The former deputy leader of Greenwich Council has called on an executive headteacher to stop the bid for academisation at six primary schools, describing the lack of consultation with parents as "unforgivable".

Councillor John Fahy, the former member for children’s services, has urged Rob Carpenter, the executive headteacher for the Inspire Partnership, to withdraw the bid for academy status.

The schools under the Inspire Partnership include Woodhill Primary, Nightingale Primary, Rockcliffe Manor School, and Foxfield Primary in the Greenwich borough, as well as Castilion Primary in Bexley.

Cllr Fahy claimed the schools’ leadership has not thought through the long term strategy of becoming academies.

He said the path towards academisation is not in the interest of schools, pupils and parents in the borough.

Cllr Fahy praised Mr Carpenter as an “excellent headteacher in the borough”, but said: “I’m concerned the direction of travel which he and other schools are embarking on without any regard for consultation with parents is unforgivable really.

“There is a time to pause, reflect and just wait.

“It is in the best interests of parents to allow some more time to consult.”

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Executive head Rob Carpenter and Rupinder Bansil.

A veteran Labour member, Cllr Fahy was replaced as member for children’s services by councillor Miranda Williams last year after what Greenwich Council described as a “mini-reshuffle” in the cabinet.

The Woolwich Riverside ward councillor was also replaced as deputy leader by Councillor Danny Thorpe earlier this year.

He said he is in favour of giving parents a ballot over the decision to become an academy and ensuring they have a voice in the future of their children’s schools.

As well as urging Mr Carpenter to halt the academy bid, Cllr Fahy asked to see a business plan.

He told News Shopper: “How can you base a future of a school on the notion that when you get academy status you’ll then develop a business plan?”

In response to Cllr Fahy’s comments, Mr Carpenter told News Shopper: “Our partnership of schools has grown because of our genuine commitment to partnerships and collaboration, which includes the Royal Borough of Greenwich and local schools.

“Any decisions we may take regarding becoming a multi academy trust will only be taken with children’s and our community’s interest at heart.”

Cllr Fahy said Greenwich has the “most dedicated and committed” group of teachers who have achieved big things for schools in the borough.

He added: “When I talk about education my view always is children only have one life chance. They don’t have any other chances.

“Everybody should be concentrated on their achievement rather than worrying about political ideology.”