A WAR of words has erupted between a school and a teaching union after both sides traded open letters.
It comes as teachers, union reps and school leaders clash over working conditions at Limebrook Primary School and Nursery in Maldon.
Executive headteacher Aaron Wright wrote to parents and carers on October 14, offering “the full picture” on the National Education Union’s action at the school.
In his letter, seen by the Standard, Mr Wright said the union's "primary obligation is to its members". He alleged that "improving the quality of education for children is not the NEU's primary purpose".
“We recognise that staff wellbeing and educational outcomes are connected,” Mr Wright wrote.
“A supported and motivated workforce is something we actively invest in.
“However, running a school requires difficult and balanced judgements.”
Mr Wright defended the school's record, stating that the trust provides staff with resources, curriculum plans and professional development opportunities that are not available in many other schools.
He also cited the trust’s academic results, Ofsted inspections and relationship with the Department for Education as evidence of its performance.
Mr Wright accused the union of circulating information the school says is “misleading and, in some cases, simply inaccurate”.
He said the activity could “unsettle staff, create instability within our school, and ultimately damage the education your children receive”.
The letter singled out “Facilities Time”, which gives union representatives paid time away from their duties.
Mr Wright said the trust decided the cost could not be justified because it reduced resources available to pupils.
The response prompted an open letter from Rob Howlett, Craig Farrow and Murray Sackwild on behalf of the National Education Union’s central and west Essex branches.
"We strongly reject the suggestion that representing our members somehow places the NEU at odds with the interests of children," they wrote.
They argued that schools with valued and supported staff are better placed to provide stability for pupils.
"Our aim is to help create schools where staff want to remain and children thrive," the representatives added.
Union officials said members at Limebrook had raised concerns about staff turnover and working conditions.
They said they had tried to establish “meaningful dialogue” with Lion Academy Trust but had failed to secure the constructive engagement needed to resolve their concerns.
The NEU said it was still willing to meet trust and school leaders to discuss the issues and build a “constructive relationship”.
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