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Mum writes defence of Oasis Academy in retaliation after education minister Gavin Williamson tells parents to complain

A furious mum has defended Sheppey schools after education minister Gavin Williamson told parents to complain.

Mr Williamson said in the House of Commons: "We expect schools to provide between three and five hours teaching a day, depending on the child’s age.

Sheppey mum Karen Lawrence with husband Darren and their three children james, Thomas and Isabella (43884996)
Sheppey mum Karen Lawrence with husband Darren and their three children james, Thomas and Isabella (43884996)

"If parents feel their child’s school is not providing suitable remote education they should first raise their concerns with the teacher or headteacher and, failing that, report the matter to Ofsted.”

But mum-of-three Karen Lawrence from Minster said: "My children’s schools have been fantastic, the work has been brilliant and I do not have any issues at all.

"The Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey has been amazing with its 'live learning' through ‘Teams’ and St George's Primary School is also doing an amazing job through Dojo.

"So I will doing the exact opposite of what Mr Williamson said and will be letting Ofsted know exactly how well our schools are doing. I can't believe this came from an education minister who is meant to support his teachers, schools and education staff."

She added: "Schools and teachers were given just over 12 hours notice and then Gavin Williamson is asking parents to complain to Ofsted if the learning isn't good enough. Instead, may I suggest, as a parent, if you are happy with what your children’s school is providing for remote learning, you could always let Ofsted know that."

Thomas Lawrence, 11, and his sister Isabella, six, doing school work at home on the Isle of Sheppey (43885002)
Thomas Lawrence, 11, and his sister Isabella, six, doing school work at home on the Isle of Sheppey (43885002)

Karen's children are James, 13, Thomas, 11, and Isabella, six.

A former Sheppey teacher said: "All last year the government was leaking stories about pushy unions and lazy teachers. But now everyone can see what we are having to put up with.

"I was working until 8pm on Monday night, planning for the usual term, and then I was told I had to completely re-write my curriculum, set up a new app which could be used for five- to seven-year-olds and still had to be in school in the morning to teach the keyworkers' children face-to-face.

"I sent a message to parents saying I was doing my best but needed their help and patience and they really rallied. We've been brought together by our outrage at the government!"

Parents can contact the education watchdog by emailing enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk or commenting on its Twitter feed @Ofstednews

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey

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