after her plans to scrap single faith assemblies
By Chris Brooke
A popular headmistress has resigned after parents objected to her replacing separate assemblies for Muslim pupils with a single gathering for all faiths.
Julia Robinson felt the change would promote 'inclusiveness' in the multi- cultural school but faced accusations of racism.
She had sought advice from education chiefs about her plan for Meersbrook Bank Community Primary in Sheffield, where most of the pupils are white Christians.
But the move was stopped after a small number of parents complained and allegedly made claims of racism.
The row led to her being off work for most of last year but she was due to make a 'phased return' this term.
However, further protests from a small number of parents led to her quitting.
Chairman of governors, Sarah Browton, also resigned in support.
Now there are fears a move intended to unify the 240 pupils has instead split the school.
Around a fifth are from ethnic minorities, with about 35 Muslims.
Separate Muslim assemblies were reportedly held at least weekly, led by a parent and open to non-Muslims.
A teacher, who asked not to be named, said: 'The head inherited the separate assemblies and she took careful advice on what to do.
'But when she tried to stop them, she was accused of being a racist. She wanted to hold assemblies for all the pupils. That is what happens in most schools but some parents wanted things to stay as they were.
'The buzzword from the authority is all about community cohesion but there is little cohesion at this school. The staff are very upset.' Read more ...
A popular headmistress has resigned after parents objected to her replacing separate assemblies for Muslim pupils with a single gathering for all faiths.
Julia Robinson felt the change would promote 'inclusiveness' in the multi- cultural school but faced accusations of racism.
She had sought advice from education chiefs about her plan for Meersbrook Bank Community Primary in Sheffield, where most of the pupils are white Christians.
But the move was stopped after a small number of parents complained and allegedly made claims of racism.
The row led to her being off work for most of last year but she was due to make a 'phased return' this term.
However, further protests from a small number of parents led to her quitting.
Chairman of governors, Sarah Browton, also resigned in support.
Now there are fears a move intended to unify the 240 pupils has instead split the school.
Around a fifth are from ethnic minorities, with about 35 Muslims.
A teacher, who asked not to be named, said: 'The head inherited the separate assemblies and she took careful advice on what to do.
'But when she tried to stop them, she was accused of being a racist. She wanted to hold assemblies for all the pupils. That is what happens in most schools but some parents wanted things to stay as they were.
'The buzzword from the authority is all about community cohesion but there is little cohesion at this school. The staff are very upset.' Read more ...
Source: Daily Mail
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