Richmond's schools: expanding and improving (Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats)

Richmond's schools: expanding and improving

April 21, 2010 3:53 PM

stevens • MARGARET Stevens* responds to Conservative attacks on the excellent education provision in the borough.

'They are attempting to scare young families by saying, "Crisis in primary school places". This year the borough had its highest ever number of applicants for reception class places, and 8 extra classes are being provided plus the first one from the £32m primary schools expansion programme. We will ensure that every reception aged child will be offered a place at a borough school.

The previous Conservative administration in their four years in office from 02 to 06 added just 30 extra reception places or one quarter of what was required. When they left office there were no plans in place for any more extra places, just a paper to cabinet requesting a feasibility study.

Conservatives refuse to acknowledge the improvements made by our secondary schools. In 2006, following four years of Conservative administration, only two secondary schools in the borough were nationally in the top 50%. The remaining six sadly were in the bottom 25%. In 2009, we now have four in the top 50% and only two in the bottom quarter, of which one is among the most improved in London.

This has been achieved by investment in school improvement programmes and encouragement of strong School Leadership Teams and governors focusing on performance. Surely this clearly indicates a significant improvement on the Tories wasted years in education administration.

Further scaremongering tactics in current Tory literature states, "6th forms banned in local schools". The reasons for not having 6th forms in our secondary schools are clear. At Teddington it did not go ahead because the school was not in the top 25% in the country and that was then a requirement. Whitton and HCC parents voted 81% and 82% respectively for the 11 - 16 option and at Shene there was an 81% support for sponsor's proposals. Conservatives may forget that their attempt to set up a 6th form at Shene was not met favourably by parents and attracted merely 9 students and soon reduced to 5.

Another misapprehension the Conservatives make is that two schools are being handed over to a profit-making company. To clarify this point, Whitton and Hampton will be run by a non profit charity the Learning and Skills Trust. The main sponsor will be a Swedish company and by law is not allowed to make any money from sponsoring the schools.

Post 16 provision attainment at 18 is excellent in our borough! We are nationally 9th best. Changes are on the horizon as young people will soon continue in training or education until 18. Therefore the Lib Dem administration will continue to work with its partners, which include schools and colleges, through the 14 - 19 Partnership Board to develop new courses and wider training opportunities. We will work with local businesses to ensure a supply of apprenticeships that can offer young people additional choices of vocational training. The Council is leading the way in being one of the main providers.

Does any Tory literature even indicate this vision? It seems the Tory solution is to set up small 6th forms that as, their past has proved, are not a viable proposition.

Councillor David Marlow (Deputy Conservative Group Leader) letter published April 2. 2010 overlooks, forgets, or does not consider any of the above.'

Liberal Democrat Candidate for South Twickenham

Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats: