Deeply concerned parents are appalled, upset and frustrated by the current state of our how the Ark Alexandra Academy Upper (William Parker Site) and Lower (Helenswood Site) Schools in Hastings are being run.

This petition using the Change platform is to give everyone parents, carers, neighbours, staff the whole town a chance to sign and express as collective how they feel.

It also gives extended family like grandparents and friends the chance to express their concerns. Perhaps your employer is tired of your having to take calls from the school and it is impacting your work life. Grandparents/Friends/neighbours having to pick up children for on-the-spot exclusions because a child missed a 90-minute detention they didn't deserve.

A detention often served outside school hours where one child is alone in a class with 2 teachers. Safeguarding has completely gone astray.

The environment has become cruel, chaotic, neglectful and children are paid and bribed with dinner money or the chance of a hot chocolate if they behave.

This has become a toxic militant environment and is no longer an educational institution where young minds are being nurtured.

Parents own experience with the new executive Principal has been disheartening with some saying his rudeness and disrespect have been shocking.

Communication is one way with it at times almost impossible to contact the school at all.

The chosen communication App "My child at School" is a complete fail and the phone is rarely answered at all.

The hardworking nurturing teachers and pastoral team that they do have there often call outside school hours and in some cases, from their own homes. These staff are overworked going above and beyond, yet the senior staff members and teachers have been heard publicly telling parents that "their child is on a list". The front-line office staff must be impacted tremendously with the he constant barrage of upset parents and yet everyday they continue to do their best. 

The rigid enforcement of uniform policy over student comfort is just one example of how this school's management has lost sight of its true purpose and wearing a coat or having a shirt untucked is treated as a crime.

Where is the focus on providing quality education and care for our children?

Additionally, there have been incidents where students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) had their passes revoked, restricting their ability to leave lessons when necessary.

Furthermore, there have been cases where students were unfairly penalized with detentions due to administrative errors in marking attendance. This not only undermines trust but also adds unnecessary stress on students who are already struggling with the harsh conditions imposed by the school administration.

Visits to the loo can't be managed internally by staff and are therefore not permitted during learning with this leading to toileting accidents for some. More humiliation! There have been incidents where students have been "caught" outside class even with explanation have then being sanctioned. 

If a child is unwell, they have to break behaviour policy and contact their parents by personal mobile for support as they are being left unattended and simply not being heard. Cases of children being collected and marked as unauthorised absence because they have been neglected by school staff are more frequent than is openly shared.

Our children deserve better than this; they deserve respect and understanding from those entrusted with their education. It's time we take action against such practices that are detrimental to our children's well-being and learning experience.

We as as parents strive to do the best we can. Yes we get it wrong along the way. We are driven by the love and ambition for our children and we give you Ark Alexandra, in loco parentis over our children daily. "in loco parentis" is Latin for "in the place of a parent". You have responsibility and duty of care of to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent and you are not doing your job! 

We urge you – parents, teachers, community members – to join us in demanding immediate changes from the school board and governor’s office regarding how our school is run. Let us ensure that every child gets fair treatment and quality education they rightfully deserve without fear or discomfort.

If you feel strongly about the above and wish to add anything more please use the comments and sign this petition today!