Philip Morant gets Ofsted visit

Ofsted confirmed it carried out an inspection at Philip Morant School in Colchester on Tuesday.

They were not able to provide more information about why.

It comes just a week after Ofsted visited Colne Community School and College in Brightlingsea.

The school, which is under the Thrive Partnership Academy Trust along with Philip Morant School, is currently subject of an investigation.

There is still speculation as to why Nardeep Sharma and Catherine Hutley were suspended from the Thrive Partnership Academy Trust, from their senior positions.

Ofsted said the suspensions of staff are nothing to do with the watchdog itself.

The latest report to be published by Ofsted about Philip Morant School was a parent view report.

It looks at how parents have felt about safeguarding and leadership over the past year.

About 61 per cent of parents agreed their children felt happy at the school, but only 39 per cent agreed the school makes sure children are well behaved.

Only 27 per cent agreed the school dealt effectively with bullying, and 45 per cent strongly disagreed the school was well lead and managed.

Colchester MP Will Quince is inviting parents to share their concerns.

In a letter to parents he said: "I am writing to update you following my recent meeting with Lord Agnew, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the School System, and the Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for School Standards.

"At the meeting we were able to raise broad concerns that have been brought to us following the events pertaining to the Thrive Partnership Academy Trust and allegations that have been made about some of its senior leadership.

"Furthermore, it has been agreed that I can forward concerns that constituents bring to me regarding Philip Morant School and College, The Colne Community School and College and the Thrive Partnership Academy Trust to Department for Education for them to investigate."

Anyone wishing to raise concerns can contact will.quince.mp@parliament.uk.