Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/groups/ForestHillParentsActionGroup/
Oh, I know I’m blocked. I raised the issue of PFI and then had a minor back-and-forth of comments with Martin Powell-Davies (the NUT / TUSC activist that seems a key figure in the Action Group), and then I was blocked for “squabbling” - although Martin remained.
I’ve had no conversations with this person, though many more.
While this strand of the conversation might best be consigned to the play room, as it’s in an all access area its probably worth correcting Pauline’s statement. Ellie Reeves did not say this. Here’s SE23’s report from the Husting[quote=“SE23.life, post:8, topic:4833”]
Ellie Reeves (Labour)
Lived here for almost all of my life, and bringing up my family here. I will be proud to represent this area in Parliament. Thousands fought to help Lewisham Hospital - we will ensure our services do not come under threat again. We will create a National Care Service. People are rightly concerned about Brexit - we will guarantee the rights of 3M EU nationals living in the UK, and fight for employment and environmental rights. I will not vote against local interests.
[/quote]
In her acceptance speech she said this would be her priority. The next day, as reported over on the FHSAG facebook page, Ellie arranged a meeting between the Council, teachers and parents. The council sadly cancelled at the last minute at which time Ellie arranged to meet with one of the group admins Lynely Oram that same day. Efforts to get the Council to the table continue.
Judge her on her actions. This is not going to be solved overnight, and post election everyone should get behind her efforts. I’m absolutely sure John would agree with this as well
Pauline of course should know all this as she is a member of the Action Group too…
The Admins by the way are all listed on the site. Chris if you want a list there are many, many, many members of SE23.life who are also members of FHSAG who I’m sure would love to help you out.
.
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You around on Sunday at 4 Mr?
Xx
I have tried to register and not had any reply. Irritatingly less accessible (and intolerant?) compared to this forum.
Aware it won’t get solved overnight but there is an urgency. Two full weeks of strikes this academic year so far plus the best part of another week of strikes next week. It’s disproportionate and harmful. I still don’t hear or see justification for targeting the school’s SMT for trying to turn things around.
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Howdo… I’m not an admin of the group. I’m only a member who contributes from time to time. The four admins are also parents of FHS kids, have jobs and perhaps other demands on their time. I gather this a volunteer-led group rather than a professionally led activist group so I would I’d just suggest some patience. When I joined the group a few weeks ago I recall it took a half day before my request was approved.
Hi @Brett
The Council has a mechanism of reviews of its loans to schools an a yearly basis. This is scheduled and will happen in the latter part of the year (I think it was Novemeber when loan was granted so the year will be up then). I can not possibly predict what the review will conclude, but it is the right time to put a case forward to address issues caused by the loan.
Hi @Howdo
I was keen to understand a bit more about general school funding and the relationships. The result is this report that will be jointly heard by Public Accounts and Children and Young People Select Committee next Wednesday.
It is on http://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/documents/s50807/04%20Joint%20report%20for%20PAC%20and%20CYP%20Select%20-%20challenges%20faced%20by%20schools.pdf
Please feel free to submit any questions that arise from the report to me by next Monday on cllr_maja.hilton@lewisham.gov.uk
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Interesting report, thanks for sharing @MajaHilton. There seems to be a strong correlation in table 5.7 between increase in funding and voting results per borough at the 2015 election. Surely only a cynic would deduce a causal link though!
Those who doubt the funding pressure that London schools are under should take note. This supports what I hear anecdotally re the loss of support staff and the additional pressure this will create on the remaining staff. Is there any feel at the council for the impact this could have on standards?
I notice that there are some services that can be supplied by the council, though it is up the schools to opt for this. Is there any plan for IT procurement (hardware & software) to be offered in this way? Am sure that economy of scale could save money if this could be organised.
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Elsewhere I had pondered what was included in the PFI unitary payment as often these can include energy bills and IT procurement. I saw energy as a line item in table 6.1 so I suppose isn’t included in the PFI payment.
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This just makes me feel so sad!
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Thanks Maja, I’ll make sure I read this tomorrow evening when I have time.
I think it’s been designed to appeal to emotion, and was written by one of the Evening Standard’s most partisan political commentators.
This kind of article probably belongs in #politicos:local-politics, but I know you didn’t intend it to be political, Pauline, so I won’t touch it.
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I quite like that, ‘we care about you so we won’t teach you’. It reminds me of my old headmaster before he caned me ‘john, this will hurt me more than it hurts you’. I never believed him. All local schools have cuts but I don’t see them striking like this. Something is very very wrong in Lewisham. First Millwall, now this. Surely they are not connected?
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Thanks Chris, it’s the kids & their education that’s suffering the most through all of this 
Sadly you are quite right Pauline. Maybe all sides need to reflect on this.
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I think this is OTT. One school has strikes over this. Why assume this is down to its location in Lewisham borough or make a connection with Millwall?
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