As a teacher at one of the predecessor schools I am completely baffled by the continuing march towards a new school opening in September.
Myself and a large number of staff have grave concerns about the current situation yet feel powerless to alter it's course.
I have been offered a position in the new academy and can state that I have absolutely no information regarding curriculum plans, timetabling of classes and pupils, which site I will be expected to work from, what systems will be in place for rewarding or punishing pupils for behaviour. I could go on. Not only do I not know any information I have no clue as to what work is or has already been undertaken by the faceless "management group".
How on earth we are expected to open with confidence as a new entity when all staff are still not in position, no information has been forthcoming and every deadline has been missed, I do not know.
Last week  a new member of the Academy Senior Leadership team said publicly to his staff that we are walking towards a disaster in September with our eyes fully open. He also stated that he would be discussing his concerns with the Sponsors and Principal. Not heard anything since.
 
The ring fencing process for matching staff to appropriate posts has turned into a complete farce. Members of staff expecting to be appointed to certain positions have found staff who were rejected from the level above being appointed to their ring fence.
 
I could go on and on about the unreasonable behaviour of the principal and his "team" with regards to appointing staff. They were responsible for initiating the protests after teachers were given bad news in the form of letters whilst staff were teaching. No wonder the kids are up in arms after seeing their reactions.
 
We have been told that it is likely all pupils will not be in school for the final week of term in order for us to plan. Does it seem rational for staff from three different schools to get together and plan an entire school curriculum in five days?
 
Why has the evening mail not done it's job and reported the feelings of staff and the current situation. It obviously has some vested interest in the academy or it's not a good enough newspaper. Take your pick.
 
If, miraculously, all systems, staff, curriculum, policies, timetables and classes were in place tomorrow maybe there would be a chance of this academy opening with at least a slim chance of everything running as it should.
 
Where is the evidence that this is on track? I have not been party to it and feel that if staff are not in the loop then the whole project is doomed to an incredibly rocky ride. Can the sponsors and Mr Blackledge come clean? Show us that you have everything ready or delay opening until you are confident we can open successfully. The longer you leave it the worse moral is within schools which in turn affects the pupils and parents.
 
If this is happening it needs to be a success and from all the evidence I've not seen I can assure the learners of Barrow will be the ones to suffer.
 
Anonymoose