Bristol parents step up campaign for school places
Parents campaigning to secure school places for their children in Long Ashton have taken their fight to North Somerset Council headquarters.
A delegation from the Long Ashton Schools Crisis Group (LASCG) made a plea to councillors at a meeting of the authority this week to ensure there are places for children at Birdwell and Northleaze Primary Schools when they start class next year.
Last year, 23 local children failed to get a primary school place in Long Ashton, with many of the unlucky four-year olds having to take a bus to class in other villages.
This year, some estimates are looking more drastic with the village schools being oversubscribed by as many as 45 children by September 2009.
Campaigners claim transporting the 45 children to schools elsewhere could cost the authority as much as £85,000 per year.
Parents have been lobbying education chiefs on the issue and earlier this year, handed over a 1,200 name petition to the authority, pressing it to resolve the problem.
North Somerset Council education leaders have pledged to find a solution and are investigating the possibility of installing temporary classrooms at Birdwell Primary.
But they say they cannot guarantee the measures being in place by the start of the new school year next September.
In his speech to councillors, LASCG spokesman Guy Kingston spoke about what may happen to children who are forced to catch a bus to class in other villages if the school spaces crisis is not solved.
The LASCG is encouraging every parent of a pre-school child to register at its site www.lascg.org.uk so they can find out what they can do to help their children.
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by John, Manchester
Sunday, November 30 2008, 3:50PM
“We want to move to the area but won't until they sort out schools in the area. Why would anyone buy a house in Long Ashton when you can't get your child into a local school. With empty homes as people are forced to move North Somerset are going to lose money on council tax unless they sort this out!”
by Mike Bellringer, Long Ashton
Saturday, November 29 2008, 8:39PM
“There is some logic to the idea that once new houses are planned then the people that live in them may have young children. If you get the cash from a developer for new houses then you cannot simply move all that cash elsewhere - new houses require consequential services which unfortunately requires cash being spent. It is a shame that it is young children that have to shoulder the consequences.”
by Joni Cunningham, Long Ashton
Thursday, November 27 2008, 3:43PM
“We pay enough in taxes to be able to request sufficent schooling for our children. Building more houses? - then supply the needs for for it.
I know the council can't jsut magic up a solution but there needs to be a common goal which is agreeable to all.”
by Richard B, Long Ashton
Thursday, November 27 2008, 3:36PM
“On my way to work I walk very close to Birdwell school and directly passed the front gate of Northleaze. I will be very annoyed if I have to start my days DRIVING in the other direction because of somebody elses apparent lack of planning.”
by P Fenton, Long Ashton
Monday, November 24 2008, 12:37PM
“We are now into our 3rd year of trying to get our 7 year old son into a Long Ashton school. He's currently at school in Bristol (an arrangement that we had to organise following N Somerset allocating a place further away meaning he would have to travel to school alone in a taxi).
Last week his school had a ''Bike to School Day'' with a Lord Mayor visit and special breakfast for everyone who took part. We had to bring our son's bike in the boot of the car (rather defeating the object) so that he wouldn't be left out. Bike to school? If only!”