The educational future of thousands of youngsters was under the spotlight yesterday (Tuesday) as cabinet members, political group leaders, head teachers and governors met for a one-day conference called by Herefordshire Council.
Although not haunted by the schools showdown of last January, when protests at council plans to axe 43 schools resulted in a mass demonstration through the streets of Hereford and rallies at school gates, the agenda was tackling issues that will certainly bring future debate.
Careful to keep the temperature down, a council statement to the Journal said: “No new proposals are being developed”.
Organised “to ensure a continued spirit of collaboration”, the conference included “open discussion about falling rolls and new national admissions codes of practice”.
Ideas about how schools could share resources to make the best use of available budgets would be discussed, and heads and governors given a chance to pin politicians down about their concerns.
A lunch-time reaction came from deputy Independent group leader Councillor Bernard Hunt, who told the Journal: “The council is keeping alive the need to do something, but is not willing to stick its neck out as it did in January. They want to discuss falling school rolls, which is the biggest problem of all.
Surprisingly, one view was that there may be a case for a school to close after all else has been tried, and that schools cannot be protected for ever.
Other ideas included schools sharing staff and even budgets to keep going, and one head remarked on how we may live in a largely Victorian system, we do not have to live in a Victorian age. Olive branches were offered in a mood of cautious optimism”, said Councillor Hunt.
A less benign assessment was provided by Lib Dem leader, Councillor Terry James. “Many people think the council is trying to put one school against another, and close schools by stealth,” he said.
“Some are deeply worried that this is an exercise to get what they failed to get earlier this year. I hope the council is not going to pick off one school at a time. The council is failing to show leadership, and trying to put the onus on schools to do their work and make their decisions for them”, he said. Issues raised and points made at the conference will be noted for the council’s cabinet to consider in the New Year.