We, the undersigned, call upon the Thomas Deacon Academy and the DFES, and its sponsors, to reconsider its policy on school breaks and recreational space. We believe that the pupils should not be treated as employees but should be given every opportunity to develop their social skills within both an educational environment as well as a less restrictive and unstructured environment.

Most parents were aware that three current secondary schools would be merged to form the new Thomas Deacon Academy, and were optimistic about the benefits that school would provide for their children. However, it was never explained, either to the original pupils of the three merging schools, or to the eleven year olds commencing in September nor their parents that there would be no provision for break time.

We call upon the school, its sponsors and the DFES to reconsider and implement a school day that incorporates playtime, breaks, fresh air and ideally a recreational space.