Protesters march to stop schools merger (From The Argus)
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Protesters march to stop schools merger
1:07pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News
Dozens of parents and children marched to council offices to protest against the planned merger of two schools.
East Sussex County Council has been criticised for not listening to parents’ views after a consultation into the proposed amalgamation of Hoddern Junior School and Peacehaven Infant School into an all-through primary. 95% of respondents opposed the merger but the council still voted to go ahead with the plans.
Parents and children holding banners reading “We love our school” marched to the offices in Lewes.
Some then met Nick Bennett, the council’s lead member for learning and school effectiveness, to raise their concerns.
Parents say they are concerned the merger will damage the infant school’s atmosphere.
The decision will now be made by the Schools Adjudicator.
A council spokesman said after the protest: “We have heard the views of those who are against these proposals, but we do not believe their arguments outweigh or negate the strong educational reasons for the amalgamation of these two schools.
"This is about raising standards and attainment at the schools and we have clear evidence to show that all-through primaries, in the main, achieve higher standards.
“These two schools already work closely together and these proposals are about building on that relationship for the benefit of children in Peacehaven.”
mtmoocher says...
1:15am Thu 16 Feb 12