St Helena : Consultation Continues on Education’s Proposal
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 13.09.2006 (Article Archived on 27.09.2006)
Consultation on the proposed reorganisation of schools has continued with the Education Committee meeting about 100 parents in Jamestown, Longwood and Half Tree Hollow.
Consultation Continues on Education’s Proposal
Consultation on the proposed reorganisation of schools has continued with the Education Committee meeting about 100 parents in Jamestown, Longwood and Half Tree Hollow.
Chief Education Officer, Pamela Lawrence, asked parents to consider the proposal broadly as decisions taken would eventually affect children who are currently in Nursery School. She highlighted successes of the education service, but emphasised that the department could not guarantee to continue to improve the standard of education with current staff attrition and falling rolls. Reorganising schools would, however help.
The Jamestown Meeting
Parents didn’t favour closing Pilling Primary and came up with various alternatives. These included closing St Paul’s or Harford, or leaving all schools open. Some were disappointed with the proposal because the amalgamation of the Jamestown schools was working well. There was also disappointment that Jamestown would be without a school. Some parents felt that the Education Committee had already made their decision.
Jamestown has the lowest number of resident children with most pupils coming from other areas. However, there was general agreement that all children would be affected if their school were to close, regardless of where they live.
Concerns were raised over travelling distances to the hospital if children were moved to the country and over moving children away from amenities such as the swimming pool and museum. Points were also raised over difficulty in finding a crèche as most parents work in town.
If Pilling closed, children would have to be transported to school and concern was expressed over children leaving early in the mornings. However the CEO assured parents that the earliest would be 8.15am. It was also confirmed that people are employed to look after children who arrive at school early. A point was also made that, already, children are travelling long distances from Sandy Bay to Half Tree Hollow.
On financial benefits, the CEO made it clear that improving educational standards was a priority over financial savings. She explained that the two primary school proposal would save around £100,000. Having three amalgamated schools would save much less. It was explained that constructing new classrooms would not affect the Primary Schools’ budget. Some parents requested more financial detail and the CEO suggested that the St Helena Audit Service could be asked to conduct a value for money study on Primary Schools
The proposal includes financial benefits for teachers but one parent was concerned that this had failed previously. It was explained that there would be a comprehensive scheme of service for teachers, where they would have to meet competencies and their career development would be structured accordingly. Instead of getting a one off bonus, teachers’ salaries would increase as competencies are met.
Some parents enquired whether children from Pilling would have the option of attending St Paul’s or Harford. It was explained that children resident in Jamestown and the East would attend Harford with the remainder attending St Paul’s. It was confirmed that teachers could handle classes as large as 25.
One parent felt that Pilling could accommodate more children, and another questioned whether there would be sufficient play space at Harford if new classrooms were constructed.
Questions were also raised on the newly established Adult Vocational Education Strategy particularly relating to staffing and opening times.
One parent was concerned that the department had not issued any surveys and there was also concern that there appeared to be no targets to indicate what the department hoped to improve as a result of the change.
The Longwood Meeting
At Longwood, parents said they would have been disappointed if Harford School were to close. However, some said that providing the best possible education was more important than deciding which school children should attend. It was also highlighted that when Levelwood First School closed children had no choice but to travel to Longwood.
Financial implications were raised and it was acknowledged that there would be a small increase in transport cost. Transporting children to Pilling would, however be higher.
It was recognised that Longwood First might have to close, and one parent was pleased that children would still be schooling in the Longwood district.
It was difficult for the Education Department to answer the question on when change should take place, although ideally they would like for this to happen in September 2007.
Parents felt that two schools would present opportunities to share resources, particularly computer equipment. One asked whether closed schools could be kept in case numbers increase. There is no indication of numbers increasing any time soon and the CEO said that in 20 years, schooling needs would be different which could mean a need for new schools.
The Half Tree Hollow Meeting
At Half Tree Hollow a parent raised questions on the AVE Centre. The CEO explained that to an extent, existing staff would manage the facility. She also acknowledged that if Pilling were to close, the space could be used for Adult Vocational training.
Without disrespect to any teacher, one parent questioned whether primary teachers would be able to teach higher levels. The CEO said some teachers have worked throughout the system and would have no problem. Some have only taught primary and would require training.
A question was raised on whether staff are happy with the proposal and it was explained that they have been consulted, there will be further meetings with them, and they will have an opportunity to submit their views in writing. A parent at the Longwood Meeting also raised this question.
One parent wanted to know what would happen if they refused to send their child to a particular school. The response was the department hoped this would not happen.
Transporting children was again a concern and parents were told that arrangements would be put in place, with supervision on buses for nursery children. One parent was concerned that they would have difficulty in finding a new babysitter from 3pm to 4pm although another parent suggested that children be allowed to catch the bus to their current baby sitter after school.
While one parent asked if all schools could remain open, it was explained that there would be few gains. There was also concern that the department might be making too big a move in suggesting closure of three schools.
Concern was also expressed that giving financial incentives to teachers could have a negative effect on other departments, with employees leaving to become teachers. However, it was explained that there is £100,000 available for pay increases if departments can make vacancy savings. If Education’s proposal were accepted they would not require any of this money, leaving it for other departments.
At the end of the meeting one parent was applauded by those in attendance for saying that the Education Department would not be putting the proposal to parents if they did not think it was in the best interest of the children. The parent hoped that in their deliberations, Education Committee would ensure that decisions are made based on providing a quality education service for all rather than on individual concerns and needs.
All points have been taken on board by the Education Committee who will be tasked with making a decision.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
13 September 2006
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