Concerned teachers have written to governors over controversial proposals to turn a Charlton school into an academy.

Dozens of Sherington Primary School staff members have signed an open letter calling for more  communication after the the school, in Wyndcliff Road, said it is considering leaving the council’s care.

Governors at the school, which is rated outstanding by Ofsted, said funding drops have meant it must “consider its future”.

Academies are publicly funded schools that are not under a council’s control, and have more power over pay and curriculum. They are funded by the government, not the local authority.

Future

The letter reads: “We recognise the fact it is extremely important to communicate formally, following the news you are considering the possibility Sherington could form a multi academy trust.

“Sadly we have not yet been involved in an open discussion with the SLT (senior leadership team) and it does appear to us a decision has been made.

“Although we fully recognise that schools are in a truly difficult position, both politically and strategically, we can not endorse your proposal.

“We know that the current crisis is not peculiar to Sherington and feel that with continued strong leadership the school can enjoy sustained growth and success whilst under local authority maintained status.

“We know how much you value the staff at all levels and hope you hear our concerns and understand our views.”

The letter, sent to the governing body and seen by this newspaper, calls for an open discussion on the school’s future.

Sherington Primary School has not responded to a request for further comment, but a statement on the school’s website says it will take views into account.

The statement says: “This is an important choice for the school so we will do our utmost to keep you informed throughout the process and to learn from your experience and opinions.

“Whilst we will listen to the views and of parents and carers, the final decision rests with the SLT and GB (governing body).”

Drop in sessions with the SLT and governing body are being planned for coming weeks, and a decision is expected before Christmas.

More information can be found here.

One way street

It comes as parents appeared at a council meeting last night to ask for the council’s help and to secure an open ballot before a decision is made.

Councillor David Gardner, cabinet member for education, replied to one parents question: “The council does not wish for there to be further academisation of our schools and will support this agenda.

“Becoming an academy, is a one-way street and there is no turning back.”

Cllr Gardner said the council has met with governors to explain the benefits of sticking with the authority.

Councillors also committed to resisting academisation last night by  launching Greenwich and Proud, a document that sets out the benefits of remaining under its care.

Orders

Supporting a motion against schools academising, Councillor Ivis Williams told the chamber: “There is no real evidence that turning schools into an academy will raise standards. We have a lot to be proud of here in Greenwich.

“Academies are not in the best interests of our children and there is evidence that standards drop and financial oversight is dropped.”

Controversially, failing schools can be ordered to become academies by the government.

Elsewhere in the borough, The John Roan school in Blackheath has hit the headlines after a damning Ofsted report sparked a heavily resisted academy order.