Entries tagged with “Waltham Forest Council” from Working For Walthamstow

There has been a lot of recent press reporting and politicking locally on school places. It's an issue I know many readers will have strong concerns about.  As a local school governor, I've been keen to get clarity on what is happening here in Walthamstow. I've been investigating this issue for some time and I want to share the information I have.

There is no doubt we face a challenge in meeting the schooling needs of our local population, like a lot of other areas in London. This challenge has been driven by a number of factors. There's been a "demographic bump" reflecting an increased birthrate over the last few years. At the same time, a larger proportion of children are being schooled in the state primary sector. And, as families have moved more and more around London, it's been difficult to plan effectively.

These factors combined mean we need more places. To provide those places, we need more funding, as Ed Balls argued when he came to Walthamstow last week. That's why the Government has set aside money for Schools in London. Following this, along with Neil Gerrard, I've been seeking assurances from the local authority that no Walthamstow child who needs a reception place in September will be without one. I've also asked them to confirm that all these children will be given places in schools, rather than in buildings outside their school sites. I'm also determined to ensure these places are provided in line with the law so that this increase in the need for places doesn't lead to larger class sizes. In 1997, 33% of infant school children were in class sizes of more than 30 children. Now it is just 2.1%. For our children to continue benefiting from such smaller class sizes, local schools will have to be able to provide additional classes as well as additional places.

I've now been given those assurances. Specifically, I've been told that there are 3,300 places available within schools locally and that parents of children in this age group who have registered for a place will get letters about their children's school on 24 May 2010.  That's why now I'd like to hear what parents have to say about this situation. I'm also keen to hear from other governors about the plans being made to provide additional spaces and their views on the proposals. If you're a parent, or a governor or a teacher, or you just want to let me know what you think, please get in touch.