Public reports pack PDF 6 MB - East Lindsey District Council

Louth Area Committee28.02.2011commitment from those involved to focus on the best solution forstudents.Members were assured that full consultation with parents, staff andmembers of the public would be undertaken, once the preferred optionhad been confirmed. Dr. Rolph stated that the current elected Board ofGovernors, comprised parents, staff and members of the local community,who had jointly agreed the need to work together and had recognised thatto do nothing was not an option. Dr. Rolph commended the Board ofGovernors for their approach so far.Canon Holdaway informed Members that it had been predicted therewould be approximately 500 less children in secondary education acrossLincolnshire, within the next 10 years and therefore one or two localschools could close if this issue was not addressed. Reference was madeto significant changes affecting future funding for both sixth formprovision and special needs. Canon Holdaway considered it was better tocollaborate than to compete, in order to be able to offer a comprehensivecurriculum and welcomed the opportunity to work together.In conclusion, Canon Holdaway stressed that it was imperative that youngpeople received a sustainable, good quality comprehensive education,which was controlled and delivered locally. The option to do nothingwould not be in the best interests for the young people of the future.Mr. Batty reiterated concerns regarding future funding and falling rolesand stated that some minority subjects were in danger of disappearing.Members were informed that whilst Mr. Batty was not a representative ofLincolnshire County Council, he advised that they currently had no opinionon this issue. Members were informed that whilst no decision had yetbeen made, a single leadership structure was the most viable option.Members were again assured that full consultation would be undertaken.Mrs. S. Dodds, ‘Save our Schools’ campaigner, expressed severe concernswith regard to the formation of an Academy, which would privatise theeducation service and the resultant decrease in Elected Governors wouldreduce accountability. Grave concerns were also expressed with regard topotential changes to terms and conditions for teaching staff andhighlighted that the quality of teaching and learning was a key issue.Mrs. Dodds stressed that once an Academy was formed, educationprovision could never be returned to Local Authority control. Mrs. Doddspointed out that whilst there was a legal requirement for the governingbody to consult regarding Academy status, this could take place after anydecision had been made. Therefore, Mrs. Dodds requested that fullconsultation be undertaken, prior to any decision being taken andsuggested a public meeting be held.Dr. Rolph reiterated that the idea of an Academy was only one possiblesolution being explored and agreed to the suggestion of a public meeting.Canon Holdaway emphasised that the agreed solution would be taken inthe best interest of local students and would have to be sustainable forLAC 34Page 168