Why Are The Tories Playing Politics With Our Children's Education?

5.53.00pm GMT Mon 16th Nov 2009

• CLLR Malcolm Eady responds to the latest Conservative suggestion that only Whitton School should be taken forward to Academy status with Kunskapsskolan as the preferred Sponsor:

'It was over 20 months ago that we first had a presentation from Kunskapsskolan on their teaching methods. Cllr Samuel was dismissive then and, after all the presentations and staff visits, he is still dismissive of their methods. He seems unwilling to accept that if it goes ahead the schools will still have UK head teachers, the current teaching and support staff, will work to a UK curriculum and have UK exams for students to sit. In a positive move, the Conservatives are saying they're prepared to work with Kunskapsskolan at Whitton School. This at least shows some progress, but it does indicate a policy which is in complete shambles.

The suggestion by the Conservatives that Hampton Community College be withdrawn from the Academies programme goes against the findings of the independent consultation. The majority of stakeholders are fully behind the proposals. The Principal, Dr Demont is in favour, staff members are in favour, the governing body is in favour, and parents have now shown they are in favour. The only people who are, as a body, opposed to this move, are the borough's Conservatives and, in particular, Cllr Samuel!

I am very pleased that we have had such a strong support for the proposals. If the proposals are agreed by the Council and the government, then the new school will open in September next year and we will then have access to about £16m for new and refurbished buildings. Now that we have the results of the consultation process, I would very much welcome a change of tack by the local Conservative councillors, which would bring them into line with their National Party Policy. Michael Gove, their Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, used a video of his visit to Kunskapsskolan schools in his presentation to the party conference. Our joint aim should be to work towards speeding up the improvement programme at the school. By working jointly with a provider of very successful Swedish schools we will, I am sure, achieve this goal.'

Related Links:

• Council committee back Kunskapsskolan academies at Whitton School and Hampton Community College [RTT, 19th November]

• Consultation results support Richmond Council's academies plan, says education chief [RTT, 12th November]