Liberal Democrats Sceptical of Free Schools (Ealing Borough Liberal Democrats)

Ealing Borough Liberal Democrats <info@ealinglibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats Sceptical of Free Schools

September 8, 2010 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Steed Sceptical of Free Schools

At a Council Scrutiny meeting last night, Councillor Andrew Steed, the Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson, discovered there was still alot about the proposed West London Free School that is unknown. Under questioning Free School campaigner Toby Young, was unable to indicate if the school would be up and running by September 2011, or indeed where the school would be, or from where the pupils will be drawn from.

Councillor Andrew Steed said: "This level of uncertainty is a worry because of the unknown impact the proposed school will have on the local state schools. Although the Department of Education has given the green light for the proposal to proceed it seems Mr Young still does not know where the school will be located, it could be Ealing, Hammersmith or Hounslow."

Councillor Steed added: "There was also some surprise that Mr Young could not even confirm the criteria for taking on teaching staff, i.e. if they will be qualified teachers. All the evidence is that professional staff deliver the best results and it is frankly shocking that there is even a suggestion that the teachers will not be qualified."

During the May General Election, Liberal Democrats had raised numerous concerns at the public meetings that occured. Last night was a meeting of the Ealing Council Education and Children's Services Standing Scutiny Panel. Toby Young was speaking with local NUT spokesperson Nick Grant and Acton High Headteacher Mandy Golding.