Sadly, the row over the governors' decision to opt out of the Local Education Authority umbrella of schools, has now caused a strike of teachers there. This followed a series of public meetings of parents and
teachers opposed to the move demanding a ballot of all parents.
All six local councillors in Fryent and Queensbury took the unusual step of writing to the Head, Jeremy Waxman and all governors, urging a compromise in the interests of pupils. Local MP, Barry Gardiner had already expressed his deep concern about the decision.
Regretably, Mr Waxman declined to meet the local councillors before their meeting tomorrow night (29th) and so we have written again to all governors urging them to defer any final decision for a year to give more time to consider all aspects of this controversial move. As we said, education of our children is a fragile plant and is not best served by hasty and divisive steps, whatever the financial inducements may be on offer. We hope that the governors will reconsider this plea.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
School Crossing Patrols (SCPs) to stay
In June, we told you about the first Council review of the 'lollipop' attendants' service for years, as part of the wider government-induced cuts in Council finances. Brent has 47 SCPs, far more than all neighbouring boroughs such as Barnet, Harrow or Ealing.We also have
one of the best child-safety records in London.
On the basis of a risk assessment model, it was felt that some were no longer needed, as the provision of light-controlled or zebra crossings
in recent years, had minimised the lollipop persons' role. The announcement of a consultation exercise to consider reductions caused
a storm in local papers and many schools, parents and councillors expressed concerns;about the proposals to reduce the number of patrols.
Fryent Primary school governors were amongst these and Cllr Ruth Moher, who is a governor there, conveyed their objections about the withdrawal
of the Church Lane SCP, forcibly.In fact, due to illness, the lollipop person there has not been in evidence recently.
Pleased to say that after listening to concerns of parents and
schools, the Council has adopted a more gradual and voluntary approach
in considering which, if any, patrols could be phased out or taken over by local schools. This change was greeted with huge relief by many schools and parents affected. One campaigner,George Burns, who presented a petition
of residents/parents from one school, to the Executive on 19th September
said:
"Its not often there's good news to share but this is an exception
... The report that was submitted to the Executive meeting made it
clear that Brent had heard the anger the original plan prompted
and has greatly diluted it."
Cllr Jim Moher, who is also the Executive Member responsible said:
"In consulting parents and schools, we said we would listen and
that we would err on the side of child safety. We have now done
so and hope to engage with schools in a more positive way
about the future of the less risky sites."
"We are all tremenduously proud of Brent's child-safety
record since the School Crossing Patrol service was
introduced.Having listened to the strong concerns of
many parents and schools, and despite the fact that
some sites now have lights and other safety features,
I was not convinced that we should withdraw any at this
time. We will examine them case by case when lollipop
persons leave or retire and consult with the schools
concerned to see if they might take responsibility for
some."
one of the best child-safety records in London.
On the basis of a risk assessment model, it was felt that some were no longer needed, as the provision of light-controlled or zebra crossings
in recent years, had minimised the lollipop persons' role. The announcement of a consultation exercise to consider reductions caused
a storm in local papers and many schools, parents and councillors expressed concerns;about the proposals to reduce the number of patrols.
Fryent Primary school governors were amongst these and Cllr Ruth Moher, who is a governor there, conveyed their objections about the withdrawal
of the Church Lane SCP, forcibly.In fact, due to illness, the lollipop person there has not been in evidence recently.
Pleased to say that after listening to concerns of parents and
schools, the Council has adopted a more gradual and voluntary approach
in considering which, if any, patrols could be phased out or taken over by local schools. This change was greeted with huge relief by many schools and parents affected. One campaigner,George Burns, who presented a petition
of residents/parents from one school, to the Executive on 19th September
said:
"Its not often there's good news to share but this is an exception
... The report that was submitted to the Executive meeting made it
clear that Brent had heard the anger the original plan prompted
and has greatly diluted it."
Cllr Jim Moher, who is also the Executive Member responsible said:
"In consulting parents and schools, we said we would listen and
that we would err on the side of child safety. We have now done
so and hope to engage with schools in a more positive way
about the future of the less risky sites."
"We are all tremenduously proud of Brent's child-safety
record since the School Crossing Patrol service was
introduced.Having listened to the strong concerns of
many parents and schools, and despite the fact that
some sites now have lights and other safety features,
I was not convinced that we should withdraw any at this
time. We will examine them case by case when lollipop
persons leave or retire and consult with the schools
concerned to see if they might take responsibility for
some."
Monday, September 19, 2011
Roe Green Walled Garden - Open Day
Fryent Councillors were in attendance at the weekend at the open day of the Roe Green Park Walled Garden. This is a fascinating place both for historians, community volunteers and local people who want to preserve a bit of old Kingsbury.
We had a very enjoyable time today meeting and chatting with local residents and sharing a nice cup of tea.
Jim chatting with Donna a volunteer from Barn Hill Open Space.
Many thanks,we all really enjoyed the day.
We had a very enjoyable time today meeting and chatting with local residents and sharing a nice cup of tea.
Jim chatting with Donna a volunteer from Barn Hill Open Space.
Many thanks,we all really enjoyed the day.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Fryent Ward Working Budget Allocation
Fryent Councillors, Jim, Ruth and George met with our Ward Working Officer Vik Mistry last week. We needed to assess the projects and proposals for allocating Ward Working Money for this year.
We have 20K to allocate to local community groups working for the benefit of local residents. Following a detailed discussion we agreed to fund the following schemes, some will be jointly funded with other Ward Working schemes to offer better economies of scale.
The successful schemes were; 1. The Kingsbury Somali Youth project (** joint funded) 2. A Burglary Prevention scheme run by Elders Voice. 3. A “Teen Club” in Kingsbury Library. 4 We have also allocated money for a “swim bus” to pay for transport to Vale Farm sports centre for the elderly to go swimming. 5 We are also going to donate a much needed bench in the Bush Grove area.
We still have a small amount to allocate and some projects are still being considered but we have asked for more information. If you know of any scheme that requires a small amount of money send an e mail with details to vikash.mistry@brent.gov.uk.
We meet again in October to finalise and sign off this year’s budget allocation.
We have 20K to allocate to local community groups working for the benefit of local residents. Following a detailed discussion we agreed to fund the following schemes, some will be jointly funded with other Ward Working schemes to offer better economies of scale.
The successful schemes were; 1. The Kingsbury Somali Youth project (** joint funded) 2. A Burglary Prevention scheme run by Elders Voice. 3. A “Teen Club” in Kingsbury Library. 4 We have also allocated money for a “swim bus” to pay for transport to Vale Farm sports centre for the elderly to go swimming. 5 We are also going to donate a much needed bench in the Bush Grove area.
We still have a small amount to allocate and some projects are still being considered but we have asked for more information. If you know of any scheme that requires a small amount of money send an e mail with details to vikash.mistry@brent.gov.uk.
We meet again in October to finalise and sign off this year’s budget allocation.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
The Village School
The New Village School was opened this week by The Mayor Of Brent Cllr Aslam Choudry together with Council Leader Ann John. They cut the ribbon officially opening the school together with Head Teacher Kay Johnson. The building was erected in record time in 15 weeks.
Cllr George Crane praised the contractors Henry Brothers for a fantastic achievement the school is wonderful and the Head Teacher Kay Johnson and her staff and pupils are delighted with the results.
Pupils from Kingsbury High School had produced a welcome banner at the School entrance as the Village School will be sharing the grounds of Kingsbury High School while the new Village School is rebuilt across the road.
Cllr George Crane praised the contractors Henry Brothers for a fantastic achievement the school is wonderful and the Head Teacher Kay Johnson and her staff and pupils are delighted with the results.
Pupils from Kingsbury High School had produced a welcome banner at the School entrance as the Village School will be sharing the grounds of Kingsbury High School while the new Village School is rebuilt across the road.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
PUBLIC MEETING - KINGSBURY HIGH SCHOOL - ACADEMY CONVERSION
Concerned parents are organising a meeting at the Father O'Callaghan Centre, Hay Lane , Kingsbury on Tuesday 13th Sept.
Many parents with children at Kingsbury High School will know very little of the school governors proposal to convert to an Academy. Teachers at the school are very unhappy with the plans and are considering taking industrial action.
Parents have an oportunity to understand the implications and send a clear message to the governors that they do not approve of Kingsbury High School becoming an Academy for a short term financial gain.
Please tell other parents about this important meeting.
Fryent Councillors.
Many parents with children at Kingsbury High School will know very little of the school governors proposal to convert to an Academy. Teachers at the school are very unhappy with the plans and are considering taking industrial action.
Parents have an oportunity to understand the implications and send a clear message to the governors that they do not approve of Kingsbury High School becoming an Academy for a short term financial gain.
Please tell other parents about this important meeting.
Fryent Councillors.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Improving the Roe Green Park sports and recreation facilities
As a result of local councillor campaigning, the Council started a three stage facility improvement in this park in 2006. This created the now very popular multi-games area, exercise equipment and landscaped the old lido site to restore it for park enjoyment. Unfortunately, the Council did not complete the 2nd or 3rd phase (adventure play facilities and tennis courts).
Now we have persuaded them to revisit those plans and to use funds generated from planning developments over the years to resource improved sports and recreation facilities. The current proposal is to replace play equipment items; upgrade and provide new for old paths; additional benches and the tennis courts from the previous scheme.
This is great news and your councillors have arranged for the Environment officers to liaise with our 'Walled Garden' enthusiasts beside the park, about their ideas for further improvements. We are also seeking ideas from residents, so lets hear from you.
Now we have persuaded them to revisit those plans and to use funds generated from planning developments over the years to resource improved sports and recreation facilities. The current proposal is to replace play equipment items; upgrade and provide new for old paths; additional benches and the tennis courts from the previous scheme.
This is great news and your councillors have arranged for the Environment officers to liaise with our 'Walled Garden' enthusiasts beside the park, about their ideas for further improvements. We are also seeking ideas from residents, so lets hear from you.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
VILLAGE SCHOOL - LATEST NEWS
The temporary accommodation for the Village School at Kingsbury High School Bacon Lane is nearly complete. The Autumn Term starts for the Village School
Arrangements for managing traffic are in place to minimise disruption to residents in the area. There will be an opportunity for local residents to view the temporary Village School
The construction process for the New Village School
The construction company Leadbitter Group are the main contractor who has appointed Micheal Docherty as the Project Manager and Liz Jeffs as the community coordinator.
Micheal can be contacted on 07766 540039 and Liz can be contacted on 07766 420010 or lizjeffs@leadbitter.co.uk
The contractor will be holding regular Community Open days on the last Tuesday of each month from 10.30 am to 11.30 am. – They look forward to meeting you.
Cllr George Crane
Saturday, September 3, 2011
NHS Reform vote at Westminster.
Summer holidays are all but over, School's reopen next week for a new academic year. The riots are a distant memory for most and the "post mortem debates" and rebuilding of communities and buildings get underway.
Next week the unwanted reforms of the NHS will be put to the vote at Westminster. Coalition MP's will vote for a series of reforms that the public, including me, have little or no knowledge of. It also appears every NHS organisation opposes the reforms. So where is the evidence that these changes are necessary?
I have never been a particular fan of the House of Lords but for once I hope they stand up and say NO to the NHS reforms and make the Government think again.
If you want to know more about NHS reforms here is a good link http://38degrees.org.uk
George Crane
(You might also like to view previous blogs on May 29th and March 19th.)
Next week the unwanted reforms of the NHS will be put to the vote at Westminster. Coalition MP's will vote for a series of reforms that the public, including me, have little or no knowledge of. It also appears every NHS organisation opposes the reforms. So where is the evidence that these changes are necessary?
I have never been a particular fan of the House of Lords but for once I hope they stand up and say NO to the NHS reforms and make the Government think again.
If you want to know more about NHS reforms here is a good link http://38degrees.org.uk
George Crane
(You might also like to view previous blogs on May 29th and March 19th.)
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