We are now into week 7 since the opening "public” meeting and have held 3 fortnightly "working group" meetings.
So the question is what has so far been achieved. Active discussions are still in progress with two schools for use of available site space for temporary classrooms, this would provide a potential of around 60 additional school places. But negotiations are still not complete. It was reported that a further number of schools have expressed a pototential longer term interest of expansion, most likely for the September 2010 intake.
There was a very emotional debate of the policies surrounding admissions criteria of what it is to be considered "unplaced", especially a request to allow "unplaced" status to be applied to Belsize and Swiss Cottage children early rather than wait until the over 5 and into the first academic term rule.
All parents actively discussed option C, which is the provision of a "new" school that could be "fast tracked" for example in an already available location site or facility. I asked Richard Lewin if his department can explore this high priority to enable a possible September 2009 real help, he has given his assurance that this will be so. But I have always stated and believe strongly that the focus must stay on Option A to create expansion to available schools as this is the only viable short-term approach with any hope of making the September 2009 intake requirements facing parents.
Dr Liz Taylor presented a "black hole" map of Camden, which I found to be very useful at seeing the graphic of the problem. She presented a heartfelt appeal for the officers to find a solution, whilst Cllr Alexis Rowell continued his "attacks" on the officers Richard Lewin, Ann Baxter and Louise Trewavas. For the record Rowell has repeated at every "working group" that nothing is being done, and asks "what's the point of coming to these meeting?" and fails to acknowledge other parents or myself reminding him at every fortnightly meeting that these meetings are in fact a "Working Group" and therefore, is not only a "reporting" but a "joint working task force" meeting.
It was observed during the meeting that a rift is now growing between the hard line ECO Champion of Camden and other meeting participants, parents as a collective are now taking the lead together with spokesperson Dr Liz Taylor.
The next “Working Group” meeting will take place Tuesday 7th July 2009 at 7pm at same venue TBC.
Author: Nigel Rumble
