Public reports pack PDF 6 MB - East Lindsey District Council

Louth Area Committee28.02.2011the future. Furthermore, local people would be encouraged to put forwardtheir views.A member of the public disagreed with comments made regarding failingstandards in smaller schools, as John Birkbeck School was performingwell.One Member stressed that he supported the idea of partnership working,but it was imperative that consultation be undertaken before the idea ofdirection had been decided, otherwise consultation could be consideredspurious. It was suggested that whilst the Local Authority had taken aneutral stance, Members were referred to a letter from the CfBT, whichoutlined support for an Academy objective and therefore CfBT’sindependence was questioned. The content of the letter was read out toMembers.Canon Holdaway disputed suggestions of a conspiracy theory and stressedthat decisions would be made by the elected governing bodies, whichwere fully committed to consultation. Reference was made to the possibleinclusion of King Edward VI Grammar School, who were keen to developstrong links but were not interested in becoming part of an organisation atthis stage.(NB: Councillor Mrs. P.F. Watson declared a personal interest due tobeing a Trustee of King Edward VI Grammar School and remained in theMeeting during discussion and voting thereon.)Mr. Batty indicated that the consultation process for Academies differed toother school arrangements and LCC, in adopting a neutral stance, hadindicated they would like schools to consider all possible options, includingsponsorship. Whilst CfBT were possible Academy sponsors, there was nointerest in proposals for an Academy in Louth.With regard to the potential loss of music from the curriculum, as aminority subject, reference was made to a previous assurance that musicwould be maintained throughout the county. Mr. Batty confirmed that amusic service would be available to help schools develop, but this subjectwould probably not form part of the curriculum.Dr. Rolph reaffirmed a commitment to fully consult on proposals andwould include letters to parents, press release and a possible publicmeeting.In response to a query raised by a Member, Mr. Batty confirmed that CfBTstood for ‘Council for British Teachers’, who had been contracted by LCCto monitor schools’ performance and to offer support.A member of the public referred to a small primary school in the Loutharea, whose success was attributed to joint working arrangements andimproved monitoring of standards, proving the model works. MembersLAC 35Page 169