Questions from the Public
Minutes:
· There was total confusion over the placement of the public notice regarding the Isle of Sheppey education changes. Why were parents put through this, with many parents unaware that the public notice had been withdrawn?
· There was no notification of the Cabinet Member decision being quashed, and a new process started. Why was this not publicised?
Cllr Harrison spoke and outlined the process of scrutiny at County Hall. This process was not followed, and therefore the public notice had to be withdrawn. Cllr Harrison will take this up with the Cabinet Member at County Hall.
· Many parents were “blocked” from participating in the recent Joint Area Review process. The inspectors email address was only given out at the last minute! Why were these complaints blocked?
Cllr Harrison indicated that elected Members were also excluded from the process. This had also given the Elected MP some concerns. The Joint Area Review (JAR) process was though very short.
· Theresa Langworthy stated that a complaint had been passed to the Area Education Officer (AEO). As the AEO was the cause of the complaint – how can that give confidence in the process, and why were parents prevented and blocked from participating?
The Swale Local Board would like to know how JAR is organised and how does accessibility take place.
· The attended audience asserted that they were pleased with the recent consultation booklet. But it does not explain the secondary phase if you don’t choose the Academy. What other options are there, and why is there no information on them? Limited information exists for the Building Schools for the Future and the issue of refurbishment of sites, etc.
There is no additional money for re-build, and in effect Sittingbourne could actually lose funds.
Robina Allum read a prepared statement… and asked who at KCC is going to be held accountable for the complete and utter mess that all schools on the Island find themselves in?
First it must be established and acknowledged that this has been a mess. Conversations took place that the Academy consultation was nothing to do with Kent County Council.
Theresa Langworthy asserted that someone must be held accountable for this mess. That we all know and hope that Members are aware that the Managing Director and his senior officer have misled people on Sheppey and that justice will prevail in due course.
The number of attendees was commented on. People do not trust KCC on this issue. That the whole process, including the three to two tiers consultation has been a foregone conclusion. This has included being lied to and Mouchel Parkman misleading the views of parents on the Island.
The Principal Designate has said nothing of substance as to the future of the Academy. There are too many assumptions being made.
The consultation on the Island has been a joke.
The meeting concluded at 9.30 pm.