Page 16 - link magazine

16 The Link Magazine • February 2005
North siblings caught in catchment area chaos Children's Project
Parents who thought their younger children could attend Abbey Meads Primary School have been told by meeting
Swindon Council that the siblings will have to go elsewhere because there isn't enough space forthem. Alison Lower Shaw Farm Children's
Carr, soon to be a mother of four, has been arguing her case with Swindon Council education officers for Project holds its Annual General
months and has got North Swindon MP Michael Wills involved with little effect. She explains the problems Meeting on Thursday 10 Febru-
faced by parents in her position. ary, 10am at Lower Shaw Farm.
Up to 2002 we lived in Tracy Close, stricted. There will be no way I can There will be a creche available,
at the centre of Abbey Meads, walk between two schools in time, but please let us know if you wish
close to Catherine Wayte Primary with a toddler and a baby. to use it, together with a craft ac-
School. The council tell me they provide tivity for adults.
We were told by Swindon Coun- after school clubs but when I stated All are welcome to attend, and
cil that the catchment for the road that I couldn't afford them, they to put forward nominations for
was split between Catherine Wayte said, that 'it isn't their problem.' committee posts. For details call
and Haydon-leigh primary schools How is a parent supposed to Andrea Hirsch on 771080 or mail:
and they could not advise us which support their children if they are [email protected]
one to apply to for our son James. split between different schools? During the year the project runs
If you don't apply to your catch- There should be no question that under fives' sessions on the first
ment school you get sent wher- my other three children will get Wednesday and Thursday morn-
ever there is a space. into the school that my eldest son ing of the month. Activity days for
So we decided to find a house in is in. I have family and friends all older children take place during
a definite catchment area. We over the country and no-one can school holidays.
moved to Ground-well West into believe the policy that our council Lower Shaw Farm
Alison and Andrew Carr with
the Abbey Meads School catch- has, a policy which is ruining fam-
James, Samantha and Toby Childrens' February Events
ment in August 2002. ily lives with unnecessary stress. Family Activity Sessions
In May 2004 the council changed there will be no space at Abbey Although we have involved
the school boundaries putting us Meads School. James is settled Michael Wills to intervene our let- Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd
10am to 12noon
in the Penhill School catchment. there and will be entering Year 3 ters to him are returned with stock Fun onthefarmfor
At the end of this year we have when Samantha starts school in word processed answers from s--'
to apply for a school place for 2006. We will have the same prob- Swindon Council. young children and
Samantha but have been told that lem in 2008 for Toby and, as I am Our main problem now is that their parents or
carers. Follow the
pregnant again, in 2009. because the council slightly nature trail, feed LL y-^
Get ready for The situation is a nightmare for amended the 2005 intake condi- the hens and
parents and extremely stressful if tions, giving a slightly higher pri-
another sale you are 6 months pregnant. ority to siblings in changed catch- collect the eggs, seasonal art and
The ever-popular National Child- You presume that once you get ments, all these people presume craft work.
A snack is provided and you are
birth Trust (NCT) Nearly New one child into a school, the rest will they are 'safe' and so aren't ac- welcome to bring a picnic lunch. In
Sale held last October proved to follow. Practically every council tively supporting us anymore. case of bad weather activities will be
be yet another great success, in the country gives siblings first But they are not guaranteed
writes Jennifer Mallorie- priority even above catchment as places at all, yet they seem to be inside. Suitable for children from two
and a half years, though younger
Williams. they realise it is in the interest of very blase about it all. siblings can come too. Free, but
Baby, childrens' and maternity the children. But our council does The council may not put the
wear, toys, books and nursery not seem to think this is important. same clause in place for the fol- places must be booked on 771080
items were snapped up by satis- At the meeting in September lowing years as there won't be as Half Term Activity Days
fied bargain-hunters. called by MP Michael Wi lls (re- many appeals as more children will for 5 to 12s
The Swindon Branch of the NCT ported in the October Link), Ibrought have got into where they want. In Wednesday 16th & Thursday 17th
would like to thank everybody this up but council officers could short, for 2006 we're stuffed. £15. (Concessions available) Must
who supported the event which not give a satisfactory answer as to Siblings have to be the first pri- be booked on 771080
raised over £4,000 towards the why they do not do the same as ority, above all others, whether www.lowershawfarm.co.uk
training of antenatal teachers and every other council. they are in catchment or not, across
help fund local services for par- As a soon to be one car family, the board, no messing about. Give
ents and parents-to-be. my movement will be severely re- us parents a break for once.
The next Nearly New Sale at the
Oasis Leisure Centre takes place Scallywags Parent & Toddler Group meets on
on Saturday 16 April. Information Tuesdays, 10am to 11.30am, at Abbey Meads Primary School
about sellers' packs will appear in
To join call Catherine Wallace on 723460
the March Link.

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