Page 13 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • September 2008 13
Rules force competition over Oakhurst school

The proposed Oakhurst Primary School could have a major Islamic component, or be run jointly by a
Muslim education trust and the Church of England.
The idea was put forward at a Oakhurst parent Melanie East- tor by April 2009 at the latest.
seminar held on 29 July to explain wood, whose daughter Millie is due Melanie is keen to hear from
the new rules for setting up schools. to start school in September 2010, other Oakhurst parents whose offers a unique opportunity to
Although Swindon Council’s cabi- said she thought the new school was children are due to start nursery learn Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage
net has agreed to build the school for the Oakhurst area. “Although or primary school from 2009. Mail
and has secured funding from the parents who campaigned last her at: [email protected] or with Noelani Bennett,
Central Government, under 2006 year seem to have moved on be- call The Link on 608840. a Native Hawaiian therapist
education legislation, the council cause their children have secured Anybody who would like to 31st Oct, 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th Nov
does not automatically have the places in schools further afield, I know more about the competition JThis is her only UK training courseJ
right to run the school. always understood the Oakhurst process with a view to submitting a For details call Raziya Sacranie
The poorly attended evening run primary school would be for chil- proposal to run Oakhurst Primary B.A. (Hons), Cert. Ed., Dip. LCM
by the Office for Public Manage- dren living in the area. School should call Annie Hedges 01793 637500 or 07929 564 265
ment attracted nine people, includ- “The seminar was useful to on 020 7239 0889 or mail: ahedges@ after 12 September or e-mail via:
ing representatives from Swindon find out what’s going on, but I am opm.co.uk www.alohatherapies.com
Council and Haydon Wick Parish surprised and worried that local
Council, faith organisations, The children might not be able to go
Link and one parent. to their local school if it were to be
They heard that the Government run by an organisation from outside
is encouraging parent groups and the area.”
public organisations to
set up new schools be-
cause their actions and
attitudes have a huge in-
fluence on raising levels It’s Autumn. Brighten up your home
of pupil achievement.
Parents’ local knowl- with a rainbow of colours!
edge and community
connections are also an Charisma Blinds - the place for quality and value
asset to the school. Manufacturers and suppliers of all types of blinds
The Office of the Full fitting service or cash and carry
Schools Commissioner Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm
will ensure that local Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm
authorities listen and re-
spond to parents’ views BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584
and demands, and will
formally support any
parent group in making Melanie and Millie Eastwood at the school site on
Pioneer Way
a case to the local author- Head RusH
ity for a new school. Coun Justin Tomlinson, who took
At the seminar Shahid Sahu, the plight of Oakhurst parents to
chairman of the recently estab- Swindon’s Cabinet in January, said,
lished Al-Habib education centre “everything must be done to make HaIR & BeauTY
in Swindon, said he was looking at the process as swift as possible.
the possibility of proposing a school The school is desperately overdue Head Rush Hairdressing
serving the whole of Swindon with and the priority should be for local would like
particular reference to the needs children as we know they will fill it to welcome • Cutting
of Muslim families. “There is a lot immediately.” Mandy, our • Colouring -
of need from Muslims in the town As the site on Pioneer Road is qualified tints - foils
for a school that is run within the small, Swindon Council is propos- tan and nail • Perms
framework of the national curricu- ing a fully accessible two form technician
lum, but recognises that children entry school built on two levels. offering: • Extensions
can learn about their faith. We must This would include a 52 place • Bridal hair
offer all children the chance to learn nursery, all-weather sports pitch • Waxing • Prom hair
more tolerance. The school would and community access at a cost of ups
promote diversity and integration £7million. • Manicures
between cultures.” The permanent building should • Eye • Children’s
After the meeting he discussed be in place for September 2010, but treatments haircuts
the possibility of a jointly run school the school is due to open in 2009
with Jacqui Waters-Dewhurst, the in temporary buildings. In Janu- • Make Up 10% OFF
education director for the Bristol ary, under pressure from parents, all hair
diocese of the Church of England. Swindon’s cabinet agreed to open Back, Julie, Mandy & sheralee. Front, Gemma services on
Tuesdays
the school in mobile buildings in in september
with
NCT Nearly New Sale a corner of the site which will cost Nail Tel: 01793 this advert
Saturday 11 October £600,000. extensions 602552
Proposals to run the school must
£20
11am -1pm be submitted by 24 November when (normally £30) Visit us at
the Hayley
Oasis Leisure Centre a public meeting will be held to dis- in september 73 Basepoint Business Centre Conference
with this
To sell items, send a cheque for cuss the bids. This will be followed advert Rivermead, Westlea, swindon Centre,
£2.50 made payable to ‘NCT by a 6 week consultation period. Behind Renault building/allen Ford Wroughton,
Swindon Branch’, to: NCT – As Swindon Council will be mak- Free parking Wedding Fair
on sunday
Sellers Pack, 2 Wyvern Close, ing a proposal to run the school, as Late night Wednesday & Thursday 14 september
Old Town, Swindon SN1 4DL well as build it, a final decision will Cash or cheque payments only
be made by the Schools’ Adjudica-
1 - 21 September 08.indd 13 21/8/08 10:53:49