Protests over Purbeck schools shake-up (From Dorset Echo)

Protests over Purbeck schools shake-up

10:10am Thursday 5th March 2009 in

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A CROWD of protesters brought traffic to a standstill as they took to the streets to save their schools.

Parents and children from across Purbeck marched through Dorchester to voice their outrage at plans to close some of their schools as part of a shake-up.

Cries of ‘save our schools’ drowned out the voice of Councillor Toni Coombs as she tried to speak to the throng at the steps of County Hall after receiving a 2,000 strong petition.

The crowd were voicing their anger at Dorset County Council’s proposal to change their schools from the three-tier to a two-tier system.

Four middle schools and three first schools would be closed.

Dad Andy Hall, from Swanage, called the plans ‘madness’.

He said: “This idea is ridiculous as it’s got nothing to do with education whatsoever.

“It’s about making the accounts balance and making sure they follow the government’s line.

“We’ve got really good schools they want to close and send children into bigger classes.

“There’s no way that can be better.”

Replacing the first, middle and upper school structure with primary and secondary schools has been designed to reduce the number of surplus places, currently at more than 1000.

Richard Drax, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Dorset, has joined the call for the county council to reopen consultations over Purbeck’s schools.

He wants the council to discuss all options for the schools with parents and teachers.

He said: “So far as parents, teachers and governors are concerned I can quite understand their fears and worries.

“I have a heard many good reasons why there should be a further consultation period.”

Coun Coombs, cabinet member for children’s services, said her ears were ringing after she gave up trying to speak above the singing crowd.

She said: “I wanted to thank them all for coming and I appreciate how concerned they all are.

“They have made a powerful and very noisy statement today and woken Dorchester up on their way here.

“I want to assure them that what we want is the best for their children and their education but we have to deal with the surplus places.”