A parent from Darell Primary and Nursery School has come forward to show support for the school becoming an academy and to commend the “fantastic” work done at Darell.

Michael Beale, who has a son in year one and a girl starting next September, said that although some parents have an “ideological disagreement” they are “all pulling in the same direction”.

Every Child, Every Day Academy Trust (ECEDAT), a multi-academy trust that runs two secondary schools, has proposed to take over Darell Primary and Nursery School.

ECEDAT currently controls Grey Court School in Ham and Hollyfield School in Surbiton.

In opposition to the proposal, an action group, LoveDarell, was set up to voice concerns among some parents.

However, both sides now want to clarify that the wellbeing of the children is of utmost importance to them and to highlight the positives of the school.

Following the presentation made by ECEDAT at the consultation, Mr Beale believes that the trust shares the same ideology of Darell and is “a great fit for the school”.

He commended the governing body of the school and said if it decided to go with ECEDAT, he trusted the decision.

He said: “It’s not a big academy chain that wouldn’t be focusing on our school. It’s more like a federation.”

The parent added: “All I care about is the wellbeing and happiness of my children and the children at the school.”

A spokesperson from LoveDarell said: "Darell has a very special place in Richmond's schools.

"It is the oldest primary school in the borough and commands an incredible loyalty from former pupils and parents.  

“Asking a school to discuss academisation always risks divisiveness.

“We really wish we hadn't been asked to talk about governance and politics, and much prefer doing day-to-day school activities.

“Other local primaries are very doubtful about the academisation experiment and Love Darell is convinced that our creative and nurturing school should be just as sceptical.”

Opposition spokesperson for education Cllr Penny Frost said she is “not particularly in favour” of turning primary schools into academies and that they “run the risk of getting swallowed up”.

However, Richmond Council cabinet member for schools Councillor Paul Hodgins has said that the trust shares Darell’s ambition- to make it one of the highest performing schools in the borough.

He said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for Darell School. Providing the best education for all young people is at the heart of this council’s ambition.”

He added the trust has a “proven track record”.

Headteacher at Grey Court School and secretary of ECEDAT Maggie Bailey describes the multi-academy trust as “a charitable trust”

She said: “The purpose of the Trust, working through partnership and collaboration, is to maintain and strengthen good and outstanding schools, and to ensure the rapid improvement of schools which need support now and in the future. 

“It is also to act as a vehicle for enabling the sharing of best practice and achieving economies of scale across the group of academies.”

Ms Bailey highlighted the Trust’s commitment to small and local primary and secondary schools which are secular, mixed ability and inclusive.

She promised the Trust would continue to “work tirelessly to deliver the best educational experience”.

A spokesperson for the governing body of the school said:"The overarching objective of Darell Primary & Nursery School’s governing body is to improve the educational outcomes for its pupils at a time when funding for schools has been significantly reduced. 

"Governors are keen to work alongside schools who share Darell’s ethos of inclusivity and approach to ensure the best education for every child in our school. 

"Darell’s governors remain firmly committed to what is best for the education and welfare of its pupils."

Let me know your view: grainne.cuffe@london.newsquest.co.uk