The public consultation on school places for 11-16 year olds and post-16 students has been put on hold after the decision made at last week’s executive meeting was called-in.
It’s not yet known which councillors are involved with the call-in, as official papers have not been published, but a media briefing, due to take place yesterday (Monday) was postponed.
Consultation delayed until January
Those following the story will know that eagerly awaited supporting statistical papers were due to be released yesterday.
The delay in those being released was confirmed by Executive member for Children’s Services, Cllr Jonathan Bacon, last night when replying to a reader’s query.
He said,
“As the decision has now been ‘called in’ this has blocked the release of the papers and the commencement of the consultation until January.”
Transparency of administration questioned
Former chairman of the Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Geoff Lumley (Lab) replied,
“By ‘blocked’ I think Cllr Bacon is making excuses for the entire lack of transparency and openness over this rigged consultation and eventual decision process. Does anyone remember what this lot were elected on ? Being ‘open, transparent and accountable’……..”
Bacon: Delay “sends poor message to DfE”
In response, Cllr Bacon said,
“We know what you think Geoff. I want others to have the opportunity to say what they think. Legal advice was taken on what can be released when to prevent this consultation from being open to challenge by Judicial Review and to ensure it is fair in light of a recent Supreme Court decision. You have made it clear you have a fixed view already.
“I hope that the parents and children, who are the most important people in this process, will express their view on the substantive issues once they can receive and consider the information (which they now have to wait for).
“At this stage we simply want to launch a discussion. When the public are eventually able to express an informed view on how to best improve standards in Island education, which is what this is all about, then a proper debate can take place. At this moment the fact the consultation cannot commence means that debate cannot start and also sends a poor message to the Department of education as to whether the Island is willing to continue the improvement journey started by Richard Priest.
“We have no money to take things further and are reliant on the funds that are potentially available being released by central government. If we do not show them we are considering ALL OPTIONS in how to go forward to achieve the best for our children we may find we lose out and I, for one, am not prepared to risk all that has been achieved in Island Schools over the last 18 months coming undone.”
Resignation over consultation
Cllr Lumley resigned as chairman of the Scrutiny Committee last week in protest at the way he was treated and the consultation being handled.
He dubbed the proposed school consultation as rigged and flawed.
In response to Cllr Bacon’s reply, Cllr Lumley said,
“Others will get their chance Jonathan once the Scrutiny Committee has had the chance to look at the way you are handling this highly flawed decision-making process and at the edited school places data you at last issued to all opposition Councillors yesterday – some two weeks after it was shared with Independent councillors. Data that on my reading hardly presents a compelling argument for the suggested closure of Medina College as you have intimated on numerous occasions.
“And let’s be honest, education standards would improve more readily WITHOUT more upheaval in the system. This is about money and buildings. That is why you have not offered ALL options in your consultation – because you too have made up your mind. That is surely underlined by your continued defence of the indefensible.”
