Page 16 - link magazine

16 The Link Magazine • September 2005
Can we really be proud of Swindon?
Salt Way teacher Suzanne Welch said farewell to her class in July, forced with most of her colleagues to seek more secure employment, away from
the uncertainty of her school's future and her career. As Salt Way begins possibly its last year of existance, Suzanne reflects on the performance of
the council she used to work for.
Swindon and the surrounding January?' were the most common schools for their children and staff not been followed correctly and
area is a superb place to live. We phrases at the school during this felt forced to apply for other teach- the consultation procedure was
have most of the amenities a town time, whilst we all tried to carry on ing positions to secure employment. going to start again. This meant
should have, coupled with the as normal. By late June however, the school that the school would no longer
benefits of living in the middle of Many parents took places at other was informed that due process had close in January 2006 but by Sep-
the beautiful British countryside. tember 2006, if the proposal was
Swindon should indeed be proud. accepted.
However, can we say we are By then it was too late; over 100
really proud of our local education children had left the school and
authority? An authority that has many of the staff had been ap-
wasted eight months of tax pay- pointed to jobs elsewhere, many
ers' money on a consultation proc- out of the town.
ess on the closure of three West Surely all this emotional up-
Swindon primary schools, only to heaval and financial waste could
be told that they didn't follow cor- have been avoided if guidelines
rect procedure and now have to had been followed correctly. Per-
start the process all over again. haps the highly paid and newly re-
In April, it was reported that appointed Director of Education
Salt Way Primary could close by Hilary Pitts would now like to ex-
January 2006 if the council's pro- plain to Swindon taxpayers how
posal was successful. This an- this mess came about.
nouncement caused panic amongst Swindon has many things to be
the parents, children and staff at proud of. Perhaps an investiga-
the school. 'Where will my child tion into the shambles over Salt
be educated?'I won't have a school Suzanne Welch with her class in July, using the recently completed Way, might lead to us being proud
to go to' and 'will I have a job come IT suite at Salt Way which may be redundant in 9 months time of our LEA too.
Be a school governor in North Swindon
What's to become
In just 12 months two primary schools and two special schools will open in Priory Vale. A year later the
of education in North Swindon secondary school will open. Governors are needed now to prepare for these events, and
West Swindon? also to serve at other schools across the borough.
The West Swindon Labour Governors represent the largest volves the establishment of a de- Governors are able to access this
Party is holding a public meet- volunteer force in the country with velopment plan, the setting of chal- support in a variety of ways in-
ing at Upper Shaw Farm on approximately one per cent of the lenging but achievable targets and cluding training courses and a des-
adult population serving in this the interpretation of information ignated helpline. A regular news-
Monday 19 September, 7pm,
open to anyone wishing to capacity at any one time. to assess progress and determine letter is sent to all school gover-
They bring highly valued skills, appropriate action. Typically, a nors to keep them informed of de-
discuss education in West experience and objectivity and governor's duties will take around velopments in education policy
Swindon.
have an interest in the role of 6 hours of spare time each month. and current best practices.
On the agenda will be the schools in society. Aligned to its improvement role, Being a community governor
proposed closure of Salt Way,
Governors are local people who the governing body is there to be a can be stimulating, enjoyable and
forthcoming consultation on the wish to make a positive invest- 'critical friend' who can provide rewarding. If you have the enthu-
future of Toothill, Freshbrook ment of time in their communities the right balance between support- siasm and desire to become closely
and Windmill Hill Primary and contribute to the effective day- ing and challenging the perform- involved in the running of a school
Schools, and changes to school to-day running of the school and ance of both the head teacher and and want to find out more, call for
catchment areas. The Extended its educational achievements. the school. an information pack and to arrange
Schools agenda could also be A governing body's overriding Swindon Local Education Au- a friendly, informal chat.
considered. responsibility is to work in part- thority values the voluntary con- Write to the Governor Support
For more details call Neil nership with the headteacher to tribution of its governors and in Team, Swindon Borough Council,
Heavens on 873700. promote continuous improvement return aims to provide a high-qual- Sanford House, Sanford Street,
in school performance. This in- ity training and support service. Swindon SN1 1QH or call 463875.

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