LibDems - Surrey CC should listen to parents and residents

http://surreyheathlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2011/482851/where-do-surrey-heath-liberal-democrats-stand-on-the-proposed-kings-international-tomlinscote-schools-merger

Where do Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats stand on the proposed Kings International / Tomlinscote Schools merger?

April 14, 2011 11:00 AM
By Cllr Duncan Clark

By Cllr Duncan Clark, Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council Liberal Democrats:

Although education is a Surrey County Council matter, their decisions affect all residents, so it is right and proper that Borough Councillors put forward their views on this issue.

Our position is clear. We are yet to be convinced of the need to merge both schools.

Firstly, the proposals put forward by the County Council do not provide a clear financial case for the merger, as we believe the data used to reach their decision on pupil numbers is not clear and robust.

Secondly, the proposed merger lacks clarity on the maintenance and improvement of educational standards, that parents and students from both schools would expect.

Finally, the proposal takes no account of the impact on parents 'preparation and planning' for the education of their children, and gives little thought to the logistical nightmare that some may face with a split school proposal. Importantly, it also takes no account of the impact on other Surrey Heath residents e.g. school run grid lock on our roads.

It is clear to us that Surrey County Council has published its proposals to absorb Kings International School into Tomlinscote School prematurely - in an effort to 'draw the fire' of parents and other critics of the 'plan'.

In making such a rushed proposal, without having adequately done the groundwork through prior consultation and an assessment of the implications and described the measures which could be taken to mitigate the difficulties created by the merger, the County Council has simply caused a huge amount of disruption and uncertainty amongst pupils and parents of both schools.

The County Council now faces a huge task in convincing those impacted that it has acted on the basis of up to date data and in the best interests of Surrey Heath children. It has also created the impression that the 'Consultation' on the proposals is a complete sham and that it will force through the merger proposal irrespective of local views.

All interested parties should obtain and understand the full proposals from the County Council. They should satisfy themselves that the County Council is:

1) basing its decision making on sound facts and forecasts and that it has considered the option of 'not merging' correctly.

2) that proper mitigating measures are taken to minimise any negative environmental impacts brought about by the change

3) that it is going to take proper steps to ensure that educational standards are maintained and improved as a result of the changes rather than worsened, including during the critical transitional phase.

If the County Council cannot persuade parents and others that standards are going to be maintained and improved, they should abandon the plan and work to establish three quality Secondary Schools in Surrey Heath.