MP MEETS SCHOOLS MINISTER TO DISCUSS SHENE ACADEMY

2.05.14pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Jun 2009

Susan Kramer MP recently met Schools Minister Vernon Coaker, along with a representative of the Parent Promoted Foundation for Shene, to discuss the timetable for the academy process at Shene School.

Susan Kramer MP commented:

"The parents who have worked so hard as part of the Parent Promoted Foundation have done incredibly well to get the community engaged in the future of Shene.

"But it was clear in the meeting that the Department's attitude is that if we want money to improve Shene we have to fit into their extremely short timetable.

"I was simply shocked to hear that the Government requires a decision on a new sponsor for Shene by the middle of July.

"The Government seems to think that the local authority should decide first and consult later, with the threat that the money for Shene may disappear if they do not move fast enough.

"It would be unfair to a school like Shene to leave it with more uncertainty, especially as the head, staff and pupils have made such strides forward in the last year, but frankly this is no way to run a Government."