MP calls for fresh start at schools
4th April 2007
Mike Penning calls on schools to hold a competition to name new, combined, school in Chaulden.
Mike Penning today called for a competition to come up with a new name for the school resulting from the school reconfiguration in Chaulden. Chaulden Infants, Junior and Pixies Hill Schools are being forced to merge as part of the County Council’s efforts to bring education spending in the County within the government’s limits.
Mike said:
”I totally oppose the closure of any local primary schools as it causes upset and disruption to children, staff, parents, governors and the local community. As I have said before, it is illogical to close schools in the town when we are under a very serious threat of having new housing estates built within the next few years. However, I am also a pragmatist and recognise that the government is not going to take that into consideration and if the County Council doesn’t close these schools it will be penalised by the government – which ultimately would force the County to increase council tax to pay for the penalties.
“However, the situation in Chaulden does cause me particular concern. The decision that Pixies Hill School should in effect take over Chaulden School has caused a lot of unnecessary upset to the pupils, staff and governors at Chaulden. Whilst recognising the successes of Pixies Hill, I understand that Chaulden School feels their school has been stigmatised even though they have done nothing wrong and have had good Ofsted reports. The school also has a recognised first rate special speech and language facility.
“I therefore call for the schools to come together in a merger that can take the best of each school. I am not going to pretend this is the solution everyone is looking for, but it could be a fresh start for primary school education in Chaulden. I call on the schools to organise a competition, involving the pupils of all Chaulden’s schools to come up with a name for the new school.”
“I hope that with a new name – chosen by one of its pupils - the new school can look forward and we can focus on what really matters and that is offering the best start in education for all the children in Chaulden.”
