“Towerlands Primary School Parent Council’s response to North Ayrshire Council’s Proposal to Amalgamate Towerlands Primary School with Broomlands and Fencedyke Primary Schools”
Researched by:
Towerlands Primary School Parent CouncilCompiled and written by:
Christopher M. Archer
(Chairperson Towerlands Primary School Parent Council)
Date: 5th March 2008
Executive Summary
This report was commissioned by Towerlands Primary School Parent Council to examine the Proposed Amalgamation of Towerlands Primary School with Broomlands and Fencedyke Primary Schools, and to form a case for non-closure based on the available evidence.
The report was extensively researched using North Ayrshire Council’s own plan, guidance issued by the Scottish Government and North Ayrshire Council’s responses to questions that Towerlands primary School Parent Council raised. These questions cover the main areas contained in this report and form its backbone, in conjunction with the researched Government guidance.
The report finds that NAC’s proposal has:
· Produced Inaccurate Financial Calculations
· Used Inaccurate Statistical Calculations
· Failed to show an Educational Benefit
· Failed to show a Social or Welfare Benefit
· Failed to consider Social Inclusion
· Failed to show a Community Benefit
· Failed to identify Alternate Uses
· Failed to adhere to Scottish Government Guidelines
· Failed to prove an Environmental Benefit
The report recommends that:
- - - Towerlands Primary School not be closed; the areas highlighted by this report have not been satisfactorily explained or addressed by NAC.
- - - Towerlands Primary School should not be considered for closure in the future unless all areas highlighted in this report are satisfactorily addressed, and a proposal that clearly demonstrates an educational, social, welfare and financial benefit is produced.
Say NO! to Closures1.
Introduction & Terms of ReferenceThis report was commissioned by Towerlands Primary School Parent Council to examine North Ayrshire Council’s proposal to amalgamate Towerlands Primary School with Broomlands and Fencedyke Primary Schools, and to form a case for non-closure based on the available evidence. It is worthy of note that
Annex D to this report contains an appendix (
Appendix 1 to Annex D) which sets out reviewed questions that required answering by North Ayrshire Council, but never were. The report will be approximately 5000 words in length and will be submitted no later than 17th March 2008; the report will produce conclusions and recommendations.
2.
The Proposal DocumentSerious concerns that the proposal document (
Annex A) issued by North Ayrshire Council (NAC), proposing the closure of Towerlands Primary School, is fatally flawed; brief details are below, and further explanation will be found in the remainder of this document:
a. In Section 2.1 it is clearly stated that “Increasing educational achievement” is a key priority; however, at no time in the proposal document does it clearly state how this will be achieved. This area is discussed in more detail in the remainder of this document.
b. In Section 2.3 NAC state that “Maintaining surplus places in schools is clearly not and effective use of the limited resources”, however, alternate uses, or ways to prevent population decline have not been considered as part of the proposal.
c. Statistics are un-sourced, therefore, cannot be relied upon.
d. In Section 4.1 NAC state “There are two options available to the Council”. However, Towerlands Primary School is the only school being considered for closure. Section 4.2 gives the reason to this as building works would cost more to repair Towerlands than the other schools; which is most probably accurate, however, as Towerlands Primary School is twice the size of Broomlands and Fencedyke Primary Schools, this is to be expected.
e. Financial calculations are vague and are highly questionable; figures are estimated and full details have not been provided to interested parties. Broomlands Primary School is shown to have one Deputy Head teacher, when in fact it currently does not; this changes the final financial calculations.
f. Appendices 1 and 3 contain maps of catchment areas which are unreadable.
3.
Educational Casea. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop, issued guidance to Local Authorities in October of 2007,
Annex B, which refers to the ‘Additional Guidance On Local Authority Proposals For The School Estate, Including School Closures’ (
Annex C); it clearly states: “In the opening part of paragraph 27 and in part (a) thereof, there is reference to the need for your Council to set out the educational advantages of the proposed closure. This is critically important not only for those directly or indirectly affected, but also in the context for instance of your authority's duty to secure improvement in the quality of education provided in schools”.
North Ayrshire Council have failed in their duty to adhere to these guidelines as noted in their response to questions (
Annex D), where NAC clearly state, “this proposal was not based on educational criteria but came about as a result of falling school rolls and the requirement to make best use of resources in the educational interests of all children”; this is a blatant admission that education is not a key priority in the proposal. However, more concerning is that NAC have also failed to clearly demonstrate how they will achieve the said best use of resources; there are no financial figures for, or details of, any additional resources.
b. NAC’s response to the issue of class sizes (
Annex D) is confusing, or downright untrue; they say in their response when asked: “if schools are closed with kids crammed into the remaining schools, it would prove very difficult for North Ayrshire Council (NAC) to achieve smaller class sizes due to restrictions on space. What plans are in place to deal with this issue?”
NAC’s response is that there will be money in the capital budget to alter schools if required. This is not an efficient use of taxpayers’ money, as the facilities are already in place to reduce class sizes; the capital money that NAC speak of could be used to fix the current schools.
c. Towerlands has both a separate dining and gym hall so that the pupils, including the nursery, can have the Governments recommended P.E. time per week. This will not be possible if the amalgamation is approved, unless additional facilities are going to be put in place
NAC’s response (
Annex D) that “If the outcome results in the amalgamations preceding then the ability of the school to deliver PE will be assessed by the Quality Improvement Service and any shortfall addressed via the Council’s capital programme” is again, unacceptable. These facilities are already in place with the current set-up of schools; an indication of wasting taxpayers’ money, by needing to ‘rebuild’ facilities.
Say NO! to Closures4.
Hearing Impairment UnitThe Hearing Impairment Unit (HIU) at Towerlands Primary School is an integrated part of the school and is held in very high regard; the Children at Towerlands benefit from the HIU immensely; learning first-hand about disability, equality and social inclusion, in addition learning sign language. Although the HIU is a separate entity, the children that attend it are part of Towerlands Primary School.
NAC have been asked about the impact on those children with hearing impairments if the proposals are approved details from
Annex D are below:
a. “Moving the hearing impairment unit from Towerlands Primary to a different school will result in placing those children into an environment where they will be unable to communicate effectively with pupils and staff”. NAC’s response was that “If the amalgamation goes ahead these issues would be priorities for the transition planning group”. This is an unacceptable answer; this should be an issue that is addressed before any decision to close be made.
b. It was put to NAC that “Children with additional learning needs require routine and stability; closing Towerlands will disrupt the routine and stability that those children currently benefit from”. NAC responded by saying that “Staff from the HI Base will remain consistent. Any transition will be managed carefully through the individual child’s Individual Education Programme. In consultation with parents and staff from the school and other agencies, any resources or adaptations will be put in place to ensure consistency in educational experience”.
Particular attention is drawn to the “to ensure consistency in educational experience” statement. As previously noted, the children from the HIU are an integrated part of Towerlands and have friends at the school; there is no reference to the social implications for those children attending the HIU.
c. Costing for the installation of disabled facilities were provided by NAC; these show that the £45,770 already spent would be wasted if the proposal were approved.
5.
Nursery ProvisionDetails were given in the proposal document (
Annex A) that the nursery facility will be relocated to Fencedyke Primary School, however, in NAC’s response to our questions (
Annex D) they clearly state “future nursery provision can only be considered after an agreement has been reached”; these are conflicting statements. NAC is saying in one document that the nursery facility will move, and then it says it hasn’t been decided.
More concerning is NAC statement “There are also other partner providers in the local area who provide nursery education in partnership with the Council including Annick Pre-School, Bright Beginnings, First Steps and Towerlands Farm. There are sufficient places for all nursery aged children in the area”. This gives the impression that although NAC have said the nursery will move to Fencedyke, there is the implication that it may not be replaced at all, and that NAC may need to pay private nurseries for the use of their services to cater for any shortfall of spaces.
Say NO! to Closures6.
SafetyIssues were raised with NAC regarding the safety of children walking an increased distance to school, their response (
Annex D) stated “Educational Services comply with the Road Safety Officers decision in relation to safe walking routes and either fund safety measures to improve the walking route or provide transport to those children affected”. Again NAC have no clear plans and are promising to spend more money on this issue. One the proposal’s priorities is “Using our resources more efficiently and effectively”; this priority has been breached as no detailed financial calculations are shown for this area.
7.
TransportThe issue that “Parents will be more likely to then drive their children to and from school if these proposals are approved; neither Broomlands nor Fencedyke Primaries have the surrounding road infrastructure to cope with a significant increase in vehicular traffic” was raised with NAC (
Annex D); their response states “Educational Services has an established Traffic Management at Schools group which comprises Elected Members and officers from Educational Services, Roads and Technical Services. This group surveys the situation at schools and, with technical advice, agrees improvements. The work of the group is support by an on-going capital fund”. This is evidence that there are no clear plans to deal with this issue and that NAC are promising to spend even more money if it is required, which it will be if the proposal is approved; again, not an effective or efficient use of resources.
The issue of providing free transport for displaced nursery children was also raised; NAC stated (
Annex D) “The council’s transport policy provides free nursery transport only in cases where there is no nursery provision within 5 miles”. This is an admission that transport for displaced nursery children will not be provided.
8.
Occupancy Levelsa. NAC were asked (
Annex D) about the facilities in the new “Dalry Primary School, which has classrooms 'dedicated' to particular subjects, which it can be argued, are 'empty'”, and were asked if these facilities would be placed in all schools. NAC explained how the new school was funded, but they also stated that “However this is not mandatory and schools do vary in their facilities”. Towerlands Primary already has the space to accommodate such an investment; NAC are demonstrating that they are not putting the education of children before their goal of saving money.
b. NAC were asked (
Annex D) “How will reduced internal or external space benefit the children of Fencedyke Primary, or indeed, any of the affected schools?”, to which they responded with, “how this can be achieved is a matter for discussion with the relevant parties should the proposal proceed”; this does not answer the original question, therefore it is argued that there is no benefit to the children.
c. NAC were asked at the public meeting in Towerlands Primary School on 18th February 2008, how the measurements at Broomlands Primary School that determine the capacity of each classroom were carried out. They told those present that the rooms were measured from wall to wall, as was the case when the school was first built; this however, does not take into account the fitted wall units that have subsequently been installed since the school was built. As a result, the internal floor space is reduced by approximately 5 square meters per room; therefore, the capacity of Broomlands Primary School that NAC state (
Annex A) is not accurate.
Say NO! to Closures9.
Impact on the Communitya. NAC were asked (
Annex D) “why would it be beneficial to break the community links and bonds” that have taken around 35 years to form in the Broomlands and Bourtreehill areas. The response was mixed as they state they “The Council has a duty to seek the most efficient way of delivering service to the community”, which is perfectly acceptable; however, as has been previously shown, NAC are failing at this by producing a consultation that has not been properly researched.
b. The community of Broomlands and Bourtreehill do not want the distribution of local schools to change, and 1,800 (approximately; final numbers to be confirmed) people have raised their objection to the proposal (
Annex A) by placing their written signature, to support the non-closure of Towerlands Primary School, on a written petition; at the time of writing the online petition set up by Towerlands Primary School Parent Council, stands at 308 signatures. Both petitions will be submitted to NAC on 17th March 2008, when the final number of signatories will be confirmed.
10.
Psychological and Physiological Impacta. NAC do not agree with the claims by Towerlands Primary Parent Council (
Annex D), that mental anguish will be prevalent if proposals are approved, but have said that “If the decision is made to close the school transition planning will take into account the individual needs of children who may be vulnerable”; again, this is an issue that should be investigated before any decision to close Towerlands Primary School is approved.
b. NAC have been asked to provide details (
Annex D) about “what consideration has been given to the physiological aspects of the children’s' welfare?” NAC have responded (AnnexD) by stating “Consideration has to be given and additional input will be provided to health education and social and personal development programmes. The school nurse and the Home School Inclusion Worker and Psychological Services will provide both general and focussed support as required”.
This however, should be done prior to any decision being taken to ensure any additional resources that may be required, are available, and can be added into the proposal costs.
11.
Environmental FactorsIt was asked of NAC to provide detailed carbon emissions for the proposal, but they failed to provide full details (
Annex D &
Appendix 1 to Annex D), therefore an environmental argument cannot be made either way; a demonstration of NAC’s lax figures and statistics.
12.
Cost of UniformsIt was raised (
Annex D) that “Some families who are not entitled to help with clothing costs will be left financially disadvantaged by the amalgamation; parents have raised concerns that their children’s' school sweatshirts have been specifically purchased to enable their children to 'grow into them', and last two years”; would these parents be entitled to financial compensation or free sweatshirts?
NAC states (
Annex D) that this “will be part of the transition planning and discussion should the merger go ahead”; again NAC have failed to show the full costs of the proposal, or, they have no intention of compensating individuals.
Say NO! to Closures13.
Staffinga. Future staffing levels were provided by NAC (
Annex D); they clearly show a reduction in Teaching Assistant time; larger class sizes in the amalgamated schools will not have the same ratio of teaching assistants to children that they currently have. More children and less teaching assistants; this appears to be a demonstration of an efficiency saving, but should be viewed as direct cut to frontline services.
Reducing Teaching Assistant hours could also force some of those affected to seek alternate employment; effectively this could be viewed as constructive dismissal.
b. NAC have stated (
Annex D) that “Catering and cleaning staff will be included fully in all discussions regarding redeployment. Educational Services will liaise closely with Property Services in this regard”. This could in turn lead to redundancies if the companies that those staff are employed by cannot find redeployment opportunities for them. This could also be construed as a form of constructive dismissal.
14.
Population DeclineNorth Ayrshire Council have failed in their duty to adhere to the “Letter issued regarding school closures guidance” (
Annex B), written by the Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop, in which she states “your Council can sometimes take positive action, or encourage or support the taking of action by others, to influence directly the projections and trends - for instance to seek to slow, halt or even reverse the decline in a community's population”.
NAC were asked the following (
Annex D) in relation to a block of flats near Towerlands Primary School that have lain empty for almost ten years: “Has consideration been given to refurbishing local properties to prevent a decline in population numbers, and if not, why not?” They clearly stated that “This is not a matter dealt with by Educational Services”.
However, as the refurbishment of the particular flats in question would directly impact on the provision of education in the local area, it is a matter that the education department should take into consideration; this demonstrates that NAC have not fully researched their proposal and taken all necessary aspects into consideration.
15.
Financial AspectsNAC were asked to provide “a full and detailed breakdown of all financial aspects of the proposal” (
Annex D); a partial breakdown of ‘predicted’ budgets was produced, which contained no sourcing or reasoning. NAC have failed to fully explain the financial aspects of the proposal; there are estimated figures for the capital receipt from the sale of land and for the provision of transport for displaced children. In addition to this, NAC have consistently stated that additional money will be spent to provide additional facilities if the proposals are approved. None of this additional spending is detailed in any of the financials that NAC have produced, and many of the facilities NAC say they will expand, are currently in place with the current set-up of schools.
This is in breach of the guidance issued by The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (
Annex B), in which it is stated “The way in which the financial considerations are calculated and set out needs to made absolutely clear to all parties”; the financial aspects of the proposal have not been made absolutely clear to Towerlands Primary School Parent Council.
Say NO! to Closures16.
Alternate UsesIt was raised (
Annex D) that “There is scope to extend nursery services, install community clubs/organisations, or locate adult learning centres in school buildings. Have any of the aforementioned, or others, been considered as alternate uses for the building; if not, why not?”
NAC responded (
Annex D) with “there are limited services which can be located in schools and no immediate need has been identified”. NAC have failed to answer satisfactorily; to identify an immediate need, NAC would need to actually try and identify that need, which in this instance appears not to have been done.
17.
Council Plan 2007 – 2010NAC’s Council Plan 2007 – 2010 (
Annex E) highlights some key areas that must be given consideration before any decision to close Towerlands Primary School is made:
a. Section 3 - Demographics – “New house building within the Irvine/Kilwinning area and the Garnock Valley will continue to attract inward migration. This has a number of consequences. It strengthens our communities and increases the Council Tax base, but places increased demands on the road infrastructure, schools and other support services”; a prime reason for not closing schools.
b. Section 3 – Financial Outlook – “we must be effective (achieve what we set out to do), efficient (deliver as much as we can with our limited resources) and economic (control our costs)”. By closing Towerlands Primary School NAC will be wasting money already spent and will then have to extend the remaining schools, which would be a further waste at taxpayers money. This, in addition, to the weak financial case NAC have already put forward (
Annex A).
c. Section 4 – 2.1. Increasing Educational Achievement – “improving educational buildings”; some schools are mentioned in this section, but not any of those involved with the proposal to close Towerlands Primary School; this creates the presumption that the promised additional facilities offered by NAC (Annexes A & D) for Broomlands and Fencedyke Primaries may not be installed at all.
d. Section 4 – 7.3. Promoting Healthier and more Active Communities – “so that all of our services increase their contribution to the community’s health and wellbeing over the next three years”. Closing Towerlands Primary School will result in mental anguish for lots of parent, carers, and children; this is not a good way to promote health and well being as it is a proven fact that poor mental health and poor physical health are closely linked.
e. Section 4 – 7.4(e). “Develop, promote and support community sports clubs”; NAC have made no attempt to determine whether there could be a need for such a facility in the Broomlands and Bourtreehill areas of Irvine (
Annex D).
f. Section 9 – 4.0 “Promote closer relationship between Community Learning & Development and colleges to offer improved range of learning opportunities to enable progression to Further and Higher Education”; such a facility could be installed in Towerlands Primary School.
g. Section 11 – 1.0 “Using our resources more efficiently & effectively” – “Set - and stay within - budgets in a way that ensures effective frontline delivery of Council Services, the reduction of overhead costs”; it would appear these areas are to be satisfied by selling off schools and the land on which they sit. A more practical, and socially acceptable option, would be to make savings at the mid and top management levels, not by cutting the frontline services that so many people rely on.
h. Section 11 – 10.0 “Collaborate with Community Planning partners to sustain public access to ICT and associated support and learning”; this again, has not been considered (
Annex D) as an alternative option, and such a facility could viably be placed in Towerlands Primary School.
i. Section 11 – 21.0 “Carry out a review of the school estate in the context of falling school rolls”; the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning stated in a recent news release (
Annex F) that “primary school numbers are also forecast to fall until 2014, before rising again, which will further enable national and local government to deliver year on year progress in reducing class sizes in primaries 1-3”. Schools roles may well be falling, therefore, the additional space required is currently available; it is not beneficial to the taxpayer for NAC to remove these facilities and then have to spend even more public money replacing them.
j. Appendix to Council Plan 2007 – 2010 (
Annex E): North Ayrshire (NA) Facts and Figures:
i. Population – 24% of NA is under the age of 20, with Irvine noted as one of the areas “that have higher proportions of young people”; it is not appropriate to close schools in such and area.
ii. Lone Parents Households – NA has a greater number of lone parent households (8.6% of NA) compared to the Scottish average (6.9%); to remove frontline services for those who need them most would send the wrong message to the wider community about how NAC cares for its most vulnerable members of society.
iii. Deprivation Zones – One fifth of NA is ranked amongst the top 20% of the most deprived areas of Scotland; to take frontline services away from those that need it most will not assist NAC in reducing these deprivation figures.
iv. Unemployment and Educational Attainment Levels – 4.25% of NA’s population are unemployed compared to the Scottish average of 2.6%; in some areas of NA this figure is 8.7%. Also, 36.9% of NA’s population have no formal qualifications compared to the Scottish average of 33.2%. By installing community based learning facilities in school buildings both Unemployment and Educational Attainment statistics could be dramatically reduced; this in turn would result in deprivation reduction due to the increased employability of residents, resulting in a higher standard of living on uptake of employment.
Say NO! to Closures18.
Conclusionsa. The Proposal DocumentThis report has raised serious concerns that the proposal document (
Annex A) issued by NAC, proposing the closure of Towerlands Primary School is fatally flawed. It fails to meet its own objectives; fails to show any educational advantage; fails to show an accurate financial and statistical case; and, in general, is poorly written.
b. Educational CaseNAC have failed in their duty to adhere to guidance for Local Authorities, regarding school closures, issued in October of 2007 (
Annex B), by not setting out a clear educational case.
c. Hearing Impairment Unit
i. The Hearing Impairment Unit (HIU) at Towerlands Primary School is an integrated part of the school and is held in very high regard; the children at Towerlands benefit from the HIU immensely; learning first-hand about disability, equality and social inclusion, in addition learning sign language. Although the HIU is a separate entity, the children that attend it are part of Towerlands Primary School.
ii. No consideration to the children’s social welfare has been given.
iii. Money for facilities already installed would be wasted.
d. Nursery Provision
NAC have produced conflicting accounts on the future of nursery Provision, saying in one document that it will be relocated and then in another indicating that it may not be replaced at all, leaving the taxpayer to pay for private subsidisation.
e. SafetyNAC have stated that additional funding will be made available to tackle any safety issues, but again, have provided no details of what funding is available and how that would be spent.
f. Transport
i. There is evidence that NAC have no clear plans to deal with the issue of transport and that they are promising to spend even more money if it is required, which will be the case if the proposal is approved; this is not an effective or efficient use of resources.
ii. NAC admit that transport for displaced nursery children will not be provided.
g. Occupancy Levels
i. NAC does not aim to provide the same high-standard facilities that Dalry Primary enjoys in all schools.
ii. NAC have failed to demonstrate how reduced internal or external space will benefit the children affected; this report concludes that there is no benefit.
iii. The capacity of Broomlands Primary School that NAC state (
Annex A) is incorrect. The rooms at Broomlands Primary School were measured from wall to wall, as was the case when the school was first built; this however, does not take into account the fitted wall units that have subsequently been fitted since the school was built. As a result, the internal floor space is reduced by approximately 5 square meters per room, thus reducing the available space to accommodate children.
h. Impact on the Community
i. NAC have failed in their duty to seek the most efficient way of delivering service to the community by producing a consultation that has not been properly researched.
ii. Approximately 2,100 (to date) parents, carers and local residents have signed a petition backing the non-closure of Towerlands Primary School.
i. Psychological and Physiological Impact
NAC do not agree with the claims by Towerlands Primary Parent Council (
Annex D), that mental anguish will be prevalent if proposals are approved; this should be investigated further before any decision to close Towerlands Primary School is ratified to ensure the health and wellbeing of the children concerned is not adversely affected. Detailed financial costs for this were not included in the proposal document.
j. Environmental FactorsNAC’s proposal (
Annex A) has failed to demonstrate an environmental benefit.
k. Cost of Uniforms NAC have failed to show the full costs of providing free or subsidised uniforms to those that the proposal affects; it is possible that NAC have no intention of compensating individuals.
l. Staffing
i. NAC’s proposal clearly show a reduction in Teaching Assistant time; larger class sizes in the amalgamated schools will not have the same ratio of teaching assistants to children that they currently have. More children and less teaching assistants; this appears to be a demonstration of an efficiency saving, but should be viewed as direct cut to frontline services.
ii. Complex legal issues could arise due to redundancies if staff cannot find redeployment opportunities; costs, or even an estimated cost, for such an eventuality have not been shown.
m. Population DeclineNAC have failed to adhere to Scottish Government guidance on the school closures in relation to population decline, and have made no attempt at considering ways to slow, stop, or even reverse the decline in population in the Broomlands and Bourtreehill areas or Irvine.
n. Financial AspectsNAC have consistently failed to set out a clear financial case for closure:
i. Savings that would be achieved are negligible.
ii. Financial calculations are estimated.
iii. Costs for additional infrastructure changes and additional services (i.e. health, social services, policing) that may be required are not detailed in the proposal. This report concludes there will be a greater cost to the taxpayer than is being presented by NAC.
iv. Money for facilities already installed would be wasted.
o. Alternate UsesThis report highlights many alternate uses for Towerlands Primary School which have not been considered as part of the proposal (
Annex A). It also highlights NAC’s failure to identify alternate uses for the building.
p. Council Plan 2007 – 2010There are many key areas highlighted by this report, in NAC’s 2007 – 2010 Plan (
Annex E), that must be given consideration before any decision to close Towerlands Primary School is approved; additional facilities that NAC state will be introduced, in their plan, could viably be installed in Towerlands Primary School. The wider socioeconomic implications have not been taken into consideration and should be researched in detail before any decision to close be approved.
Say NO! to Closures19.
RecommendationsThis report recommends that:
a. Towerlands Primary School not be closed; the areas highlighted by this report have not been satisfactorily explained or addressed by NAC.
b. Towerlands Primary School should not be considered for closure in the future unless all areas highlighted in this report are satisfactorily addressed, and a proposal that clearly demonstrates an educational, social, welfare and financial benefit is produced.
Say NO! to Closures
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