This is an emotive issue and there will always be concerns as long as there is one parent in Chafford Hundred without a school place in the local community.
I am also aware that various websites have alledged lack of action from the Councillors, this is just to put the record straight:
What we have done to date.
1. Warren Primary School has no room for expansion whatsoever, so they are restricted to the 60 annual intake.
2. Campus Primary School has just completed the construction of a new wing which will accommodate the recent increase intake of pupils to 60.
3. Tudor Court has recently been granted planning permission for construction and as such their intake is now 90.
(In total we now have 210 primary school places in Chafford for this year). This is however insufficient obviously considering that at least 26 children who reside in Chafford did not get a place in any of the three primary schools in Chafford Hundred this year.
What are we doing now:
We are still working with the local authority with a view to resolving the current crisis - at the moment of the 26, 8 children have now been offered and accepted a place in one of the three schools. (Due to movements on the waiting list, this number has now reduced to 18).
It is however quite pertinent that we should not just fire brigade this issue, but forward plan to prevent a re-occurrence. To this end I have held series of discussions with the Director for Education in Thurrock Council and we have discussed options for the future. One of the options was the relocation of the Primary School at the campus to a different area which will allow it adequate room for expansion.
The option of Chafford Schools for Chafford Children is one which we campaigned on in 2004. We are delighted that it has been adopted as a policy in the Secondary School and we are working hard to ensure it is adopted as a policy in the primary side. However, where government legislation allows for "parent choice" which means any parent in Thurrock can apply for any school in Thurrock. Of course they would have to meet the criteria so this is where our officers need to be quite robust in scrutinising applications thoroughly, especially evidence of where applicants live in the community.
There are however 2 'spare' classes available at the Campus which have been built to accommodate the increased numbers for next year, we think it is incumbent of the Council to utilise these as an emergency measure to facilitate the requirements of the 18 children without places. This discussion is still going on with the Education authority.
The purpose of this personal blogsite is to pass Ward or Thurrock related information across, and to allow residents comment on plans or proposals. Residents suggestions for developments in the community are certainly very welcome.
4 comments:
"I am also aware that various websites have alledged lack of action from the Councillors, this is just to put the record straight"
There hasn't been allegations of lack of action, there is concern from local residents that their Cllrs are not communicating their actions. It is a difference, and one the Tory Cllrs in Chafford Hundred should take heed.
Why did you let it get to this situation, as our elected councillor. It seems to me you have reacted rather than planned.
Lets see a full overhaul in time for next year in terms of admissions, real fair catchment areas and schools for local children.
If it were viewed as a competition you have come last, as the rest of the Thurrock Councillors have managed to provide more than enough places in their schools, whilst you've sat and ignored how many your constituents need.
Come on lads, get something done for Chafford. Concentrate on your wards, rather than your political careers (and financial reward) by sitting on the cabinet.
What do you think will happen to the children who cannot get in next year. ESpecially given the stance currently being taken by the primary governors.
I have taken the lead in the Education issue in Chafford Hundred.
As I said above, we very recently increased the intake in Chafford Primary from 30 - 60 and the same with Tudor Court from 60 - 90 places. We used the information which was collated to justify the increases. This obviously is not enough so the data collated must be flawed.
There is currently a review of all school places in Thurrock as there are reports that some in some areas the intake has reduced over the years. This information alongside others should provide the basis of a report and recommendations to cabinet later this municipal year.
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