Lanchester Primary School criticised over reception teachers

Parents of children at Lanchester Primary School in Watford were informed of the latest change via email on Monday (March 6) - the same day a new staff member was starting.

The class will now be taught by an agency teacher, described as “experienced” by the school, from Mondays to Wednesdays.

Lanchester Community Free School in Hempstead Way, Watford (Image: Google Street View)

Lessons on Thursdays and Fridays will then be taken by two newly appointed early years leads.

One parent, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s sort of turmoil at the moment. There is no stability for the children, it’s disruptive.

“They don’t know from one day to another who is going to be there.

“It’s their first year at school, it’s a lot for them and some have been nervous going in.”

It is affecting children in the 'Cardiff' reception class, while pupils in the school's other reception class are believed to have been unaffected.

• Landlord fined over 'uninhabitable' building lacking any fixed heating
• How this week's rail fare rise will hit Watford commuters' season tickets

“It’s too early to say in the long term, but the children are confused," the parent added. "They can’t understand why two teachers have left already.

“Presumably there will be some impact on their learning. It takes time to get up to speed. It’s the little things, such as learning the children’s names."

The last teacher, who only started in January after their predecessor left in December, had their final day on Friday, March 3. Parents were then told of the new set-up the following Monday.  

• Get a Watford Observer digital subscription

The school’s headteacher Claire Hammond said this arrangement will last “until a suitable permanent teacher is appointed”.  

She added: “The quality of education is at the forefront of all decisions made at Lanchester Primary School.

“We recognised parents may have concerns over the staffing change and, as was highlighted in the original letter to parents, have offered the opportunity to meet with the school and ask any questions.”