attack on rural schools in Hereford

[malvern]

Hereford council wish to close or merge some thirty schools.... my son's school is on the list Eastnor ( which had the best school results in hereford last year )... as yet the plans have not come out, but the staff were informed today.... This should not be allowed to happen and if you email your concern to the council....at info@herefordshire.gov.uk
every little helps and the more the bigger the help



freedom is the grandchildren, we are the caretakers

[malvern]

Iv'e sent three email requesting all information on closer and any links they have with common purpose ... under the freedom of information act...
post if you have reacted many thanks for your help....an upset dad



freedom for the little ones

[malvern]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hereford council wish to close or merge some 30 schools.... my son's school is on the list Eastnor ( which had the best school results in hereford last year )... as yet the plans have not come out, but the staff were informed today.... This should not be allowed to happen and if you email your concern to the council....at info@herefordshire.gov.uk
every little helps and the more the bigger the help
the reason is not down to costing of running these school



freedom is the grandchildren, we are the caretakers

[kweli]

Hereford council wish to close or merge some thirty schools.... my son's school is on the list Eastnor ( which had the best school results in hereford last year )... as yet the plans have not come out, but the staff were informed today.... This should not be allowed to happen and if you email your concern to the council....at info@herefordshire.gov.uk
every little helps and the more the bigger the help



freedom is the grandchildren, we are the caretakers

Woah, that's shit man! I did hear a while ago that they were planning a couple of 'super' schools in my area (not heard anything since) but this is just ridiculous. I will definately e-mail my concerns. Please keep us updated.

[lizzy]

All part of their dumbing down agenda.
And to reduce your choices to zero.
The teachers' can be watched more carefully too.
Hello.....it's 1984.

[quester123]

just found this, hope its of some help


"School closures" meeting
source (http://www.herefordtimes.com/display.var.1959763.0.school_closures_meeting.php)

A PUBLIC meeting is to be held in Bromyard next week to discuss the council's school merger plans.

The debate will start at 7.30pm next Thursday (January 17) at the town's Queen Elizabeth High School.

Queen Elizabeth assistant head Mike Goodman said today that the Bromyard school was one of the 37 secondary and primary schools included in the council's merger proposals.


The Hereford Times was the first to reveal the council's plan for far reaching changes to education in Herefordshire in yesterday's paper.

[quester123]

Source (http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/htnewseducation/display.var.1960559.0.battle_lines_drawn_over_revi ew.php)

SCHOOL governors are ready to fight the closure of any small primary schools under Herefordshire Council's plans for far-reaching changes to education in the county.

The changes - based on predictions of plummeting pupil numbers and the subsequent loss of central government schools funding - are billed as one of the biggest and most controversial decisions the council will ever have to take, with the prospect of bitter political and community battles ahead.

Replacement schools could be built and many more refurbished with the money the council says it can get from the government if the changes are made successfully.
advertisement

Headteachers and school governors were being briefed about the plan at the time of going to press.

But a meeting of the Herefordshire Association of School Governors (HASG) on Tuesday has already voted to "actively oppose" any school closures.

"We will resist all attempts at any school closures, the figures showing falling rolls are inaccurate," said HASG chairman Steve Grist.

But there are also fears that some secondary schools could be in the frame as the plan rolls out - though no schools have been mentioned specifically.

In a statement to the Hereford Times, the council said that a successful review of the county's school provision and capacity could bring in big money from Whitehall - enough to build five new schools and refurbish several more.

The council says the plan proposes school amalgamations, with changes to admission numbers and catchment areas.

Three primaries have already shut under an education strategy based on a big fall in projected pupil numbers, which means the county gets much less government money for schools.

But there are now doubts about how big that fall is going to be. The first signs of a split in support for the strategy came when the council's cabinet met last month to debate a draft plan for the future of schools.

The plan put forward a series of options for the way rural schools can be run, including clusters of neighbouring schools working together sharing resources and staff, grouping schools together under a single head, or combining primary and secondary schools on single sites.

The plan is set against a background of closing small schools where projected pupil numbers meant they could only be kept open at the expense of larger ones.

Cabinet voted to back the draft plan but only after members spoke of their fears about the figures on which the plan was based.

Those figures, using projections from the Office of National Statistics, show a big fall in under-10s across the county between now and 2025, which meant around 1,400 fewer children starting school here over that time.

Cabinet was told that, although the council was revising and re-evaluating the figures, it was already apparent that only a "huge impact" would overturn the trend, while the number of new houses to be built over the same period did not necessarily mean more children throughout the county because younger families tended to cluster where there are homes that they could afford.

Members criticised the statistics as outdated and not accounting for the lifestyle change market that was now one of the biggest factors for families moving to Herefordshire.

The council's sums were also attacked for not allowing for parental choice dictating pupil patterns, something said to be already obvious when schools in the market towns were full or close to capacity, with parents glad of places in nearby village primaries.

Such schools could secure a future if pupils were spread around them, backed by a better bus system and car sharing schemes.

Herefordshire schools are now the third lowest funded in the country, getting £3,687 per pupil over 2008-2009, compared with a national average of around £4,000.

[lizzy]

Not just "another brick in the wall", they want to build the whole wall.

[hagbard_celine]

I've noticed that, like most other things in life, schools are being merged and are getting bigger and bigger. It could be that this is how they plan on making the national curriculum easier to control.

[cheeney1]

I've noticed that, like most other things in life, schools are being merged and are getting bigger and bigger. It could be that this is how they plan on making the national curriculum easier to control.

They Are Doing The Same Thing Here In New Zealand When The Labour Party Got Back into Power,
Close Schools And Make Other Schools Larger:):)

[deldaley]

they are also doing it in north wales

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/7053187.stm

[malvern]

the larger the school the easier it is to introduce systems of control , like fingerprinting.. there is no need for such systems in a small school, aswell the larger the school the less chance the teachers will bond with the children and will only react to them as a group and not see the single needs of a child, bigger is not better but they like us to think this way because bigger is easier
to control.


freedom is the grandchildren,we most be the caretakers

[heathen]

For me Schools are the devils hands at moulding nothing but industrial fodder its easy to learn to read and write and thats all they need. Our kids are the only ones who have the power to rebel in all aspects of rebelion they will relise the circumstances through our counter education and understand that they have nothing to lose in the mean time we must make them familier with the situation and support them in all aspects,, remember this she is to be given a double cup of her own mixture..

[malvern]

The state does not want to teach free thinking, freethink allows us to think and act out side the box of control. hence bigger allows them greater control to push for inpersonal systems, which remove all free thinking and allows them to socail engineer the children into sheeple that follow the group without question.


freedom you most stand up for once you have sold your freedom what have you got to live for?

[heathen]

30 pieces of silver if there is no counter education.

[hagbard_celine]

I've thought of a good phrase: "Battery Hen Schools".

[quester123]

I've thought of a good phrase: "Battery Hen Schools".

Battery Hen Schools, I like that phrase!

[malvern]

day prisons for little chaps... you will learn to love the system

[quester123]

30 schools, that is one hell of a merger isn't it ?

[malvern]

they talk about cost when closing schools ... they talk about education when they want votes,,,,,,, they have just given 58 billion tax payers money to north rock ( fraud stolen ) we will never get back... so what is the true reason why they wish to close schools???
they do not care .............

[hagbard_celine]

Apparently they're doing the same on the Isle of Wight! I bet David doesn't like that because Jaymie's still school age.

[dondaz]

This is definately Common Purpose. What a scam. My kids school is Common Purpose controlled, I'm sure of it. All the unofficial letters we get telling us how to teach our kids at home and to sign the book every day so the teachers can see how well we, as well as our kids, are being indoctrinated. Kids who have a difference are made to wear a sash at break times and the other children are encouraged to police them and keep them apart. They tried it on my son the other week. I was at the school like a flash and told his teacher I am not having none of that. It is wrong for them to do this. The head teacher, who tried to get the fingerprint scanning kit into the school by stealth, has the teachers exercising in the playground a couple of times a week.

She doesn't like me interfearing with my own kids education. They tell you they are going to do this, that and the other for our childrens education and expect you to accept it without question. I always question. I challenge them on issues all the time and they are always wrong and can never answer my questions.

Wait till this shit starts in the big schools. Talk about mind control and manipulation.

[malvern]

hi dondaz i can only agree with what you are saying ... I ve been told by the local couniller that this school closures, some 40 schools in hereford is been pushed by main government, who is waving a big funding stick over them to get this thruogh... aslo asked local news paper the question why is it only the schools who will not use there fingerprint systems affected..... he's also going to look at the common purpose web pages for his own research, for he was shocked to hear of such a group... thank you everone for your support, but i need more noise made about this so any help will be welcomed.

[malvern]

thank you every one for your support ... still loads of work needed
the orders are coming from government and they are beating the local government with the fundingstick, and like puppets there are reacting the way the government (common purpose ) wants....we all need to fight this it might be your child next..

[baron von lotsov]

Iv'e sent three email requesting all information on closer and any links they have with common purpose ... under the freedom of information act...
post if you have reacted many thanks for your help....an upset dad



freedom for the little ones

What you need to do is a speech. I have some agenda shit happening in my town and I am thinking of doing a speech. My speeches normally tend to cause a bit of a riot and I'm hoping this one will be no different!

[unicorn]

Years of Labour funding the training of teachers, only now to close down schools? It's getting crazier & crazier... which I hope is a good sign as this can't go on much longer before people WAKE UP!!!!! :rolleyes:

[malvern]

baron please forward any speach that might help or post them on "john whites, malvernmessages," i am shore the will give you your own section. thank you for your suport... once again every little helps and these children need our help.

[malvern]

up date...... press photo shoot at the school for all with banners ( 0845 hours ) all welcome if you can .... remember it will be the school in your area next ...thats if it's still open



freedom is for the grandchildren ... and what are they getting:mad:

[hagbard_celine]

Actually I'm in favour of deceased-only consent because it's a kind of "last will" in a way, but it should stop there.

[malvern]

the malvern and lebury paper did a photo shoot for ther front page...here is some picture i took

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure013.jpg



in this picture the head had to dry her eyes first ..after all the children shouting "please save our school"
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure023.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure009.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure036.jpg


all help is needed it could be your child's school next...... they say it's costing, when they have just given a bank 58 billion ( that over 1million for each tax payer...your money)

freedom ...not if they get there way:mad:

[kweli]

Thanks for the update, malvern. Cool pics, bless them kids.

[malvern]

the lebury press and malvern press showed up for photo shot ....so should be front page friday.... here is some pictures i took....
in one the head had to dry her eyes before the photo ..it was moving day for all who turned up.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure027.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure023.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure033.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure011.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure031.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/eastnorshoolclosure036.jpg


anybody wishing to help ..please feel free...every little will help our children, remember it's coming to a school near you..
they say it's due to costing...hahaha..they have given over 1million pounds for every uk tax payer to the bankers \(northernrock 58 Billion ) and they keep quoting Educatin Eduction Eduction every chanc they get

freedom is yours .. but they do not want you to understand that... they permit you the rights you already have

[malvern]

today i have just requested from hereford council, under the freedom of information act, for there spending and forcasted cost of future, it systems ie; fingerprint systems ans other surcity equipment and non educational kit.. so that i can do some of my own sums ...


freedom does not come easy.. the system does not wish it:mad:

[malvern]

Thanks for the update, malvern. Cool pics, bless them kids.

thanks for that, kweli. just knowing that others out there care, makes the long battle ahead feel easier...
today my approach is to look into the costing of hereford council and the LEA, for systems of control, ie; fringerprinting and cctv . i have already requested informatin of any links and spending on the group known as common purpose..( under the freedom of information act ....28 day wait). i feel that i should do some of my own sums ...

if anyone can think of anyother way in which i can approach this closure ,,,,please please post... this also will wake others up to how they waste our money on thier control freak systems and greed.


freedom they do not want, all the caretakers most stand together:mad:

[the_sheeple]

1996 Education Act

Education in accordance with parental wishes
9 Pupils to be educated in accordance with parents' wishes

In exercising or performing all their respective powers and duties under the Education Acts, the Secretary of State, local education authorities and the funding authorities shall have regard to the general principle that pupils are to be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents, so far as that is compatible with the provision of efficient instruction and training and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure.

THATS THE LAW.


It is for you parents to establish that the keeping open of this school is not unreasonable public expenditure

All the best Malvern...and keep us informed!

[hagbard_celine]

Keep up the good work, Malvern. All the best to these kids and teachers. It's nice to see them standing up against the centralization agenda and battery hen schooling.

[malvern]

well today we have made front page of local rage.
one letter from house of commans .two case numbers under freedom of info act . one ref number local LEA.
the sad thing is watch it break some of these mothers worlds, you never know what will happen to you until it's you they are coming for... some people are also turning into lions and showing courage they did not know they had.. but more it's making this school unit into a little comunity.
we should not forget the bigger picture, that they wish rip the heart out of England, by getting everyone fighting thier own little battles (closures of: post offices, village halls, pubs, shops, bus services, schools and hospitals)...people are not seeing the bigger picture that they are raping the land and your rights... all ..everyone most stand and take on this beast.


freedom is ours

[malvern]

I know BUMPING YOUR OWN thread....but when it's your son's school..and need somewhere to post this bull shit
More choice for parents and pupils
On 25th October 2005, the Department for Education and Skills published the Schools White Paper "Higher Standards, Better Schools for All - More Choice for Parents and Pupils".

There is nothing more important than educating our children. Doing the best for their child is what every parent strives to do. And we must make sure that our school system is one that helps them to do that.

Because of the progress we have made since 1997 we can now take the next, vital steps. This White Paper sets out our plans to radically improve the system; putting parents and the needs of their children at the heart of our schools, freeing up schools to innovate and succeed, and bringing in new dynamism and new providers. We will ensure that every school delivers an excellent education, that every child achieves to their potential, and that the system is increasingly driven by parents and choice. To make that happen we need an education system that is designed around the needs of the individual – with education tailored to the needs of each child and parents having a say in how schools are run. To achieve that we need to reform schools themselves so that they have the freedoms and flexibilities to deliver the tailored, choice driven education we all want.

This White Paper sets out how we will meet these challenges and build the school system we all want for our children. More than anything it is a White Paper about aspiration. We must have the highest aspirations for every child whatever their talents and ability. And we must have a schools system that can respond to those aspirations. Working together with our many partners in schools and communities, we can achieve our aim of a world class education system, with every school a good school, and every pupil achieving


told you it was bullshit..


freedom belongs to the children....we most keep the path clear

[kweli]

I know BUMPING YOUR OWN thread....but when it's your son's school..and need somewhere to post this bull shit


told you it was bullshit..


freedom belongs to the children....we most keep the path clear

Too right it's bullshit! You can see right through it. They just want the kids herded into bigger, more controlled cattle pens. I don't even think the idiots have thought about the consequences of such drastic action, I mean the ever increasing traffic problems for one, what kind of impact and chaos will these 'Super schools' have on our already struggling road networks?

Unbelievable it is. :mad:

[malvern]

been to see the school my son will not be going to..... if's a prefab type building with no style or charm..built to last only a few years... as the photo's show sand bags and digs everywhere because it's been built on a flood plain (shit heads)..... there is a picture of the 21st centry outbuilding where teaching takes place.... some joke ....
there is nothing wrong with the school he's at..and all the children are very happy, also the mom's and dad's are very happy...go old stone building with charm..a nice place for any child to start his path of learning...

sandbags at the school
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/bosburyschool002.jpg

21st centry classroom
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/bosburyschool008.jpg

building site playground...
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/bosburyschool003.jpg

my son will not be going here .


freedom belongs to the grandchildren,we most be the way

[malvern]

they say children have rights

Children's human rights
The United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) applies to all children and young people aged 17 and under. The Convention is separated into 54 'articles': most give children social, economic, cultural or civil and political rights; while others set out how governments must publicise or implement the Convention.
What is the UNCRC?
All children and young people up to the age of 18 years have all the rights in the Convention. Some groups of children and young people - for example those living away from home, and young disabled people - have additional rights to make sure they are treated fairly and their needs are met.

The UK ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on 16 December 1991. That means the UK government now has to make sure that every child has all the rights outlined in the treaty except in those areas where the government has entered a specific reservation.

A convention is an agreement between countries to obey the same law. When the government of a country ratifies a convention, that means it agrees to obey the rules set out in that convention.
What the treaty means
From 15 January 1992, when the treaty came into force, every child in the UK has been entitled to over 40 specific rights. These include:

the right to life, survival and development
the right to have their views respected, and to have their best interests considered at all times
the right to a name and nationality, freedom of expression, and access to information concerning them
the right to live in a family environment or alternative care, and to have contact with both parents wherever possible
health and welfare rights, including rights for disabled children, the right to health and health care, and social security
the right to education, leisure, culture and the arts
special protection for refugee children, children in the juvenile justice system, children deprived of their liberty and children suffering economic, sexual or other forms of exploitation
The rights included in the convention apply to all children and young people, with no exceptions.

For more detailed information on the treaty and the rights included in it, and to find out the reservations entered by each country, click on the link below.

More on the UNCRC, including a summary of the treaty (opens new window) Making sure the Convention is followed
Responsibility for making sure each country follows the agreements of the Convention rests with The Committee for the Rights of the Child. This is an international body made up of experts on children's rights. The Committee last reviewed the UK Government's record in 2002.

England now also has a Children's Commissioner, responsible for promoting awareness of children's views, interests and other rights guaranteed by the Convention. The Commissioner must prepare a report for Parliament each year.
Comments on delivery
The members of the United Nations have asked the government to let them know how the rights of young people are being taken into consideration in the UK.


To do this, the government asked both adults and children to send their views on the rights mentioned in the Convention, and asked whether there was more that could be done to promote them.

The survey covered a lot of areas including education, health and leisure facilities, and closed on 31 January 2007. Responses are now being analysed and the findings of the survey will be published later in the year.
Children's Rights Alliance for England
In addition to the Committee and the Children's Commissioner, The Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) is a non-government organisation which produces an annual review of how well the government responds to the Committee's findings and recommendations. The report summarises both positive and negative developments in children's human rights in England.

[malvern]

Parental rights in education
Your child's school years form an important part in their development and preparation for later life. This article explains your rights as a parent in terms of your child's education, what you can expect from your child's school and the correct procedures to take should you have a complaint.
Principles of the education system and National Curriculum
All state-maintained schools must use the National Curriculum which sets out what most children should be taught. A school can 'exclude' (remove) your child from some or all of the National Curriculum for a short time if they think this is best for your child. You have a right to remove your child from certain lessons.

The education department of your local council must provide education for children who cannot go to school because they have been excluded, are ill, or have been injured. This could be at a hospital school, a pupil-referral unit, further education college, or work-experience placement.

Children must receive education from the start of the term after their fifth birthday up until the third Friday in June in the school year in which they turn 16.

Education must be free at all state-maintained schools and in other educational organisations that the education department of your local council pays for (for example, pupil-referral units and nursery schools).
Parents' choices for their children
You are allowed to say which state school you want your child to go to. Check with the education department of your local council as they may limit the number of schools you can apply to.

You may teach your children at home. You don't have to follow the National Curriculum but you must make sure that your child is educated suitably for their age and ability and for any special educational needs they may have.

Guide to choosing a school Educating your child at home Parents' and children's rights at school - information from Community Legal Advice (opens new window) What parents can expect from their child's school
You must be given 24 hours' notice in writing if the school wants to give your child a detention out of school hours.

Schools must give you a written report on your child at least once a year. This must include:

progress on all the National Curriculum subjects they have studied
progress in other subjects and activities
general progress and attendance
results in any National Curriculum tests and assessments.
Legally, you and your child have the right to a copy of your child's school record within 15 school days of you writing to ask for it. However, some information can not be shown or given to you or your child.

You have the right to vote for parent governors to represent you on the school governing body. You can also stand for election as a parent governor yourself.
Children with special educational needs
A child with special needs should get help at school if they have significantly more difficulty learning than other children of the same age or have a disability which affects how they can use educational facilities that are usually provided for children of the same age in the same area. A learning difficulty could be the result of a disability, behaviour problems or problems learning to read.

Special educational needs Schools' policies on discipline and bullying
Your child's school must have a discipline policy which includes what it does to stop bullying. If your child is bullied, you should tell the school straight away. Legally, the school must do all that it reasonably can to protect children from bullying.

The school's discipline policy and any school rules must be based on the governors' statement on how children should behave (which all schools must have). Under the Human Rights Act 1998, any punishment or treatment must not be 'inhuman or degrading'. It must be suitable taking into account what the child has done.

Physical punishment such as smacking, caning or shaking a child is illegal in all schools. School staff may use 'reasonable force' to stop a child:

committing a crime
hurting someone
damaging something.
Procedure for complaining
If you are not happy about your child's school or education and want to make a complaint, you should get a copy of the school's complaints procedure (many schools have one) and follow the procedure on it as a first step. If the school doesn't have a complaints procedure, you can complain to a senior teacher or head teacher. If they do not solve your problem, you could complain to the governing body of the school.

If you think your child has been seriously harmed or sexually assaulted, you can complain straight away to the police or your local council's social services department.

[malvern]

Foreword by the Secretary of State
Parents want their children to be able to attend a good school where they will be happy and secure and able to learn and thrive. As it’s one of the most important decisions a parent will make, it is no surprise that school admissions arouse strong feelings.

The Government is committed to supporting parents not least by ensuring that every school is a good school and that the system as a whole offers as much choice and diversity as possible. While we recognise that in some cases only one school is within a reasonable travelling distance, in England 77% of households have at least two secondary schools within 2 miles and 95% have two or more primary schools within 2 miles.

In order to deliver a diverse and excellent system, schools can become autonomous self governing schools with governing bodies able to determine their own admission arrangements in response to the needs of their communities. This Code and the related legislation will ensure that admission authorities – whether local authorities or schools – operate in a fair way that promotes social equity and community cohesion.

This Code has a stronger statutory basis than its predecessors. All admission authorities are required to act in accordance with its mandatory provisions (whereas they had only to have regard to earlier versions). The Education and Inspections Act ends the practice of schools interviewing children and their families for school places. The Code rules out completely a number of unacceptable oversubscription criteria such as taking account of a parent’s occupation, financial or marital status and ends the ‘first preference first’ criterion that made the system unnecessarily complex for parents. Parents also have important new rights to object to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator if they believe that any aspect of a school’s admission arrangements fail to comply with the law or mandatory requirements imposed by the Code.

Local authorities – and other schools – also continue to have critical roles to play. Local authorities in particular, as the commissioner of services and champion of parents, are expected to be vigilant in assessing the admission arrangements of schools in its area and objecting to unfair practices.

[malvern]

breaking news Hereford is holding back until september so closure is on hold ,,, i do not feel battle is over yet, but goodnews for peolp power in hereford... i will be look at the ways they will try and bring this in through the back door.



freedom is the people

[malvern]

Dear



I have just received this announcement regarding the school review. It was posted on to the Council’s web site half an hour ago, at http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/council_gov_democracy/news/32951.asp



“The leader of Herefordshire Council has announced today the immediate recall of draft proposals for a review of schools in response to government requirements to reduce surplus school places.

The move, which is as a result of discussions between councillors and senior officers before the weekend, is designed to allow more consultation with communities, more detailed research and independent and external verification before proposals are re-drafted for final consideration in September.

"The Conservative group made it clear that it could not support draft proposals that could see 37 of the county's schools merged or closed," said Councillor Roger Phillips. "Instead elected members want more time to involve all schools and their communities in detailed discussions. We also need external, independent and objective advice and verified evidence of the finances and the population projections, as well as a greater understanding of the effect of any mergers on rural communities and school journey times".

"The council's cabinet recognises that education officers face a tough challenge in addressing the problem of falling numbers of pupils in Herefordshire's schools. If we do not satisfy government that we are taking action it has the power to cut our funding in education. But we also recognise the strong feelings in our community, and time has to be given to enable those views to be taken fully account when we set policy for education".

Chief executive of the council Chris Bull added: "It is important that we respond clearly to concerns raised by a number of schools and their communities during this initial part of the consultation. Local communities and elected members have said they want more time and we want to ensure that everyone has the greatest opportunity to put their views forward.

"We have listened and we have taken action. We have suspended the consultation process now. In the meantime we will proceed with previously agreed plans to bring in external verification of statistics, figures and finances, share those findings with everyone, and listen further to school communities before we re-draft proposals for further consideration".

Herefordshire, like most authorities nationwide, is required by government to set out strategic plans for the future - taking into account capacity, future pupil numbers, value for money, quality of education and building programmes.

The way government funding is calculated means that Herefordshire remains the third worst funded county in England and the council has pledged to continue lobbying central government for fairer funding. A significant proportion of costs involved in educating children are fixed, including a high proportion of staffing costs, yet the funding provided by the government is calculated by the number of pupils on roll. Even that funding is under threat if the county does not take action on falling rolls. If the council can ensure spare school capacity doesn't exceed 10 per cent, there is the potential for significant capital investment from the government. Half of Herefordshire's schools could be refurbished and five new schools could be built in addition to the proposed Wyebridge Academy and the Minster College.

Neighbouring authorities Shropshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Powys are already going through the same process. Many schools in Herefordshire have supported the schools review and several head teachers have stated that firm action needs to be taken to safeguard standards of education.

"We have already said that the review is necessary and it presents to Herefordshire the biggest challenge to education standards for decades", added Councillor Phillips. "It is therefore essential that we give a clear message to children, parents and schools that we want to listen fully to what they have to say and we want to take a measured, open and considered approach in order to secure the best education provision for the county for the future".”

In the light of this, I will still carry on with your request regarding Common Purpose, but can you confirm that you would like to carry on with your request regarding the school review? I’m happy to carry on with it if you would like me to.

Best regards,

[malvern]

one reply


http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/schools.jpg

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freedom is the grandchildren.... where will they go to school

[quester123]

Public asked to check on children

A government strategy says keeping children in England
safe is fundamental to their happiness and school
results.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7227228.stm

making sure that children are content in their OWN school environment, could be deemed as "keeping children safe" and "fundamental to their happiness and school results"...

[hagbard_celine]

Public asked to check on children

[/COLOR]...[/I][/B]

They'll probably eventually offer cash rewards to informers and denouncers!:rolleyes:

[quester123]

They'll probably eventually offer cash rewards to informers and denouncers!:rolleyes:

aye, very likely!

[malvern]

At dondaz school they get under 10's policing each other in the playground, to the point that groups of children have dragged a child across the playground, against his will....... where are the teachers?
dondaz can explain the facts better than me, but I will have a go.... when children have aset too with a child, they are made to wear colour bands,so that they stay apart.... so when in the playground other children police them and keep them apart, more like breading bullies tackets to me.... how can under 10's understand what they have been allowed to do, once again where are the teachers... It also removes the rights of the child wearing the coloured band, to freedom and turns them into victems that the other children can see and react to, and force the children apart ( no way should children be doing this to other children) ..... once again it's outrageous action by the schools.


freedom is the grandchildren

[quester123]

At dondaz school they get under 10's policing each other in the playground, to the point that groups of children have dragged a child across the playground, against his will....... where are the teachers?
dondaz can explain the facts better than me, but I will have a go.... when children have aset too with a child, they are made to wear colour bands,so that they stay apart.... so when in the playground other children police them and keep them apart, more like breading bullies tackets to me.... how can under 10's understand what they have been allowed to do, once again where are the teachers... It also removes the rights of the child wearing the coloured band, to freedom and turns them into victems that the other children can see and react to, and force the children apart ( no way should children be doing this to other children) ..... once again it's outrageous action by the schools.


freedom is the grandchildren

This is disgraceful:eek:
So where the hell are the teachers ?

[john white]

Bloody right its disgraceful

Now THATS an example of "predictive programming"

[dondaz]

Good research here Malvern, some really good info. You know in the letter above, it says the parents of children in the schools that are closing down should be consulted and their oppinions taken into account. This sounds like a classic example where The Delphi Technique could be used to get their agenda in through falsehood and deception.

Great thread mate. Keep up the good work!

[malvern]

This sounds like a classic example where The Delphi Technique could be used to get their agenda in through falsehood and deception.

this is one of many of the tools they have to hand, but with people power and the driving force of mothers, ....


freedom is the grandchildren

[kweli]

There's some interesting responses to this article in the Guardian today. (wonder if it's Baron from this forum?)

Should village schools be saved at all costs?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?view=BLOGDETAIL&grid=F11&blog=yourview&xml=/news/2008/02/08/view08.xml

[malvern]

School protest location 'not thought through'


As the expected crowds of protesters against possible county school closures prepare to march through Hereford today (Wednesday), a farming councillor has urged his colleagues to “strongly object” to the rally.

Conservative Councillor Dave Greenow has e-mailed or written to every member of Herefordshire Council urging them to oppose the march taking place from t the city’s livestock market on such a busy day.

He said: “My initial thoughts are, how on earth can this be a good idea to allow this march to take place on the same day as Hereford market, and be allowed to march from the only car park that is available to the farmers to park in while at market?”.

Last Wednesday there were 6,400 sheep and 100 pigs at the market, and today “there will be well in excess of these quantities plus a further 150 to 200 cattle”, he said. “This march will cause a huge logistical problem for the farmers as they seek to make their way through these possible 5,000 marchers to get across to the washing facilities in the Merton Meadow car park, and then to find a parking space. “The safety liability is enormous, and I fear this has not been thought through”, said Councillor Greenow.

Meanwhile, council leader Roger Phillips, who will meet rally organisers today in the city’s Town Hall, said his administration’s school closure proposals have been “recalled, withdrawn and scrapped”.

He said: “They are no longer there in any shape or form and I hope people will take some comfort from that.
“While the government says the closure of smaller schools is not on its agenda, its official guidance issued just before Christmas told local authorities to close smaller schools and remove surplus places as a priority.

“We are being told that unless we remove surplus places the government can remove a further slice of funding from our schools. Herefordshire is already the third worst funded education authority.”

His remarks brought a swift response from rally organisers HACS, who said they were “not surprised” by the council’s press release.

The council was using the rally for its own ends by turning the focus against the government.

“Let’s be clear, that the rally is there to highlight the incompetence of the LEA and council leaders in the way the original proposals were produced, the callous manner in which they were presented, and the lack of thought as to the impact on the wider community.
“It is there to demand that the appropriate people from the LEA and council are held accountable for their actions”, said HACS, adding that for the council to claim it had been resisting government on the issue was “disingenuous and arrogant beyond belief”.

Without the “uproar from the community” the council would have implemented the closures “without a second thought”, and had only backtracked after “they were forced to react to a motion raised by a Liberal Democrat member (Councillor Terry James)”, said HACS.

“This is not the action of a council who were resisting government - more so one that is fighting for its political life”, said a HACS statement.

your freedom is the grandchildren

[malvern]

photo shoot for the Hereford Journal today


http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/school012.jpg


do not be fooled the battle still goes on...

freedom is the grandchildren.. we are the caretakers

[cruise4]

The local campaign against that supermarket I mentioned has well taken off around here. Posters in all the shop windows and everyone seems fairly united. Its a hopeful sign. Whether they will ignore local opposition I don't know. But there's a strong feeling of not using it whatever happens.

[quester123]

Good research here Malvern, some really good info. You know in the letter above, it says the parents of children in the schools that are closing down should be consulted and their oppinions taken into account. This sounds like a classic example where The Delphi Technique could be used to get their agenda in through falsehood and deception.

Great thread mate. Keep up the good work!

agreed, Malvern is doing some great research here!

Dondaz thank you for mentioning the Delphi Technique. I have just been reading a fascinating article about a specialized use of this technique developed for teachers, known as the "Alinsky Method"

If anyone is interested, please see here (http://www.seanet.com/~barkonwd/school/DELPHI.HTM)

[whitenight639]

just the other day i read in the local paper they are planning on doing the same here in shropshire closing loads (30ish if i remember rightly) and building one big one, i didnt realise the significance of it when i read it but its defo to produce factory fodder and distance the students from there teachers, also to make the parents lives harder having to get there kids to schools further away i presume, its all BS and if i had kids and they shut my local school down id be bk in there with a crowbar and id teach my kids something worth knowing!!

[carlo]

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:lTq_dLy6ZAvz_M:http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/49.%

What do you people think of this IDIOT?

[quester123]

Jim Knight - What does he actually do? (http://pippaking.blogspot.com/2008/02/jim-knight-what-does-he-actually-do.html)

[malvern]

Kevin Smith, a Geography Teacher from Lady Hawkins High School, undertook a cycle ride of around 120 miles to highlight community support for Herefordshire's schools..at around two Kevin arrived at Eatnor School to cheer from pupils and mums and dads, all there to show there support and thier community spirt.....
well done Kiven and everyone who came out to support him ...

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/goodwicheastnorcycle082.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/goodwicheastnorcycle089.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/goodwicheastnorcycle095.jpg

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http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee320/malvernmark/goodwicheastnorcycle097.jpg


freedom is the grandchildren we are the caretakers

[steevo]

Thanks for posting that Malvern. It's great to see communities that are willing to get together to do what they believe to be right and to not accept the actions of the "authorities". The authorities are employed by us (the people) and they should be acting on OUR behalf and they should be only implimenting things that WE are in agreement with and we need to make sure we remember that and pull them up when they abuse their "authorty", which as it happens is the norm now :cool:

[john white]

Meanwhile, council leader Roger Phillips, who will meet rally organisers today in the city’s Town Hall, said his administration’s school closure proposals have been “recalled, withdrawn and scrapped”.

He said: “They are no longer there in any shape or form and I hope people will take some comfort from that.
“While the government says the closure of smaller schools is not on its agenda, its official guidance issued just before Christmas told local authorities to close smaller schools and remove surplus places as a priority.

“We are being told that unless we remove surplus places the government can remove a further slice of funding from our schools. Herefordshire is already the third worst funded education authority.”

How telling that is!

[h2pogo]

Iv'e sent three email requesting all information on closer and any links they have with common purpose ... under the freedom of information act...
post if you have reacted many thanks for your help....an upset dad



freedom for the little ones

THANK YOU FOR ThIS THREAD.
I asked the leader of our county council Malcome Pate if he knew of common purpose , he said he had not but did seem genuinley interested.I believe since the conversation he has started to investigete the allegations.
I have just read that there is a policy commision set up to examine the future of school provisions.see shropshire star monday may12.
I have heard of the situation in herefordshire and urge all concerned to fight on relentlessley as they will do what they want and quickly.if any support is needed shropshire is just down the road.

demonstration shire hall shrewsbury may 19 any support would be welcome.