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Search forMeeting gives resounding thumbs down to academy for Sinfin school
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 10:30
It was the first opportunity for parents to hear at first-hand about the proposal by Derby College to take over the running of Sinfin Community School.
The plan has already led to six days of strike action by members of two major teaching unions at the school.
Last night's public meeting began calmly at first, with the city council and then Derby College putting forward their reasons for wanting to turn the Arleston Lane school into an academy.
They cited better financial investment, improved exam results and pressure by the Government for standards to be raised.
But the meeting ended with a straw poll which saw everyone in the audience voting against the academy.
Parents, teachers and union leaders in the audience expressed lots of concerns, including that head teacher Steve Monks would have to re-apply for the top job as principal, along with other senior members of staff.
They also fear that children living locally could miss out on places if admission to the academy was open to everyone.
The school hall resounded to heckling and shouting.
Howard Jones, school deputy head teacher, asked the council and college how the academy would expect to raise standards by 2011 unless it admitted children from elsewhere.
Andrew Flack, city council director for children and young people, said things could not stay as they were. He said: "It is the intention to consult on the admissions criteria but whatever system is used, priority will be given to Sinfin children."
Chris Perkins, chairman of the Derby College governing body, said: "I am concerned by the negative attitude displayed tonight and it has not been a good night for the academy proposal."
Jem Hudson, Sinfin's chairman of governors, said he was concerned that the people who had been helping with the vision for the future academy might not be a part of it if it came to fruition.
Mr Hudson said: "If the senior management team are to be set aside, why involve them in the first place?
"We wanted to explore the academy idea further but it has become clear that it could be pushed through no matter what.
"The governing body will meet to discuss the issue further."
Consultation on the closure of the school next summer, giving way to the creation of an academy, runs until December 15. After that, the council cabinet will decide whether or not to move to formal consultation on closure.
Councillor Les Allen, council cabinet member for children and young people, reassured the meeting he would take the majority opinion into account.
He said: "I will also ensure that the consultation responses are made public."
Parent Mhairi Bullock, who has two children at the school, held a protest against the striking teachers recently.
After the meeting, she said: "I came here with an open mind but now I am against the idea after what I've heard tonight."
A similar meeting for parents only will take place on Thursday at the school at 7pm.
PACKED HALL: Parents, pupils and staff at the consultation meeting at Sinfin Community School last night
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