A MOTHER considering taking legal action against a Little Hulton school branded a failure by Government inspectors has called for a public meeting for parents to discuss the situation.

Shirley Jones is just one of a number of outraged parents claiming Harrop Fold High School has not provided their children with the level of education that they are entitled to.

The school has vowed to fight back after being placed in special measures and earmarked for extra funding earlier this month following a damning Ofsted report which criticised teaching standards, pupil achievement and behaviour and attendance rates.

But parents say the secondary's deterioration over the years amounts to negligence.

The claims follow allegations that previous managers refused help offered to them before the Ofsted report by Salford Council.

They have taken legal advice from Altrincham-based education law specialists Alexander Harris Solicitors who have confirmed that, although difficult and expensive to prove, the parents do have a case.

Mrs Jones, aged 42, of Hill Top Road, Walkden, said the school has consistently failed her 13-year-old daughter.

She also says her daughter had not been given a mark for science this year because of a lack of teachers. Now she wants to gather parents together to debate the situation and discuss the future of the whole school.

Mrs Jones said: "As a parent, I cannot sit back and let this go on without trying to do something to help my daughter. Our children deserve better.

"I have asked for a public meeting for parents. I hope the new headteacher, who cannot be blamed for any of this, manages to turn things around. She has taken on an immense task under horrendous conditions, for which I can only admire her."

New headteacher Vicki Devenport, who was praised in the Government inspection after taking over the school just six months ago, has vowed to do everything in her power to boost its performance.

No date for the planned public meeting has been revealed.