ROS SPEAKS TO Bournemouth ECHO ABOUT SCHOOLS ISSUE
February 5, 2009 2:47 PM
A NEW plea was issued today for more time to consider the shake-up of schools in Purbeck.
Liberal Democrats have called for Dorset County Council to extend its consultation period.
The council is reviewing the three tier system of first, middle and secondary schools.
The change to a primary and secondary system could mean the closure and merger of some schools.
South Dorset Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Ros Kayes said: "The fact that these reorganisations have been happening all over the country in the last three or four years should not encourage the county to think that they can push this through quickly.
"There is a lot of opposition to the plan; parents are very concerned and their concerns should be dealt with sensitively and carefully."
Wool First School is one of the schools under threat. Teachers, parents and governors have launched a campaign to save the school.
A six-week consultation in underway as part of the review process. The review is being held because of declining school numbers in Purbeck.
Cou Kayes added: "Parents have told me that they are concerned about the lack of freedom of choice.
"Having to send their children to a denominational school for example, and that is just unacceptable.
"Plus there's the fact that the rural nature of the district, only 53 per cent of residents live in the towns, makes the situation more complex."
"Many parents are worried about transport issues, as well as the size of the huge secondary school, over 2000 pupils are expected.
"Large schools can be very threatening to children and there is evidence that they perform better in smaller environments."
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