Proposed education changes - what we think.

Written by Neil Bradbury and published in 10th Feb 2005 on Fri 11th Feb 2005

Putting the Learner First - A Liberal Democrat Response

Liberal Democrats in Northumberland are criticising the consultation exercise currently being undertaken by the Labour run County Council on the future of schools in the county. There have been proposals to replace the current three-tier schools system with a two-tier system. As a first part of a consultation exercise, the council has sent a questionnaire to local residents. Rather than taking the opportunity to engage in genuine consultation in an effort to respond to the views of the people, the questionnaire includes very general questions such as "We need to raise standards in all our schools. Do you agree?" The questionnaire does not ask the one questions on everyone's mind - whether the people favour retaining the current system or changing to two tiers.

"This questionnaire is outrageous," said Cllr Neil Bradbury "The county council has made its mind up and is just going through the motions by pretending to consult. When is this council going to learn that it is here to serve the people rather than the other way around? Cllr Bradbury is urging people to respond to the consultation and voice their disquiet about the way it is written

The Liberal Democrat response to the proposals is outlined in more detail below:

1. We reject the 'one size fits all' approach that appears to dominate these proposals, and call upon the County Council leadership to ensure that final plans reflect local needs and circumstances over administrative convenience. Schools, parents and pupils should be given the opportunity to be involved in the decision making process, with full unbiased information on all options.

2. The issue of surplus places and crumbling school buildings is not new, and it is the failure of successive Conservative and Labour Administrations to adequately fund education that has led to today's crisis.

3. We regret the confusion that is caused by linking separate issues into one by the current Building Schools for the Future (BSF) bid proposals. Issues include surplus places, old school buildings, raising educational standards and a preferred system of education provision (that is, two or three tier.)

4. We note the answer given to Alan Beith MP in the House of Commons when it was confirmed that BSF money is not dependant on switching to a 2-tier system, and that Middle schools would still be eligible for improvement funds.

5. We note the very real concerns of parents with children who will be affected by the proposed changes, and regret that, to date, they feel ignored and let down by the consultations with the County Council.

6. We regret the uncertainty and disruption these proposals are already causing to pupils, parents and staff. We call for close monitoring of standards and an improvement in school support from the Education Authority. This will ensure that pupil welfare, educational achievement, and staff morale does not suffer during any proposed changes to school organisation.

7. We note with grave concern the recent reports that there will be a shortfall in the BSF money provided by the government, and call upon the Secretary of State to honour his government's commitment to education by properly funding quality schools for our children.

A future Liberal Democrat led County Council will respect and respond to parents' views, in order to ensure that any educational reform is consistent with local needs and priorities.