West Twyford parents protest calling for headteacher's resignation over alleged safeguarding concerns

By Cesar Medina

8th Oct 2024 | Local News

Protestors held signs outside of the Ealing primary school voicing their concerns on Monday, 7 October (credit: Cesar Medina).
Protestors held signs outside of the Ealing primary school voicing their concerns on Monday, 7 October (credit: Cesar Medina).

A few parents from West Twyford Primary School have taken to the streets to protest, calling for Headteacher Matthew Shapland's resignation amid alleged ongoing safeguarding concerns.

The first round of protest began on Monday, 30 September after school in front of West Twyford with some parents protesting because they claim the headteacher has "ignored safeguarding incidents and multiple complaints."  

A post on X (formerly Twitter) from a parent from West Twyford following the first protest (credit:X).

Previously on 12 September, Ealing Nub News reported on allegations from several parents

Some of which include incidents where a child with special educational needs escaped the premises three times during school hours, pupils feeling "targeted" and break times being described as "fight clubs."

West Twyford Primary School on Twyford Abbey Road, Ealing (credit: Cesar Medina).

A second round of protest yesterday (8 October) saw six men after school holding signs calling for the headteacher to step down. 

One sign read, 'Resign with Dignity Mr Shapland,' whilst another read, 'GET SHAPLAND OUT.' A third asked parents to, 'SPEAK TO YOUR KIDS About Matthew Shapland.' 

Some of the protesters, who requested anonymity, told Ealing Nub News that they have family members attending or connected to the school and that the claims they have heard have left them feeling "disgusted." 

They also said that they will only stop protesting once he steps away from the institution.

A protestor holding up a sign in front of West Twyford after school (credit: Cesar Medina).

Parent Two from Ealing Nub News' first article on West Twyford and who was at the first protest believes that standing outside the school holding signs is all that is left for parents to feel heard. 

The parent said: "I have gone to the police, social services, the governor and Ofsted but how many more authorities do I need to go to for somebody to take me serious about this." 

They continued: "Nobody on the streets has stopped us to say 'hey, you shouldn't do this'...they're like 'well done, you are right'. 

"It's like people found their voice because they see what's going on but it's like they are still in fear of him because a lot of parents have told me they cannot defend themselves like I do...but I will never stop." 

The primary school was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2023 (credit: Cesar Medina).

Ealing Nub News approached Mr Shapland during the protest yesterday but refused to comment. 

Ealing Council has also been approached for comment. 

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