The big issue of the last few weeks has been the proposed reorganisation of schools in Cardiff.
The proposed reorganisation has been presented in one big bang - as a city-wide scheme that has repurcussions for almost every community.
I've had people come up to me crying with despair because their schools have been earmarked for possible closure. And I've had other people come up to me breathing sighs of relief because they appear to have escaped the axe.
Everyone knows that the issue of surplus places needs to be addressed, but does it need to be addressed in this way? And does it have to be addressed with such lack of understanding? The way that people were told about the proposals seems insensitive and disrespectful. Some headteachers were only made aware that change was on the way and schools were being closed when the proposals appeared on slides in front of them during presentations. Many parents found out about the plans by reading the news in the local paper because information leaflets were not delivered on time. In a packed public meeting at Eglwys Wen school, it emerged only nine parents received the information on time.
There are some fundamental flaws in the proposal. To start, I do not like the idea that English and Welsh language schools can't exist together on the same site.
It seems to me the wrong way to go. I support the development of Welsh-medium education. But I don't think it should seem like English language schools are being sacrificed.
My second concern is about the loss of schools in communities and the increased bussing arrangements that seem likely to develop. The closure of two Catholic secondary schools in the west and the east of the city will mean parents choosing a religious education for their children will face added inconvenience.
The whole plan is flawed and those who have proposed it need to get back to the drawing board. The issue needs to be approached in a much more sensitive way. |
