A TEACHING union is concerned children’s education is beginning to suffer as issues at a troubled school continue.

Holt Farm Junior School’s difficulties came to a head last term when NUT members of staff went on strike over the “oppressive style” of headteacher Hasan Chawdhry.

Since then several staff have been signed off sick.

Then on Friday the governing body resigned from the Rochford school and Essex County Council assumed governorship until a new board can be appointed.

The Echo understands a recent Ofsted inspection has found inadequate teaching and worsening standards.

The official inspectors report has not yet been published.

Jerry Glazier, general secretary of Essex NUT, said governors could have saved this whole situation had they taken action before Christmas In the meantime he said pupils were suffering.

He said: “Teachers exist for the pupils and it’s wrong this has been allowed to go on so long and affect them.

“The suggestion by the chair of governors in a letter to parents that staff were going off sick deliberately is outrageous and unprofessional.

“To be off more than seven days anyone needs a doctor’s fit certificate. People are off with stress due to the intolerable situation at the school caused by bad management.

“That issue is still unresolved and we are looking at finding ways of working with the education authority to move matters forward with the aim of a positive conclusion.”

In a letter to parents announcing the group resignation Dave Jenkinson, chair of governors said: “We still believe Hasan Chawdhry is the right person to head the school and steer it through the difficult times ahead. “

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “Essex County Council is applying to the Secretary of State to establish an Interim Executive Board to govern the school. A letter is being issued to parents today to update them on this course of action and further updates will follow as information becomes available.

“Ofsted is currently compiling a report following an inspection of the school, which will be published in due course. As with all inspections, any information contained in this report remains confidential until publication.”