Free school plan takes another step forward

“I wasn't aware I was making any kind of "point" Smith778, just a personal observation. The fact you are now being told "there is no money for new schools to be run by the local authority" is merely because new developments have to set aside finance for education facilities in a very different way to that which has happened in the past. However, in Portishead, the old system was in place when the town was expanded and it was our local authority who failed to adequately plan and provide sufficient school places to avoid children having to leave the town to attend primary schools. Section 106 money made provision for some education costs i.e. a new school but poor negotiation failed our town. It is this accountability residents wish to see rather than ignoring what went wrong. We all know that NSC is quiety rubbing its hands knowing that a Free School lets the mistakes of the past off the hook. I have no doubt it will be approved and will be the answer to NSC's prayers despite it not being part of the Free School process. Its support of such a scheme in principle speaks for itself. We already have academies, foundation schools and even new collaborations with Americanisms in their title, but there is real fear about how these will eventually work in communities. Even teaching unions say they fear Free Schools "will prove divisive". Don't be misled completely by the coalition's dream of Free Schools everywhere. I do hope there are many more with their eyes wide open to the flaws as well as any positives.

You are incorrect to say a Free School is "the only remaining option" because I am aware of several options still being discussed and in fact one option on the table originally was discounted by the local authority at the outset against public opinion. That was using the St Barnabas Primary School for the purpose it was used originally, not for local authority connected integrated partners.

Other options involve using the current primary schools and increasing places. In fact Trinity Primary was scheduled to do this but feel that there has "been too much change" at the moment. Tell us about "change" in Portishead and we can write the story. Everyone has to accept change (I happen to think new development attracting new residents is positive) but not all have to accept the idea of a Free School especially when questions asked of those who are connected to that application, were unable to answer crucial questions. I hear parents at the Wesley Centre meeting (that I couldn't attend) were similarly very concerned by the Free School plans. I agree there is support for such an arrangement but this Post report does not give the balanced view that not everyone supports it.

Finally, I think many have remarked that those residents who support a Free School are well intentioned and I agree. However, I cannot help being concerned by the sales patter of the Free School initiative and those who have helped put in the application.”

“I am not sure of your point AH, it has, on many occasions been made clear - The simple fact is that there is no money for new schools to be run by the local authority.
Therefore, the only remaining option, whether you support it or not, is a Free School. A school which can not (per the rules) be run by a local authority, and any school bid thought to be masquerading as a Local Authority school will be immediately discounted by the Department of Education.
Angus, you are right when you say that the group are well intentioned, and that is why they have the support and backing of Education Experts in constructing the bid. In an ideal world a new school would be provided by North Somerset Council, but that can't and won't happen due to council budgetary constraints.”

“Good final question Angus_G but one which the "Village Quarter Parent Action Group" does not like being raised. A Free School will be welcomed by the local authority (frees its time and money up for other things), by some local parents but let's not forget, not all local parents are content because many of their questions still remain unanswered. The quote in this report, "We are starting to feel that the free school may actually happen now and we have lots of support for the new school and positive comments and feedback. Local people are excited at the prospect of this new school" does not depict accurately residents' feelings and of course, this report neglects to give quotes from anyone against a Free School. Not particularly balanced reporting.”

“Why did N Somerset's planning committee allow developers to build so many houses without also insisting on adequate provision of schools? Why isn't N Somerset, as the local authority, planning to run a school rather than leaving it to ad hoc, unaccountable (even if well intentioned) groups like this?”