Britannia Radio

Headteacher forced to resign after being branded racist for trying to
axe separate assemblies for Muslims

'Forced out': Headteacher Julia Robinson has resigned after her plans to
scrap single faith assemblies

A primary school headteacher has resigned after Muslim parents protested
over plans to scrap separate faith assemblies for their children.

Soon after taking over at the school Julia Robinson told staff she
wanted to hold assemblies for all pupils, which would encompass all
faiths.

The practise is common in most schools and after taking advice from the
local authority, Ms Robinson set up a working party to look at
alternatives.

But their work was stopped after a number of parents at Meersbrook Bank
Primary Community in Sheffield complained about the plans.

Mrs Robinson was accused of being racist and following the complaints
she was away from her post for most of last year.

She was due to make a phased return to her duties this term. But again
there were protests from some parents when they heard she would be
coming back.

Mrs Robinson resigned from her job and the school's chair of governors
Sarah Browton also quit in support.

A member of staff who asked not to be named said: 'The headteacher
inherited the separate assemblies when she started the job and she took
careful advice from the authority on what to do about them.

'But when she tried to stop them, feeling they did nothing to promote
inclusiveness, she was accused of being a racist.

'She wanted to hold assemblies for all the pupils, which would include
all faiths. That is what happens in most schools but some parents wanted
things to stay as they were.

More...

* Foster mother struck off for letting Muslim girl convert to
Christianity

'Mrs Robinson was under a lot of pressure and wasn't at school for some
time. The plan was for her to come back but again some of the parents
put a stop to that.

'Many of us here just feel this is all very wrong. Everyone was told
that we had to heal and we had to move on.

'There's now an interim head in place and that situation could drag on
for some time to come.
Meersbrook Bank Primary school

Upset: Staff at Meersbrook Bank Primary School, in Sheffield, are angry
that Mrs Robinson has had to resign her job

'The feeling is that Julia was doing the right thing and went through
all the right routes as to what she was trying to do.

'The aim was for inclusion there's no other school we know that has
separate assemblies like these.

'The buzzword from the authority at the moment is all about community
cohesion but there is little cohesion at this school. The staff are very
upset at what has happened.'

A Sheffield Council spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm that the
headteacher of Meersbrook Bank Primary School has tendered her
resignation for her post which has been accepted.

'Parents have been made aware of the matter and temporary arrangements
are in place until a new headteacher is appointed.'

Acting chair of governors Rob Stephens added: 'We would like to thank
her for her work at the school, and wish her well for the future.

'Mrs Pamela Smith has been appointed as the lead teacher.'

After taking over at Meersbrook Mrs Robinson outlined her plans for the
future for the 115 year old school on its website.

On it she said : 'We have launched the new school year by reviewing and
rewriting our school vision and aims. We pride ourselves on the
diversity of our community and our family feel.'

http://www.dailymai l.co.uk/news/ article-1139653/ Headteacher- forced-
resign-branded- racist-trying- axe-separate- assemblies- Muslims.html
--