the best possible people working within a school where the children rely on us to be there, to care and to support them. Staff who work for the Best Start Federation will go above and beyond for the children who they care for. Many things they do which would seem way above and beyond are normal everyday procedures for them. I have known parents to say that they give thanks everyday for the staff and for Greg supporting their children. It is dreadful that people seem to be out there to get Greg, he is being made out to be something he is not. Greg is professional, extremely hard working and an inspiration. There are so few people like Greg, he strives always for the children. I can imagine that schools within Hackney could be extremely difficult to work in, whether they are a federation school or not. What this is all about is a group of people so worried about their mistakes over a period of time that they now want to destroy a man, a school full of hardworking and happy staff, fun-loving hardworking children just to save their own name. Becoming an academy benefits the children and not HLT, should these greedy people be working with education at all?
To Investigate Hackney – I believe I said the rumours were about the DoE NOT Brady. No worries and I am sure you are right. The Intranet is controlled by HLT and if the IT department want to or ARE instructed to any senior official can tap into peoples email.
Stephan, you are hilarious ha ha ha! Be sure to check my grammatical errors! Lol
@curious
Friend of Ms Okurawa I suppose?!?
Why should her name not be brought up as she is the person leading this investigation!
Someone who is leading an investigation should not be guilty of doing the same or WORSE!
Honestfedex who ever is feeding you information regarding the hours teacher work 17 hours a day (really?) With no breaks and some don’t even go to the staffroom (really?) Go without a cup of tea (really?) Are we living in victorian times? As for children in the federation being bullied not only by children (really?) Also children suffering and cowering under the federation ways!!! Also they are not listened to silenced and blackmailed???? Please do tell me which federation you are refering to as I can assure you it certainly isnt the BEST START FEDERATION thats for sure!!!!!!
In the federation there is a huge and I mean HUGE anti bullying strategy in each school of the federation for both adults and children every child knows what to do and who to talk to regarding bullying and I can assure you there are sanctions for such actions but certainly no child has ever cowered or been afraid to speak out so do youself a favour and go back and tell your informant to get there facts right better still find out what federation there talking about and report them because if staff and pupils are being treated like that they should be getting investigated instead of hounding a man who is there to give the children the BEST START in there education
Regards HAPPY WORKER
Well said @BS!!
196… Who is Hilary Ryan and why is she here if this is her record. Cultural diversity? Tackle discrimination?
What a waste of space.
Hackney’s record on promoting equality in education looks even more grim with the appointment of someone like Ryan.
She was told she should have:
“[1] Planned opportunities for children to learn more about cultural diversity
[2] Monitored impact of the children’s understanding of modern multicultural society”
What is she doing in Hackney?
It is like they appoint Belk’s mates, Okoruwa’s cronies and others that have no suitable track record.
How many of the advisory team in Hackney have run an outstanding school?
ANSWER:
NONE
Let’s do what one of the posts says… keep mentioning … [deleted by moderator]… Okoruwa. She needs to be investigated. That much is now clear. She sounds odious.
Others must have stories?
Hackney Learning Trust are awful!!
They are a disgrace to the borough and should all be investigated!!!!
How good to see so many people coming forward and saying what is really happening in Hackney Education. These leaches of the Trust have been bleeding and running the system dry because they are incompetent to start with. It’s sad but true, that Hackney employs the old pals act and that in it’s self brings in the “cover up at all costs” clause. Debeauvoir School at one point had water tanks that were “HIGH RISK LEGIONELLA” and nothing was done until I came across them. They had contractors that defrauded them for works, I called in the “POLICE” and they done nothing. The Head BULLIES a child, not to worry, pay him off and move on. The “IN” words at the moment are, “its history”
Hackney has and always will have a short memory, as it likes to forget just how bad our education service really is. The way I see things at the moment, is lets have Heads and Executive above them and Executive Executives above them. O’ lets down grade the lower staff to increase the Heads and above. Add to this the High Salaries the Trust heads get and you have the simple Hackney Education plan. Parents can run this Education system better than these “MORONS” and let’s face it most of us in Hackney know what they are. All I would say is ,keep reporting, complaining and exposing these people for what they really are. I feel a new website coming on, watch this space.
STILL WAITING FOR REPLY – TWO YEARS ON
12 March 2011
Dear The Learning Trust,
I have two questions:
1- Are the earnings (salary and bonuses) of the Deputy Director, Learning & Standards related in any way to Hackney Schools ratings?
2- Will the Learning Trust receive any collaboration incentives from the Government by setting up more school partnerships in Hackney?
THE REPLY SENT AT THE TIME SAID
From: Sandy Barnes
The Learning Trust
12 March 2011
Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office. For urgent queries, please contact Liz Hutchinson on 020 8820 7474 or email: [email address].
Otherwise, I will respond to your email on my return.
Many thanks
Sandy Barnes
‘Corporate Events Coordinator’
020 8820 7265
Honestfedex says it all. I am a teacher, but no longer work at the Federation for precisely those reason. We need people like these to stand by us junior teachers.
The Federation is just not a healthy environment for any young person to work. As a 50+ office worker I observe more than I should. I always feel I should say something, but in truth we would be out that door on Greg’s orders. You can all judge and tell us leave etc but some of us need the money.
Dear Office Worker,
Your posts are a little confused, if I may say. In an earlier post you implied you had left.
“I was an office worker at one of his school and I can tell you, he is not a very nice person.”
In this new post, which is delightful, you write in the present – which implies you still work for the Federation.
I keep being accused of splitting hairs when I blog on this site – but, forgive me, many of Mr Wallace’s adversaries appear to have very unfortunate communiqué skills.
Do let me know whether you actually work in the Federation or you do not. I am now somewhat confused.
I do not know your Federation, Mr Wallace or any of you. I am finding this quite hilarious though. There seems to be a new mystery to be deciphered almost every minute!
Please let me know, Office Worker.
Kind regards,
Stephan
Dear 2nd year teacher,
Alas, as with Office Worker, you too appear to be anti-Wallace/Federation, but lacking the necessary skills to communicate this. Some of us are finding this site borderline obsessive – due to the constant gaffs made by the anti-Fed brigade. These errors do, I fear, tell their own wretched story. I’m not sure I would want a child of mine being taught by some of the bloggers on this site!
Why you should need to knows this, 2nd year teacher, will always baffle me. However, with your every finest wish for the future at heart, I will illustrate the error of your ways.
‘I am a teacher, but no longer work at the Federation for precisely those reason.’
SHOULD HAVE BEEN
‘I am a teacher, but no longer work for the Federation for precisely those reasons.’
As a ‘junior teacher’ are you required to make mistakes for pupils to correct? Or is not, as I recall these things, part of your job to correct the misconceptions you encounter?
Riveted,
Stephan
Dear Michelle Thompson,
I would like to thank you for your kind words.
I will continue to correct your errors (time permitting).
However, Michelle, a word of advice may be apt. TRY NOT TO MAKE SO MANY ERRORS.
It seems to me that you are overly hasty in posting your ‘thoughts’.
Think carefully before you write and then read what you have written. Read it out loud, even if posting from a mobile phone whilst on a bus. YOU MUST AIM TO GET YOUR NEXT POST AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE. If in doubt, ask a friend to help check your writing.
FORTUITY,
Stephan
Stephan I agree with all your comments.
If these people no longer work within the Federation then they no longer work there. I can see why!!!!
Greg Wallace needs to return to our schools as quickly as possible! For those people who currently work there, we are all devastated by his suspension! He is the reason we all do what we do this matter should be sorted and solved quickly without further destroying education within five schools in Hackney and also a way of life surrounded by supportive and caring staff that some of these children have no choice but to rely on. We are all adults, with our own voice and opinion and are 100 % behind Greg Wallace. This is no cover up, this is the truth! The learning trust (really) ‘learning’ – that’s what you will be preventing from happening. ‘trust’ – well…. no comment!
Mr Wallace is an outstanding Head and also an outstanding teacher i know this first hand because i was in his class 10 years ago me and my little sister both went to Woodberry Down Community Primary School his first school that he took over. I was in year 6 at the time and im not to proud to say but i was one of the trouble makers in the school my whole English class had the worst of the worst in, no one wanted to teach us you could tell the teachers hated to take our class but when Mr Wallace took over it was one of my best subjects by the end of the he Mr Wallace always had time to talk to me even after i left. He was a type of guy that was strict but fun at the same time Mr Wallace has done alot for me over the years that ive known him and every time i came back into that school to see how things are doing i find out hes taken over another school and turning it into another outstanding school hearing him getting suspended has made me feel so angry inside to hear that they can do that to some that has done nothing but help and turn troubling kids and rubbish schools into outstanding ones i have never looked up to anyone in my life before but if i did it would be Mr Greg Wallace. I can tell you this now if it weren’t for Mr Wallace i wouldn’t have passed my SATS exams or learnt how to write or read properly.
As a teacher in Hackney I simply do not understand what is going here.
Everyone knows there are problems with Hackney Learning Trust. The CPD is really bad for one. Whether you go to a course or have someone come in – it is hopeless.
But everyone thought Greg Wallace was the Golden Boy – OBVIOUSLY NOT. Why did he get to run the biggest Federation in Hackney if he is so untrustworthy? This thing is so screwed up and confusing.
But, when you read the statement on Best Start’s website, it doesn’t seem as if what has happened makes ANY sense.
The Governing Body were suspended, Greg Wallace too – and with no information – it says they were not allowed to see the “report”.
THIS IS HOW COMMUNIST RUSSIA OPERATED. DECISIONS BEING MADE WITH NO INFORMATION COMMUNICATED. Is it legal to immediately remove powers and then the key person?
It THEN says that the key governor knew and goes on about how successful the schools are – which is what we all thought.
There is no law against having a gay Headteacher, even one that has a partner that works in the same school.
Something about this feels so, so wrong. I’ve read the other posts and I can see that not all are happy with the Best Start method. But I can see as well that the one’s against it have little axes they want to grind. Again and again – they sound silly – and Stephan should not have to be picking up on all these mistakes they are making!
But – really – this sounds like an excessive abuse of power to me. It also makes me feel very worried to work in Hackney. I’ve seen the quality from HLT CPD and heard so much about the Best Start – I actually wanted to go and work there. I still would.
BUT it says on the Best Start website that ‘The Best Start Federation Governing Body has appealed to the Secretary of State for Education to intervene.’
I hope he does intervene. At least there needs to be a neutral review of all this. The action sounds draconian – or is it to frighten schools from becoming academies?
I really do not know – but it sounds wrong. If an investigation has happened and the relevant governor said what he knew – then why go on to do this?
I posted my thing and then read what Eddy said. How great is that?
Forget hackney’s fat cats – someone here should be thinking of what matters – the children of Hackney. They do not need Town Hall idiots.
196… Who is Hilary Ryan and why is she here if this is her record. Cultural diversity? Tackle discrimination?
What a waste of space.
Hackney’s record on promoting equality in education looks even more grim with the appointment of someone like Ryan.
She was told she should have:
“[1] Planned opportunities for children to learn more about cultural diversity
[2] Monitored impact of the children’s understanding of modern multicultural society”
What is she doing in Hackney?
The investigation came about when Mr Wallace decided to take the federation of schools to academy status! Therefore putting the jobs of certain individuals into jeopardy and resulting in them doing anything possible to cover their own mistakes and to create a negative image of Greg Wallace, someone who has worked hard for the education and well being of these children. May I just say also, people are not called ‘outstanding’ and ‘super’ for nothing!!!!!!
This is a smear campaign against Greg to stop the academy being granted to the school so hackney can save there own skin. The whole thing is based on HLT not knowing about the connection between Greg and C2. However they were aware of it as in 2009 when the contract was first taken out for the federation Peter Passam MBE was a director of the learning trust. He knew about the connection and so did the trust. They was never an issue with it until the federation tried to become an academy. It is to do with the money as HLT are trying to make you believe as they themselves told the federation to use C2 as they were cheaper then the HLT had quoted the schools for the same contract.
This whole thing is designed to stir up hatred and homophobia.
Ive sat back and read the comments and the news paper articles on how Greg Wallace is being suspend over the most outrageous reasons i was taught by Mr Wallace i remember him because when ever i got into trouble i was always sent to him, he was a type of head teacher who never really raised his voice unless he had to he was always strict but fun at the same time, taught me to actually give a dam about my education i always remember him coming into our assembly’s and teaching us how to sing, he was one the reason why my primary school years were worth something great and i am proud to say that i will be sending my kids to one of his school in his federation Mr Wallace is a type of man who will never stop caring about children and the type of education that they can get. I can deeply say this that Mr Wallace has never given up on me when i was a child and even to this day he will give the time of day for me when certain people wouldnt he has gain my respect years ago he took 5 school in Hackney and turnt them into outstanding schools without questioning even when they were border line about to shut down because they were that bad but he still took them and turnt them into one of the best schools in London let alone Hackney
Mr Wallace i can say alot of things about him and they will always be good things to say Mr Wallace was the head teacher of Woodberry Down Community Primary School the Primary School i went to i started there when i was in year 3 i was new to the school and i never had any friends at the start but that all changed in Mr Wallace literacy class he taught me how to read and write properly and also he taught me to control my stutter, he was my favourite teacher in school till this day i still remember the way he taught us by using the Fred talk and the Fred fingers, my little sister goes to the school now and when i come and pick her up from school i some times see him in the play ground or in the morning dropping her to school i see him talking to parents and he will always stop and have a conversation with me no matter what time of day it is he never just stopped caring about my education even till this day im in university and he still asks how im getting on you don’t find that many kind men in life that actually genuine cares about the childrens education i have sat and read the comments and the articles and im disgusted that the learning trust can do something like that to an outstanding man who puts nothing less than 110 percent in the schools that he runs and the childrens education within them schools
yes this is my REAL NAME not like most on here
I had my children in one of Greg Wallace schools the 1st one he was head at
Not only did he help my eldest of the 3 that went there but got him all the help he could
I joined his staff
When i worked with him i found him very fair and he taught me a lot
I think people love to kick people while there down I will not do that
but i thought we were grown ups here what ever negative feelings you have towards the man I think it is very cheap to sit typing about the man when he can not defend his self
you should be ashamed by your actions
we all have faults some much worse than others it seems some can not even use a real name but can leave a comment just rubbishing the man
At the end of the day He has pulled up schools in Hackney from the gutter
That is what people ought to be seeing
And no i did not leave the school as friends
But he has done good by giving Hackney children a chance and heaps of kids have had a better start than what they would have plus Hackney is a hard place for kids to grow up i should no
so thank you Greg for putting hard work in and being the man to push and not stop pushing to get the schools outstanding
I have just completed my first year as a newly qualified teacher within one of the Best Start Federation Schools and I am truly indebted to Greg Wallace and the other staff that have supported me during my entrance to teaching. Over the last year I have received an immense amount of support and training which has allowed me to reach my full potential as a teacher, and in turn provide the children under my care with the best possible education. I am shocked and outraged to read some of the comments posted by people who refer to Mr Wallace and the Best Start Federation in a negative manner. As someone who works very closely on a daily basis with children who are taught under the guidance of Mr Wallace, I can say that any negative comments are unfounded and feeble. The children that I teach and come into contact with each day have an excitement for learning, are eager to expand their knowledge, have impeccable behaviour, are extremely polite and respectful of others and most importantly are happy. It is a great shame that in the midst of this calamity all of these wonderful achievements are so quickly forgotten.
Strange how the minority support someone who helped them but forget the damage caused to the majority by the actions of this man. Reminds me of the Former Head of DeBeauvoir Primary School. The majority of staff lived in fear of their jobs, one young staff member had 2 mis-carriages and was told ,”things cannot carry on like this”. The Learning Trust were fully behind this head as well, and a very good friend of the director of the trust now. The whole trust needs to be sacked and start again. In mates from Broadmoor could run Hackney Trust better, just a thought.
Is anyone able to direct the Local MP to this site?
I think if we are all serious in wanting change and wanting to get rid of Okuwara, Wood and others to bring about better education for our children than we should all be trying to direct the MP’s and other relevant bodies/people to this site.
Let’s not let everyone’s energy and time go to waste!
Someone referred to the situation at Parkwood school – in an earlier blog.
What happened there was the Head, Pat Cardis, who had been there for years – was due to retire. Fair enough. She’d done a very good job for all her working life.
Governors appointed a new Head. Yes, HLT, this is our role. Probably the most important thing we do.
The bloke was very happy and was in the school doing a visit to get ready etc when suddenly the Hackney Loony Trust call the school and he is marched off the premises.
With THE TRUST it has always been last-minute.com. They are reactionary to a degree that is hard to covey to other people. No planning – just react. There is a real culture of complacency and big brotherness.
Governors in Hackney schools do a tough job – and so often we get hung out to dry with nothing to fall back on. Either we are in charge – and should fall by our own swords; or we are not.
There must be many Hackney governors with similar stories to tell.
How often have you had a senior Hackney LT bod come to one of your meetings?
And what are the minutes like?
It is a disgrace!!
From all of this on here, what ever happens with the Best Start Federation – we must get together, unite, and demand that enough is enough.
UNITE AND FIGHT
EVERY SCHOOL A GOOD SCHOOL
EQUALITY FOR ALL
Parkwood Chaos (235) you are so right in what you. Governors frequently do not get a say and are bullied in to decisions by HLT. In some cases the HLT even choose the Chair of Governors so that they have someone who will serve their purposes. In one of the earlier blogs someone wrote about how the schools are forced into partnerships, and that the Head Teacher manages to negotiate retirement without the Governing Bodies knowledge. Sometimes the Chair, The Head and the HLT make decisions relating to the school without involving the Governing Body. Cheques for huge amounts are signed, than the minutes are distorted to cover it up! Schools have lost good staff including excellent site managers because HLT have stepped in stating that these staff members must go. Governors don’t even get the Head Teacher’s report or other documents 7 days in advance which is a legal requirement and the HLT insist on providing schools with Clerks who actually haven’t a clue about providing a good service to the Governors. I think your final comments state clearly exactly what we all need to be doing.
Alan Wood has always been a shadowy figure, worthy of no respect.
In his earlier days you would see his tiresome, bitter face carefully masked by a soft voice that hid all his insecurity. An insecurity built on the simple fact that he could not teach, will never teach…
He should be renamed, when he gets his next award, as WOOD ALAN.
WOODY ALAN…
Would Alan be able to run a school?
WOOD you want Alan in your school?
VOTE NOW COMRADES!
Stephan, you amuse me so much! If only I could see if your face looks just as funny!
@Michelle Thompson
Is that another comment to this blog that is irrelevant?
Michelle,
What is your age?
And what is your spelling age?
This is a toxic state of affairs.
Whatever Greg Wallace’s shortcomings, he has been an excellent head, turned around failing schools and ensured children in Hackney achieve.
Surely this has to be the priority. I am afraid I do not have much time for those colleagues that whine – as someone with friends who teach in his schools, I know that if you are competent and work hard you are OK. If you can’t do the job pressure is applied. Do we want less than good teachers for Hackney children?
I am absolutely convinced that this action has been taken because Greg Wallace has had the temerity to apply for academy status. As a previous contributor has stated this would deprive Hackney of a significant amount of money – circa £1 million. Money which I have no doubt would be spent on the children rather than inflated salaries for Okoura and her family.
[Deleted by moderator] … Hilary Ryan who was told:
She was told she should have:
“[1] Planned opportunities for children to learn more about cultural diversity
[2] Monitored impact of the children’s understanding of modern multicultural society”
How can someone like this be appointed in a culturally diverse borough such as Hackney. Simple, she does as Okoura tells her to do. This is the key criteri for working in the Trust – competency doesn’t come into it, never mind knowledge of Hackney kids. Money and power are all the Learning Trust and Okoura are interested in.
Many, many colleagues in Hackney are afraid of the Learning Trust and particularly Okoura.
…[Deleted by moderator] …
Just ask the head of Princess May and others that have been humiliated and dispatched from Hackney – they are referred to as the ‘Disappeared’. If they don’t speak up now it is simply because they are scared.
Even if Mr Gove cannot conduct a review of the Trust surely Ofsted could carry out an objective evaluation. Mike Wilshaw, the head of Ofsted worked in the borough, understands the context and should act now.
Someone needs to stand up for Hackney children and do what is RIGHT FOR THE CHILDREN.
OFSTED, DFE ARE YOU LISTENING?
I agree with everything that Lois says. As a previous person said, ‘now is the time to stand up and fight. Come on Hackney teachers and heads. Stand up to the bullying Learning Trust and fight!
I totally agree with all of the above comments. It appears that Hackney Learning Trust are indeed no longer interested in the welfare of the children within this Borough, but rather with money and the bullying of those who strive to ‘make things better’.
I am actually sorry to say that I witnessed the Learning Trust come into a school within the Federation on the last day of term. Shortly after members of staff had been told the news that Greg Wallace had been suspended. These employees of the Learning Trust walked around the school making notes, looking for information and I was deeply upset to witness this on a day which was the last day before the holidays for the children. When a colleague asked “can I please ask who you are” the reply given by a member of the learning trust was “you do not need to know yet”! Why all of a sudden are these people giving themselves the authority to walk around a school built by Greg Wallace and his staff and start intimidating us. I say ‘intimidating’ because sadly that is how I felt. Upset and intimidated. As above comments have said Greg Wallace needs to stay strong now, and know that his colleagues are behind him.
As for the comments by ex employees of the Federation, of course you are entitled to your opinion, however the pressures of working within a Hackney school are sometimes extreme and demanding because we want the best start for the children. Some people do not obviously suit this working environment and are suited to a school somewhere else and some people do, if we were all the same then things just wouldn’t work, but your negative experiences and opinions you choose to share are not welcomed. Be happy in your new working environment and let us be happy in ours without being accused of covering up the truth.
I witnessed this too.
Walking around with clip boards!
It seemed to me that as soon as Greg Wallace had been informed of his suspension that HLT took this opportunity to enter the schools, to find whatever information they feel will help their case.
I’d never seen HLT take an interest in our school until this day!!!
Hackney Learning Trust need to be investigated!!
I would urge that people contact their councillors and the local MP and if parents are on this site or people know parents at the schools they start mobilising support. The HLT probably deliberately suspended GW at this point so that it would all be lost during the summer holidays.
Michelle,
Congratulations! You have cheered me up no end.
After a fairly frightful day in the office, I have returned to find you have posted your first correctly written entry! This fills me with a deep sense of pride and purpose. I was rather flattered when an earlier contributor suggested that I become a teacher… maybe I should… especially after the day I’ve had.
Michelle, I so glad you have taken my gentle, constructive advice on board.
You say, ‘If only I could see if your face looks just as funny!’
Am I right in thing you would like to arrange to meet me?
Here is a sentence that you can correct, in the absence of any mistakes today.
I toyl in a offise naighbouring Livrpool stryt Stayshun and I rezide in lundon Fealds.
Kindest regards,
Stephan
It was uplifting and motivating to read the above posts supporting The Federation’s work; I have always felt very supported by Greg and the BSF team. I have been working for Greg for nearly 6 years. Initially I was unsure about whether I wanted a career in education, however, when I started to work at Greg’s school I was immediately taken with his vision to ensure every child in his care had the best possible start in life.
On a day to day basis I am incredibly proud to be part of such a dedicated team. All the teachers and staff are committed, passionate and incredibly enthusiastic about the children. Ultimately, we are driven by our pupils and we work hard to ensure they make the best progress they can.
In addition, Tony and his team are equally dedicated to the Federation; they supply 5 schools with an incredibly high level of support in ICT. Their work is invaluable and also completely driven by securing the best possible provision for our children.
Greg Wallace has always been an outstanding head teacher and is an exceptional executive principle. He is constantly looking to drive his team forward and continues to give the children of Hackney incredible opportunities to enrich their lives.
I hope this gets sorted as quickly as possible. The Federation should absolutely still become an academy. We’ll move mountains.
Meg Hillier and Diane Abbott please act now!
Talk to the teachers in the federation and the head and teachers at Princess May.
PLEASE ACT NOW!
Please keep up the volume of correspondence about this matter. HLT suspended Greg Wallace in the hope that the whole thing will die down by the time schools return. We mustn’t let that happen. This is the best opportunity there has been to uncover the bullying and unprofessional tactics used by them
Sean Flood and NAHT please stand up for Hackney heads
It is worth looking into the leaders of the HLT.
Tricia Okoruwa was only a headteacher of a one form entry school for three years, her only OFSTED report as a headteacher resulted in these grades as reported on the OFSTED website.
overall effectiveness – grade 3
Overall standards – grade 4
Pupils achievement – grade 3
improvement since the last inspection – grade 3
and this was after she had been there three years. Her next job was head of primary which a then friend helped her get against no competition.
Gillian Brady achieved a 2 overall for her one form entry school. Where did she pop up from with her questionable qualifications?
No wonder Hackney heads and governors don’t respect them and maybe this explains why they will go to these lengths to keep GW (Outstanding)under their control. They need him.
Who is responsible for appointing these two? How did TO get the top job when it went back to council control? Questions should be asked.
I agree in keeping up the volume of support. There is not a single chance that any of this will die down in the five weeks that we have off this summer. To be honest I would rather spend my time in campaign to reinstate Greg Wallace back into the Federation where he so rightly deserves to be. From my previous posts it is obvious that of course I work within the Federation and have done for quite a few years now. I am proud I do, I always have been, and I cannot speak highly enough of my fellow colleagues who work so hard each and everyday in order to make sure the children we care about learn, laugh, and feel like we care and support them. There are so many people many who I have met within the Federation that I am in total awe (did I spell that correctly Stephan) of because their enthusiasm, commitment and passion makes them so special. I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to work within the Federation, an opportunity that Greg Wallace gave me. I feel like as a huge team we have had huge success, which I know we can continue and so often do I get those moments when I think ‘yes! That is why I do it’! Some people I have spoken to about the work we do find it unbelievable, I have been laughed at because of the hours I put into my work, I have asked ‘but wouldn’t you want an easier job?’ Easier? Some people cannot understand. I read the facts, figures etc on here everyday, but surely our local MP’s and those within the DFE want to hear from real people, the children, the ex students and also parents. Everything is currently hanging in the balance and I think that what HLT have done to Greg Wallace is totally unthinkable. He is a person too and must be devastated by this news and his suspension from a job he loves, is amazing at, passionate about and belongs in. The learning is forever improving and the potential reached by a large majority of the children is unbelievable. If HLT think that issue will quieten down or will be forgotten they are sadly mistaken, they do need to be investigated further as I feel the future learning of the children we all care about so much could be put into jeopardy!
Who remembers this in 2010 under Learning trust leadership? This is how it was reported by the Telegraph.
Sunny Bunny costume costs Hackney Learning Trust £13,000
A council spent £13,000 on a fluffy bunny costume in a fruitless bid to advertise their children’s centres.
The agency responsible for education in Hackney, a deprived London borough, spent thousands on the “Sunny Bunny” costume which has been used only twice in two years.
It cost so much that staff dubbed it the ‘Dolce & Gabbana Bunny.’
In addition The Learning Trust, a not for profit company, hired an outside marketing company at a cost of £20,000 to publicise a new training centre despite having its own in-house communications department.
The result was one article published in the local Hackney Gazette.
Staff were also treated to a pancake breakfast costing £500 it was disclosed.
Were the auditors called in for this one Hackney?
That sounds mad – but I found the article.
What are these people like?
It is power crazed politics. Spend thousands on bunnies and hotels, get others to do ur job…
Then stab them in the back!!
Then go on an expensive cruise to formulate strategic ideas away from things like schools and reality.
Or have they already done a cruise?
In response to HAPPY WORKER:
I have no informant – I worked for the federation and know first hand that the information in my comment is true. There are still staff at this school (one of the newer schools to join the fed) suffering under these conditions. I agree that the federation offers many positive experiences for children but it is not consistent across all 5 schools. Greg does not spend enough time in them all to see what really goes on – children are suffering and cowering under the management team on a daily basis. Children are also threatened and ‘silenced’. I left because I could no longer bear to witness this kind of behaviour. I agree with you that the excellent anti-bullying poolicy across the federation works but it does not extend to adults bullying children or staff. Not all the federation schools are happy work places – people should stop referring to them as ‘one body’ of schools because in one school in particular the atmosphere and working conditions are very different. I have been to all the other schools and know firsthand that they are run very differently. I have never walked into Woodberry Down or London Fields and witnessed the scenes that went on at the school I worked at. You suggest ‘victorian times’ in your response – it really is like that and if staff weren’t living in such fear and trepidation on a daily basis i’m sure that more would speak out and tell the truth.
@HONESTFEDEX
Really?? How funny that you speak of the children being bullied when, reading the above comments so many of their parents speak differently.
You also speak about staff being bullied, In what way?
Because there is a difference in being told by management to do something (that you get paid to do) and being bullied.
Reading your comments its clear you was apart of the failing system before the federation took over and improved it. Clearly opposed to change and improvement if that meant doing what you get paid for.
I also agree with the above comment, those people with a negative outlook of the Federation and it’s impact on the children of Hackney clearly are opposed to change and development.
The sort of people who when the Federation took over and saved failing schools made it difficult for staff at the other schools within the Federation. I’ve witnessed these people actually move seats when they realised I worked at a Federation school. These people should want to do all they can to improve their school in crisis!
Senior management are necessary and delegate to ensure the day to day running of the school is successful I have never witnessed bullying of any kind of children or of staff.
I hope comments on here regarding the Hackney Learning trust are helping to build the case in support of Greg Wallace, after all that is the reason we are all posting on here.
Councillors are you listening to your citizens? What is happening in the Trust? This is very worrying. Action is needed.
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Statement – Best Start Federation
Burbage
London Fields
Whitmore
Mandeville
Woodberry Down
The best start for every child
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE BEST START FEDERATION GOVERNING BODY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Saturday, 27 July 2013
On 23rd July, 2013, Hackney Learning Trust (HLT) immediately suspended the Best Start Federation’s (BSF) Executive Principal, Greg Wallace, and removed its Governing Body’s delegated budget because it claimed, following an investigation by Hackney Council, to have identified significant concerns regarding Best Start Federation’s management and governance.
The Best Start Federation Governing Body takes financial governance very seriously indeed. We have asked for but not been given any information about the precise areas of concern from either the Investigating Team of the Hackney Council or from the Hackney Learning Trust.
We understand that an interim report has been prepared. We have asked to see this report but this has been refused. We have also asked for detailed information to justify the assertions but so far none has been forthcoming.
While no system ever operates perfectly, we refute entirely that there was persistent lack of governance or worse, misfeasance by this Governing Body. The Best Start Federation Governing Body has appealed to the Secretary of State for Education to intervene.
We understand that HLT has concerns about the computer contracts in the schools and Greg Wallace’s relationship with the provider C2 Technology. Peter Passam, MBE, who was Chair of Governors of Woodberry Down Community Primary School and London Fields when the first contract was signed with C2 Technology in 2009 and is currently acting Chair of the Best Start Federation Governing Body, made clear to the Investigating Team during his interview with them in June 2013 that he knew about this connection and that the contract was awarded on quality and value for money.
Commenting Peter Passam, MBE, Acting Chair of Governors, said,
“Greg Wallace was always open with me about his connection with C2 Technology. The contract was judged on its value and its quality. We have been very satisfied with the work which has given the children access to modern technology at a competitive price. Greg Wallace and his senior management team have transformed the five schools in the Best Start Federation. We now have schools that provide a strong primary education for over 2,000 children. I believe that C2 Technology has provided value for money support for our schools.”
The standards this Governing Body insists on and maintains may be ascertained by a review of the performance in other areas of the schools in our care. The standards in all five schools within the Best Start Federation have improved dramatically over the past five years. Under Greg Wallace’s leadership, failing and weak schools have been transformed into Outstanding or Good schools. The life chances of thousands of Hackney primary children have been significantly improved and children now leave the schools “secondary ready”.
The facts:
Woodberry Down has been placed on Ofsted’s list of outstanding schools on three consecutive occasions. The school has been nationally recognised for a variety of reasons, particularly effective leadership, the teaching of reading and marking. It is a National Teaching School and the Executive Head is a National Leader of Education.
London Fields was in Special Measures in 2008 when it became part of the Best Start Federation. By March 2011 it was judged Outstanding by Ofsted, a view confirmed by the local authority.
Mandeville had a decade of very low test results. Since joining the Best Start Federation in 2009 standards have been transformed. Ofsted recently judged the school to be Good with Outstanding leadership.
Whitmore began working with the Best Start Federation in 2011. At that time, Whitmore was placed on the Department for Education’s list of the worst 200 schools. By 2013 the school was judged Outstanding by Ofsted.
Burbage began working with the Best Start Federation in 2012. By the end of that year it was placed on the list of the 100 most improved schools. Improvements have continued, with the school achieving its highest ever SATs results in 2013.
The most recent local authority monitoring report (July 2013) judged leadership to be outstanding in each of the five schools.
The Best Start Federation Governing Body is working currently to convert all five schools into a Multi-Academy Trust outside the control of the Hackney Learning Trust. The intended conversion date was May 1, 2013 but the investigation, which was launched by Hackney Council in April 2013, has by necessity put these plans on hold.
For further information please contact Jane Kemsley on 01485578704 (until 9am on Sunday, 28 July) thereafter on mobile 07914729993.
I did not work for the school prior to Greg taking over and am not at all opposed to change and development. In fact i’m all for it as long as it is for the good of ALL the children in the school. This is not the case in one of the federation schools. I also am not opposed to being told what to do but bullying staff by searching through their bags and hacking their email accounts goes beyond what I would say is ‘part of the job they are paid to do.’ This forum is getting ridiculous – I have no preference one way or the other to whether Greg is reinstated in his role as executive head, in some ways I think it would be a real loss for the majority of the federation schools and the children if he does not return. But there needs to be an investigation into the working conditions and treatment of staff and children so that all the schools in the federation practice and share the same values and beliefs. Surely this is what Greg would want too! As for the parent comments on here – it is great to see so many positive ones, I just think it is a shame that more of the parents of children who have suffered at the hands of SLT do not come forward and speak out. As for the comments regarding not witnessing any bullying of staff or children (BS) I guess you haven’t visited the school I worked in since the federation took over or spoken to any of the children or staff who do suffer. They may be in the minority within the five schools but surely nobody should be being subjected to any kind of bullying in a workplace which embeds such a well structured anti-bullying scheme.
Stephan/Greg, how disappointing that you don’t practise what you preach. With reference to your previous comment, “I so glad” is grammatically incorrect. The sentence requires an auxiliary verb, in this case the first person singular form of the verb “to be”. Now hopefully you can see how tiresome and pathetic your comments are focus instead on the point of this debate; stopping the abuse of power by the HLT for seemingly persecuting someone for going against their own wishes regardless of the welfare of the children in its borough.
The fact is, the learning trust acted way beyond what they were legally entitled to do, with no action from Hackney Council. They were not an authority. As for the non profit making, that’s simple, spend what you want on anything. They more than likely paid an account to tell them that one. My view is that Hackney Council took over the Trust to cover up just how corrupt it was and in doing so will have started to clear out the worst of them. These suspensions are just the start as more information and complaints come in, they have to be looked into. Where are our 2 MP’s in this? I have not heard anything they have to say.We are waiting…..
This is so clearly an outrageous witch hunt …[Deleted by moderator]…
Nobody with HALF A BRAIN would see it 4 anything else. The council are a laughing stock and there needs round be a full investigation into how hackney HR have led this crusade …[Deleted by moderator]…
Does anyone have an email address for the local MP?
I’ve been a governor at several schools (not in Hackney) and know what it’s like when the Local Authority intervene in an unhelpful manner,.. truth tends to go out of the window. With regard to the procurement of contracts, depending upon the set up of the governing body, not all of the Governors will be aware of all the details of service contracts, this will usually be the preserve of the finance committee. What is usual, even in the world of delegated finances, is that large contracts above a certain value (say £5K) will be declared to the Local Authority, often by a regular reporting mechanism. I find it hard to understand that Hackney were not therefore aware of the IT contract that seems to be the catalyst for their current investigation and suspension of powers. Even so what does come across is that the IT contract in the Federation appears to be providing good provision. Unless there has been a clear and unlawful financial benefit in favour of someone in the school, then ‘minor’ accounting or procurement erros would not tend to generate such interest merely ‘advice on good practise’.
As with every school environment there will be some disagreeement about policy or process or job practises, no one will ever be 100% happy, particularly if an individual has been used to and accepted a more lax regime, however it does come across that overall Greg Wallace has been very successful in turning around 5 poor performing schools. My daughter works in one of the schools is very happy with her experience there, she specifically applied for a role at the school because of Greg Wallaces reputation and she has not been disappointed. The pupils in her class appear to have thrived under both her abilities and the Federation work practises that she follows, when she has taken them on school trips, her pupils have been praised for their behaviour and appearance. I think one poster has suggested that when Ofsted visits, troublesome classes are shipped out…however Ofsted doesn’t give that sort of notice to allow this to be organised, so just another myth to be debunked, if fact my daughter says that when Ofsted visited her school every class was observed
With the HLT running largely only the primary schools in Hackney, it would obviously be a concern if these started to opt out…senior HLT staff can see their on lucrative jobs disappearing before their eyes if momentum gathered pace amongst other schools. Whether becoming an Academy is a good idea is another matter, however I can see Greg Wallace might have come under some ‘encouragement’ to do so given that he has a close working relationship with the DfE.
Given the number of posts on this issue (the largest number I have ever seen in a local paper) it appears that the HLT’s cowardly attempt to act stealthily during the summer holiday has failed. Hopefully Greg Wallace and the Governors will be exonorated and then can get back to doing what the do best…providing excellent learning provision for Hackneys’ children
This sounds like power being abused at extremely high levels within hackney council. It’s an abuse that needs serious investigation by Jules pipe. He needs to show strong
Someone needs to step in and put Greg Wallace back in his rightful spot (Executive Head teacher) as soon as possible.
The only people who are loosing out here are CHILDREN!!
REMEMBER HLT these are the people who actually matter! Not yourselves and what you can keep in your pocket!
Its very surprising that NONE of Hackneys primary schools have converted to academy. I wonder if any actually will? OR I think the question that should be asked is; If the schools will actually be ALLOWED to convert? With people like Alan Wood and Tricia Okoruwa in power I doubt very much!
So strange and full of intrigue! So much fuss over one man and his IT contracts. There seems to be very little middle ground here. Either you support or loath the best start federation and the man himself. It is interesting how many parents of the teachers who work for the federation are coming forward. This probably highlights how young and inexperienced they are, having mummy and daddy speak up on their behalf.
Everyone has to abide by financial regulations even the ‘magnificent’ Greg Wallace, this is his shortfall and he will suffer the consequences. Greg you may want to take some time and reflect how you have treated people over the years, how your (deleted by moderator) SMT treat people, all the pleasure you have taken in destroying people’s lives will come back on each of you ten fold. That thick skin and cold heart you have mastered will serve you well in this difficult time.
Obviously I no longer work for the federation, not because of my own inadequacy but because I could not be part of this culture, good people who were victimised because they did not fit that one type that Greg views as desirable. Are you young, slim, attractive, white and say yes a lot? then you’ll be fine. However, if you’re older, of colour, or have strong opinions then your time with the federation will be limited. I hope things will change now, not in terms of the provision and standards for the children but for the community as a whole.
Each school can go forward independently, without the federation, without Greg, without the academy status, without the teaching by numbers approach. Although, considering one school failed to retain any of their experienced teachers this maybe quite a challenge. Enjoy the summer!
Claire
You are very naive if you think this is a fuss about a headteacher and the awarding of an IT contract. Whatever Greg Wallance may have done I can assure you that the Trust is 10 times worse. They entered the Federation’s schools in a sinsiter fashion and would not tell staff what they were about. many, many heads in Hackney have been drummed out.
This is about Greg Wallace daring to make a bid for freedom and become an academy.
Wake up and smell the coffee!
How many of the heads that have been bullied and intimidated are black? Someone should do a count. Is there an agenda? Ask Chis Coles.
Entering schools in a sinister fashion… You reap what you sow! It is what he and his SMT have done for years. Taste of own medicine. If HLT are 10 times worse they too will have their day. Be patient, God is Good!
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