Minutes:
The Leader welcomed the supporters of the Save Sullivan School Campaign to the meeting. He explained that legally Cabinet could not consider their proposed deputation request as the issue was not part of the published agenda. However, standing orders will be suspended and the meeting adjourned, for Cabinet to hear the Campaigners’ case. He noted that the consultation was open until 8th October 2013.
Ms Donna Fine, spokesperson for the Group, addressed the meeting. She highlighted the following issues:-
· expressed concern about the timing of the consultation during the summer holidays which had prevented parents and teachers from participating in the exercise,
· the Council did not consider the damaging impact the closure would have on the children and the stress it placed on the families in the area,
· full consideration had not been given to the welfare of the children in light of the proposed new residential developments near New Kings School,
· the number of classroom places stated in the consultation document was incorrect as New Kings and Sulivan schools were currently full. Parents will experience great difficulty in finding places for their children.
Finally, she asked for an extension of the consultation period to allow more responses submitted.
The Leader thanked Ms Fine for stating the Save Sulivan School case. He noted that it would be inappropriate to debate the issues highlighted as the consultation was still open but he would ask the Cabinet Member for Education to respond to the issue of the timing of the consultation.
Councillor Cooney noted that the consultation commenced at the end of the summer term for 12 weeks instead of the statutory 6 weeks period. The decision to double the consultation period was to take into account the summer holidays. A further 6 weeks of consultation would become available if the decision to close the school was taken. However, no decision had been made yet.
In response to a question from the audience regarding the timing of the consultation, the Leader noted that over 300 responses had already been received and urged the campaigners to take advantage of the ongoing consultation to submit their objections or concerns about the proposed closure. He noted that there were still 5 more weeks left for people to participate in the exercise.
Councillor Cowan was of the view that the teachers should be concentrating on settling the children into their new classes rather than trying to save the school. He asked Cabinet to extend the consultation period to allow the teachers focus on the children’s education as well as present their case against closure. A member of the audience stated that DFEE guidelines discouraged consultation during the summer holidays. Rosie Wait, Chair of Governors, also noted that the end and beginning of an academic year was the busiest for staff. Consultation during this period was a distraction to both the teachers and children. Finally, Peter Gray, a campaign supporter, noted that a 800 place boys school website was up and running before the consultation had ended. This was an indication that a decision had been made.
The Leader noted that the timing of a consultation of this magnitude would not be seen as ideal at any time during the year but such consultation had to be undertaken. He stated that the extended period of consultation offered was over and above the required period and was reasonable. He assured the meeting that the Council was not associated with the sponsors of the website. The website was independent of the Council. He thanked all the people for attending the meeting and hoped that their strong feelings would be expressed in their responses to the consultation.
The meeting was adjourned at 18.23 and moved to the courtyard room.
Councillors Mark Loveday and Stephen Cowan left the meeting after this item.