A city school has rejected parents’ “confrontational” criticism over its teaching techniques after a row broke out over a pupil chair ban. Water Mill Primary School’s Year 6 pupils had their classroom seats removed.
The Selly Oak school said the “striking” chairs were taken away as part of a “creative” and “fun” English lesson based on the book ‘Day the Crayons Quit’. Children were tasked with convincing the chairs to “come back off strike”.
But angry parents who questioned the teaching method marched through school gates on Tuesday to voice their concerns.
They confronted school leadership over language used in letters that were given to children after they returned from break. The letters, written by teachers but from the perspective of “the chairs”, called pupils “horrible” and “selfish” for rocking on them.
One parent, who took her daughter out of school for the day, raised concerns over health and safety after children were “made” to sit on the floor or on their desks. School bosses launched a probe into the incident.
Following the investigation, deputy headteacher Mr Hill emailed parents defending the school’s teaching decision. He wrote: “The concept of ‘The Day the Chairs Quit’ was inspired by the book ‘Day the Crayons Quit’.
“It’s a popular teaching resource/writing prompt used in a wide number of schools across the country. A quick google of ‘The Day the Chairs Quit’ demonstrates this.”
Mr Hill said children being asked to sit on the carpet was “an established and standard practice” in “most primary schools”. He added: “On occasions children may sit on the tables as part of their learning – this is in line with existing risk assessments.”
In his conclusion, Mr Hill wrote: “We have a responsibility to protect the well-being of all staff and pupils. In order to ensure there is no risk of staff being subject to targeted attacks, criticism or bullying, we ask that if you have concerns moving forward that you raise them on an individual basis.
“I’m concerned that it’s neither appropriate or productive for a group of parents to present at the school in a manner that could be interpreted (by staff or bystanders) as confrontational. Whilst you may not fully agree with the outcomes of my investigation, I want to reassure that I have investigated thoroughly and robustly your claims.
“I hope to work with you to ensure all children in Year 6 have great memories of their time at Water Mill.”
