School discipline 'like putting child in lions' den'

Disciplinary measures at three academy trust schools have had a detrimental impact on pupils' education and mental health, parents have said.

The secondary schools in Cornwall - Camborne Science and International Academy, Launceston College and Pool Academy - are run by Athena Learning Trust.

Families cited restrictions on toilet use, children being removed from class for incorrect stationery and unmet additional needs, with one parent saying sending her child to school was like "putting her into a pack of lions".

The trust insisted student wellbeing was important and that it aimed to provide an inclusive and calm environment so children received the education they deserved.

A mother of one of the children affected said policies at the trust, which also runs three primary schools in Cornwall and three secondary schools in Devon, failed to accommodate her daughter's additional needs.

"She gets accused of truancy because she walks away from a member of staff, not because she's trying to be rude but because she's dysregulated," she said.

"We're just asking for some simple measures where, when she dysregulates, she can have five minutes quiet time. Unfortunately, this is not doable under the Athena terms.

"I often say I feel like I'm putting her into a pack of lions."

Another parent said her neurodivergent child had been punished for not using a bookmark whilst reading.

"They have to put it, line by line, under the the writing - like primary school children - to show that they're reading," she explained.

"He told them repeatedly he couldn't read and focus on moving at the same time.

"It's just another example of them not doing what needs to be done for children that need extra help."

One pupil said they had been forced to miss lessons after being sent out for not having the correct rubber in their pencil case.

Another explained students were only allowed to go to the toilets at certain times during class, and only if they could be escorted by staff.

Councillor James Ball, independent member for Camborne Roskear and Tuckingmill, admitted he had been left disappointed after arranging a meeting with trust bosses to discuss families' concerns.

"They were very standoffish and didn't acknowledge any of the issues," he said.

"It was all the students' and the parents' faults."

Ben Parnell, chief executive of the trust, recently announced he would stand down from his position this summer.

The trust declined to comment on whether this would lead to a change in disciplinary procedures.

Elaine Marshall, chair of the trust's board, said: "We will closely support all our Athena schools through this transition period and ensure that the trust's mission, to empower children to dream big, take responsibility and be kind, continues."

A spokesperson added: "We are committed to working with families and local stakeholders, and we are clear that our mission is to provide a top-quality education to students in an inclusive environment.

"Student wellbeing is very important to us and we are proud of how hard our staff work to ensure that every child gets the education they deserve in a calm learning environment.

"We would encourage anyone with questions about how our schools work to contact the relevant principals directly.

"They all have open door policies and are more than happy to meet with anyone who has concerns."

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