Hi Brett, I’m sure you will appreciate there’s a massive difference between £150,000 and £1.1M!?
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Yes, but I am not the one seeking comparisons which may or may not be helpful.
I also think that there may be a confusion between deficit and debt and the article is at fault on this. I suspect that many more schools are operating on a deficit right now. FHS has built up a huge debt but its deficit last year was £129K
I’m sorry, but the Guardian has just posted an article that basically says “this is all the Tories’ fault because of evil austerity”. That is bad reporting, simple as that. FHS’ situation has nothing to do with that; it was poorly managed, full stop.
Let me expand on that: the Guardian has found a convenient example (FHS) to push an agenda that austerity is evil, and look, you needed proof?, here’s proof.
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I don’t think the article says that at all but it does put the school’s issues partly down to policy and partly down to management. Am not saying that is correct, I do not know, but the article is not as bad as you make out.
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Apart from
the school’s financial management has “been unable to adequately monitor the school’s budget position to allow early identification of issues”
(which is pretty euphemistic) in a 2,438 word article with the title “One out, all out! The school where cuts are pushing teachers to the brink”, where else does it refer to mis-management?
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Having just read the article, it’s worth noting that the journo does say that both the headteacher and the Council were approached but declined to be interviewed. Maybe they could have added something.
For what it’s worth, I think there’s a story to be written about PFI but the FHS story seems to be more complex than the implementation of one policy across successive governments.
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Chris, Zoe IS simply a parent with concerns about her son with SEN the same as myself which is why she was part of setting up this group in the first place to help where she possibly can with this awful situation.
I don’t know any of the others personally, but can certainly vouch that Zoe is doing all she can to help in anyway - She definitely deserves to be thanked rather than pointed at unreasonably.
So I would appreciate it if she was taken off your pinpoint list.
I’m not suggesting Zoe’s done anything wrong. Just that the Guardian should be open about her involvement in the Action Group. It’s about honest reporting and balance.
Oh and BTW, 9 of her last 16 tweets have retweeted the NUT. Just an observation.
People are free to tweet what they want - I do & you do. The thing is the only consistent engagement with parents is from the NUT so why wouldn’t most listen to them if they think they are helping the situation in any way whatsoever.
Personally I’m not sure about their involvement, but that’s just my own opinion.
I don’t see why Zoe shouldn’t be a parent above all else, as that’s what she is in my opinion.
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This is a really sensitive topic for many, so please think from parents, kids & teachers points of views when posting on this if you don’t have a direct emotional link to this as a parent etc.
Many local kids are missing many days at School because of strike action, which is affecting their education.
Some Teachers are leaving or losing their jobs.
The School and head need to work out the best way possible on their budget, which can’t be an easy task - so they need support from all of us.
The Council have had cuts too, so let’s keep in mind how much they can possibly help financially on this.
I’m as frustrated as the rest on this, but shouldn’t we be trying to work together to find the best way we can help for the sake of the boys.
Sorry for the essay.
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