Residents to give views on schools
10:20am Thursday 20th September 2012 in Latest News By Scott D'Arcy
MEMBERS of the public will be able to have their say in a review of the process that led to the controversial opening of Croft School.
Opposition political groups called for an independent review into Swindon Council’s procedures in opening and closing schools, which campaigners hope will shed light on the behind-the-scenes workings of the long-running Croft saga.
The primary school, next to the sports centre, off Marlborough Lane, opened to its first 60 reception pupils earlier this month amid controversy over the budget, building conditions and the demand for places.
In June this year, Swindon Council agreed a motion from the Lib Dems for the children and young people’s overview and scrutiny committee to establish a review panel.
And three independent people have been appointed to look at the closure of Northview Primary School in Highworth , in 2010, and the Croft School opening as test cases to find out whether the processes could be improved.
Now the group is set to take in the public’s views at a meeting at the Marriott Hotel, off Marlbor-ough Lane, at 6pm on Wednesday, September 26, with a view to publishing its recommendations by the end of December.
Coun Dave Wood (Eastcott, Lib Dem), who chaired the scrutiny committee which commissioned the review, said he would be at the meeting to listen to what the public had to say.
“My position really is now, with an independent review in place, very much at arms length,” he said.
“But I will be keen to observe anything that happens in public in respect of the review.”
Kareen Boyd, a campaigner against Croft School, said the views of residents of north Swindon and Highworth should be considered also.
She said: “I have asked the officer organising the meetings whether there will be meetings in north Swindon and Highworth. “This is not just about Croft but the opening and closing of schools in Swindon and I think people outside Old Town should be consulted.”
The independent panel, appointed by the children and young people’s overview and scrutiny committee, consists of Keith Carby, the former chairman of the council’s standards committee, David Dawson, a former secondary school headteacher and a member of the council’s new style standards committee, and Wendy Hall MBE, the former chief executive of the charity Family Mediation North Wiltshire.
The members of the review group will not be able to answer specific questions and are there only in a listening capacity.
Comments(16)
1 2 Could B
says...
12:46pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Depends if the problems still exist
Depends if question remain unanswered
People have every right to complain and question why their neighbourhood is misrupted.
I doubt the protestors are anti-education etc.
The same stereotyping was applied to the Coate protestors.
Al Smith
says...
1:32pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Even more importantly when will the children of North and Central Swindon get the school places they REALLY need?
mariusgoring
says...
1:59pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Peter Mallinson wrote:I'm not quite sure who you are but you are very very ill-informed and very opinionated in spite of this lack of information.
I hope that when this process is completed the Anti-Croft School pressure group will accept the findings of the Independant Panel but unless it is in their favour I very much doubt it.
Whilst their continual attacks on the democratic proccess makes good press it in no way helps the school or children who are attending.
The school is built.
The school is open.
The children are there.
Is it not time to move on and let the school get on with what it is there to do, educate local children.
As a last thought if the pressure group are really interested in what is best for the children maybe they would like to volunteer to be SCHOOL GOVERNORS.
All of the Croft Parent Governors are Directors of The White Horse Federation PLC. These Governors were not elected. They are also Parent Governors at all other WHF schools.
Did you mention a democratic process Mr Mallinson?
Peter Mallinson
says...
4:22pm Thu 20 Sep 12
I am Peter Mallinon, who are you ?
I dont think an application to be a governor would be turned down. As for being v.v. ill-informed you dont know the half of it.
Yes. I have an opinion just like you and just like you I am prepared to air it but I dont hide my identity behind a title.
mariusgoring
says...
4:38pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Peter Mallinson wrote:You don't even know who you are yourself!! You call yourself Peter Mallinon now.
Well mariusgoring you hide behind your name and ask who I am.
I am Peter Mallinon, who are you ?
I dont think an application to be a governor would be turned down. As for being v.v. ill-informed you dont know the half of it.
Yes. I have an opinion just like you and just like you I am prepared to air it but I dont hide my identity behind a title.
I do know who you are now. You are a big time loser in the Local Elections.You are a joke. Your political ambitions destroyed you now want to spread mailicious gossip about a group of people whose only crime is to ask their elected representatives for the TRUTH. Well the truth will come out soon.
Over £1million spent on a temporary school for 15 pupils when the Council had over 90 spare places. The granting of Planning Permission without consultation for the temporary school. The deceiving the DfE into granting over £5million on the basis of North Swindon(300), Town Centre (100+) Old Town (13) pupil places.
I'm afraid unlike idiots like you I do know MORE than half of it. Your defense of the indefensible is pathetic.
1 2 Could B
says...
5:27pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Mariusgoring rocks :-)
LordAshOfTheBrake
says...
6:06pm Thu 20 Sep 12
The process does need to be brought to book and if any wrong doing discovered the necessary actions taken.
It does appear on paper at least that this school was unnecessary and other areas are a higher priority in terms of school places.
Peter Mallinson
says...
11:03pm Thu 20 Sep 12
1 2 Could B
says...
11:50pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Peter Mallinson wrote:Coo!
mariusgoring, I think you should check your medication. Things do not sound too good.
Is it DOCTOR Mallinson now then?
mariusgoring
says...
7:27am Fri 21 Sep 12
Peter Mallinson wrote:Talking of medication Peter no matter how much Viagra you take you will always be a "little ****".
mariusgoring, I think you should check your medication. Things do not sound too good.
I cannot think why you were humiliated at the last election? Out of touch, perhaps, with reality.
Peter Mallinson
says...
4:16pm Fri 21 Sep 12
Have the courage to say who you are and then like me be prepared to take the consequences.
It is easy to hide is it not.
mariusgoring
says...
7:25pm Fri 21 Sep 12
I'm not sure what the consequences are for me now that my real name is confirmed?
By the way I think Peter Mallinon is a silly name!!
1 2 Could B
says...
10:52pm Fri 21 Sep 12
You started the abuse and you are not a doctor
Peter Mallinson
says...
3:17pm Sat 22 Sep 12
The start of any abuse is clear for all to see.
"vade in pace"
RichardR1
says...
9:21am Tue 25 Sep 12
Peter Mallinson says...
12:09pm Thu 20 Sep 12
Whilst their continual attacks on the democratic proccess makes good press it in no way helps the school or children who are attending.
The school is built.
The school is open.
The children are there.
Is it not time to move on and let the school get on with what it is there to do, educate local children.
As a last thought if the pressure group are really interested in what is best for the children maybe they would like to volunteer to be SCHOOL GOVERNORS.