Deputations/Petitions/Questions
To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.
Minutes:
A deputation was received from Parents of Highgate Wood School to raise concerns about the ongoing disruption at Highgate Wood School and the impact this is having on pupils and families.
The deputee introduced their deputation:
It was explained the pupils had lost 31 days of school time due to strikes, which had an adverse effect on children’s learning. It was explained that there were significant levels of concerns from parents regarding this issue.
It was acknowledged by the deputee that there
had been work undertaken by the new administration to resolve the
issue, but pressed for more work, particularly in relation to
aiding with a realistic deficit recovery plan. However, it was
stressed that there needed to be a clear commitment to a recovery
plan for the school, and that the Council work with unions to close
demands of teachers.
The Cabinet Member for Children and Schools responded to the issues raised:
It was stressed that the Council was working towards an agreement in principle with the school and with teachers, however, it was stressed that there were other fiduciary and legal requirements which would prevent any commitment to a detailed recovery plan until these requirements had been resolved. It was noted that the repayment plan was outside of the control of the Council, but it was stressed that the Council would work with the school and unions to help develop a viable plan.
It was explained that the Council had met with the headteacher of the school and with the National Education Union’s representatives to work to reach a solution. It was stressed that the Council wanted to reach a position where children were able to attend school normally.
Officers explained that they were disappointed to be in the position that the school was in. It was explained that the Council was required to ensure that schools budgets were viable. It was stressed that the Council was committed to ensure that there were no more strikes and that all sides would come together to meet a viable compromise.