03/11/04 - Local Education Consultation

EDUCATION CONSULTATION – Catchment Areas

The LEA is currently consulting on the designated areas for primary schools’ admissions in
the northern part of Swindon that will come into force from September 2006.  The
consultation concerns the new schools PS4 and PS6 (due to open September 2006),
Bridlewood and Haydonleigh.  This consultation exercise is your opportunity to influence the
process, which could affect the school YOUR child attends / will attend.

The closing date for the consultation is 17^th December.  Plans can be viewed in the
reception foyer of Haydonleigh Primary School, or by contacting the LEA:

Gareth Cheal, Acting Admissions Manager, Sandford House, Sandford Street, Swindon, SN1
1QH – Tel: 465769 – gcheal@swindon.gov.uk

SIBLINGS – Priority?

Last year the Conservatives were able to convince the LEA that siblings who were no
longer in the catchment area for a school because the LEA had moved the boundary should
be given priority over single / first children in the admissions process.  Without giving
siblings priority, parents can face a situation where their children can be allocated to
schools other than the one attended by their other child(ren).  This can be unsettling for the
children and a logistical nightmare for the parents.  The LEA is currently reviewing the
admissions policy for September 2006. Local parents and borough councillors want all
siblings to be given priority regardless of where they live. For this to become reality YOU
MUST make your views known to the LEA.

SCHOOL PLACES – Location, Location, Location!

Last year 72 children in the Northern Sector were not allocated to a school of their
preference, causing great distress and anger for many families.

The local LEA believe that there are the correct number of places for the Northern Sector
(which includes Penhill & Sevenfields).  It is clear from the school applications that there are
a great number of disappointed families; therefore the places are not necessarily in the
right schools.

We are lobbying for an additional form of entry to be provided at Bridlewood school, as it
has the capacity to expand, and the extra places would be popular with local residents. 
(Also at present the other 3 popular local schools cannot physically accommodate these
additional places).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Local Councillors

Abbey Meads Ward
  Cllr Justin Tomlinson 872883 / Cllr Owen Lister 490182
Abbey Meads Website

Haydon Wick Ward
Cllr David Renard  638552
Haydon Wick Website

North Swindon Website

 Local Parents For Contact

Nik & Nicola Green 638159
Julian Presdee 01793 706469
Gary Wallage (Mob) 07970 262 387

If you agree or disagree with these issues, please can you send your feedback to us:

education@northswindonintouch.com

Please remember to include your contact details on the e-mail.

ALL RESPONSES WILL BE FED INTO THE CONSULTATION PROCESS