Greens urge ballot on Falmer academy plans
20 August 2008
Council must ‘ask the parents’The Green Group of Councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council has today urged that parents of children most affected by plans to close Falmer High and replace it with an academy are balloted on their views.
Councillor Rachel Fryer, the group’s education spokesperson, has asked that a poll of parents of pupils at Falmer High and primary schools that ‘feed’ into it takes place before the plans move any further forward.
The second stage of the consultation on the plans is due to begin for a period of six weeks starting on September 1st. But the Greens say the consultation so far has been inadequate.
Cllr Fryer said: “Closing Falmer High and building an Academy instead will have a significant impact on the local community. This is a massive proposal, and not easily undone.
“Balloting parents at affected schools, through an unbiased consultation presenting both the pros and cons of the plans is the only fair way to proceed. Failing to properly consult in this way will just reinforce the view that, in this city, consultations are a sham and residents’ opinions are not valued or respected.
“Many people feel disempowered by our democratic process as things frequently seem like a done decision before consultation has even begun.
"Residents of the city justifiably feel angry about the way the stock transfer ballot was handled where over £1million of Council tax-payers money was spent seemingly on 'bribing' people into voting for the transfer with DVDs and glossy brochures promoting housing transfer. Yet at least they were given a choice and were allowed to express their opposition to losing public assets.
“Greens believe decisions of this magnitude must involve proper consultation with local people. So far, ‘feeder’ primary schools have been given just 10 leaflets each about the proposals! This makes a mockery of council promises to consult widely.
“Sheffield council has recently announced plans to ballot local parents on any future plans for academies, Brighton & Hove should follow in their footsteps.” *
Councillor Fryer also voiced concerns that parents and pupils had not so far been given a comprehensive picture of the plans.
She said: “We have had reports from parents that all the children have been told is that they stand to gain a swimming pool if the academy goes ahead.
"They have not been told that they may lose two school halls, or that the school is likely to be run by a board which is appointed by millionaire businessman Rod Aldridge – a man who has made a fortune from schools around the UK through the firm he founded, Capita, which he now holds substantial shares in.
"He has already made it clear that he intends to install a fingerprint biometric identity database at Falmer school.
“Greens are gravely concerned that the man who may end up in charge of the education of many hundreds of children has said he is 'angry' about the education he received - but has not observed a single lesson in the school he proposes turn into an academy.
"Worse still, Rod Aldridge has also refused to make any commitments about parent and teacher representation on the governing body - when asked about this he said he 'wanted to get things done'.
“Parents have also expressed concern that if they live within the Falmer catchment area, they will be forced to send their child to a school where entrepreneurship and sport will not only be encouraged but which, we have been told, are likely to permeate every subject on the curriculum.
"Existing parents at the school chose the school for their child as they liked the ethos there currently, and are now concerned that this will change.
“Big business is playing an increasing role in education. Under the academy proposals, Falmer’s curriculum and admissions control would be handed to a businessman in return for £2m.
"This will mean less control for pupils, parents, staff and the Council. There’s increasing evidence that shows city academies don’t improve education standards, but both Labour and the Tories are keen to turn Falmer School into an Academy. Greens believe those most affected should have a say – ask the parents.”
Notes to editors:
For more information please contact: Charlie Woodworth on 01273 290 452* Sheffield Council announced last month that in future, when considering proposals for Academy or Trust status, parents of the school affected and its feeder schools (where appropriate) will be balloted about the proposed change in status.
[ENDS]
