Strood Schools Success in Sight?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A high level meeting took place on Friday to discuss the proposals for an Academy in Strood.  Cllrs Chambers and Wicks, with Director of Children’s Services Rose Collinson met with Lord Adonis, the Government minister who has responsibility for Academies.  The Labour MP for Medway, Bob Marshall-Andrews, also attended the meeting in order to address the concerns of the Chapter and Temple school communities.
The Labour Group understands that the Government will support the integrated approach and hopes that this may now be the preferred option. 
Labour Group Children’s Spokesperson Cllr Bill Esterson said,
“I have always said that I was certain that the DCFS would support a phased approach, as it is the most sensible and straightforward way to tackle to a complicated situation.  The fact that this meeting took place is a very good sign.”
“Why the Tories would not accept this suggestion, when everyone else from the parents to the Government could see its merits, defeats me.  This whole process, from the initial denials that any school reviews were taking place, to the Cabinet report, has caused a great deal of anguish, and it could all have been avoided.”
“We now have to hope that the Tories will see the error of their ways and support this new approach.  I would hope that Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting will see a fresh start to this whole process, and we can improve secondary education in Strood in a way that has the support of the whole community.”
ENDS

For further comment please contact Cllr Teresa Murray on 01634 409486 or  Mobile: 07855 378043, or Cllr Stephen Hubbard on 01634 814687 or 07887 714757.  Alternatively contact the Group office on 01634 332393.