A TEACHER was suspended from the Basildon Academies after she contacted Ofsted about her concerns ahead of a school inspection.

The female member of staff contacted the education watchdog prior to a monitoring inspection in September last year, which was carried out to see whether improvements had been made.

The Basildon Academies have been in special measures since last March with concerns still being raised by Ofsted about the length of time it is taking to make improvements.

It is understood teaching unions, including the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers, were at the school last week to fight the teacher’s case.

Whistleblowing charity Public Concern at Work is concerned that a teacher could be suspended for raising difficult questions about her employer.

A spokesman said: “Ofsted is an appropriate place to raise issues such as this. It is worrying as teachers should feel they have the support of their workplace. If the school is doing this it sends out a very chilling message to other staff about how they raise an issue at work.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in calls from the education sector and know that teachers can face difficult challenges when raising concerns. “Employers should recognise the value of whistleblowing. It is vital that teachers are confident that when they speak up they will be heard and supported by their employers not stifled or victimised. Additionally that they know where to find help if they are unsure what to do.”

Bosses at the Basildon Academies, including headteacher Bev Bell and chairman of governors Les Livermore, have refused to comment on the matter.

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, who this week took up concerns about the academies with Prime Minister David Cameron, added: “People should have a mechanism that they should have access to if they feel victimised. I strongly support this.”

Ofsted would not comment on the suspension but did say teachers are free to raise concerns with them.

A spokesman said: “The complaints procedure is up on our website, anyone can make a complaint and we have a whistleblowing hotline. You will see here that employers policies have to be considered by those making complaints.”