Mossbourne Federation announces ‘independent review’ into its own complaints procedures
Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy. Image: Google
An independent review into how complaints about staff behaviour and pupil welfare at Mossbourne schools are handled has been announced.
This follows recent public attention that the Mossbourne Federation has received in relation to complaints about some of its schools.
This review, commissioned by the Mossbourne Federation itself, is separate to the ongoing safeguarding review being conducted by the City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership.
The stated aim is to examine what can be done to improve processes at Mossbourne schools and to increase public confidence in the management of complaints and safeguarding concerns.
Who is leading the review?
Anne Whyte KC, supported by a team of solicitors at Fieldfisher LLP, is conducting the review.
What experience does she bring?
In a letter calling for evidence for the her review, Anne Whyte KC outlines her credentials, writing: “I have been a barrister for over 30 years, and I am also a part time judge.
“I have experience in conducting independent reviews and dealing with vulnerable individuals who find themselves caught up in legal processes.
“Some of you may recognise my name from a recent wide ranging independent review into the way complaints were handled in the sport of gymnastics.”
In 2020, Anne Whyte KC was instructed by UK Sport and Sport England to conduct an independent review into the cultures prevailing in the sport and its governing body, British Gymnastics.
She looked into the training atmospheres and experiences of gymnasts and coaches, the systems in place for safeguarding and welfare and the procedures in place for managing complaints. Her report was published in 2022.
Anne Whyte KC was also instructed, with Julian Evans KC, to represent Greater Manchester Police in the statutory public inquiry into the shooting of Anthony Grainger.
Anthony Grainger was an unarmed suspect who was shot during a police firearms operation.
Anne Whyte KC and Julian Evans KC acted for the force and for the majority of police officers giving evidence before the inquiry. The report was published in 2019.
How is the review being conducted?
In her letter, Anne Whyte KC explains how the investigation will be conducted: “My review into the Mossbourne Academies will also be an independent one.
“I will write a report about my findings and recommendations for the Mossbourne Federation’s Trustees to reflect upon.
“It is anticipated that my report may also be shared confidentially with the Department for Education and the Local Authority.
“I will be assisted by a similarly independent team of solicitors at Fieldfisher who have expertise in setting up and supporting independent reviews.”
She goes on to outline how the review will be independent, writing: “The Mossbourne Federation Members have set up a separate sub-committee made up of Daniel Flitterman, Tareic Alphonse and Shedeh Javadzadeh.
“They are instructing me and I will report my findings to them. The Mossbourne Federation, and the sub-committee instructing me, will not have any influence over the findings I may make in my review.”
Call for evidence
Anne Whyte KC is now inviting staff, pupils and their parents or carers who are or were at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy, Mossbourne Community Academy, Mossbourne Riverside Academy and Mossbourne Parkside Academy since 2023 to submit their experiences.
The submission form will be open until 27 May 2025 and Anne Whyte KC says that there will be an opportunity for some people to meet her in person to discuss their experiences in more detail later in May/early June.
A letter explaining the call for evidence has been sent out to parents and staff (13 May 2025).
The submission form will be open until 27 May 2025 and Anne Whyte KC says there will be an opportunity for some people to meet her in person to discuss their experiences in more detail later in May/early June.
Those conducting the review say they would like to ensure as many people as possible who have a connection to Mossbourne in the local area are made aware of the possibility to submit their experiences.
The submission form can be found here.