Racism storm head quits
A SHEFFIELD headteacher has resigned in a row over her plans to scrap separate assemblies for Muslim pupils.
Julia Robinson moved to stop the assemblies at Meersbrook Bank Primary on Derbyshire Lane soon after taking up her post last February.
In their place she wanted to hold assemblies for all the pupils, which would encompass all faiths - which is common practice in most schools.
After taking advice from the local authority, Ms Robinson set up a working party to look at alternatives - but their work was stopped after a number of parents complained about the plans.
"The headteacher inherited the separate assemblies when she started the job and she took careful advice from the authority on what to do about them," said a school insider.
"But when she tried to stop them, feeling they did nothing to promote inclusiveness, she was accused of being a racist."
Following the accusations Ms Robinson was away from her post for most of last year - but was due to make a phased return to her duties this term.
But again there were protests from some parents when they heard the news - and later Ms Robinson resigned her post. The school's chair of governors Sarah Browton has also quit.
"Many of us here just feel this is all very wrong," the insider said. "The day after the resignation the director of children's services Sonia Sharp came into school to tell us it was Julia's personal decision.
"Everyone was told that we had to heal and we had to move on. There's now an interim head in place and that situation could drag on for some time to come. A letter has gone out to parents saying that the head will not now be coming back.
"The feeling is that Julia was doing the right thing and went through all the right routes as to what she was trying to do. The aim was for inclusion - there's no other school we know that has separate assemblies like these.
"The buzzword from the authority at the moment is all about community cohesion but there is little cohesion here. The staff are very upset at what has happened," the insider added.
A Sheffield Council spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that the headteacher of Meersbrook Bank Primary School has tendered her resignation for her post which has been accepted.
"Parents have been made aware of the matter and temporary arrangements are in place until a new headteacher is appointed."
Acting chair of governors Rob Stephens added: "We would like to thank her for her work at the school, and wish her well for the future. Mrs Pamela Smith has been appointed as the lead teacher."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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