Camden New Journal - News: ‘Inappropriate’ deaf school merger still on the table

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Camden New Journal - By CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 31 January 2008

‘Inappropriate’ deaf school merger still on the table

COUNCIL chiefs last night (Wednesday) refused to rule out sending a celebrated deaf school out of the borough.
They are still considering merging Frank Barnes school for Deaf Children in Swiss Cottage with Blanche Nevile in Muswell Hill – risking a row with neighbouring Haringey Council.
Leaked emails show that education chiefs in Haringey do not support the amalgamation.
In a message to Camden officers, Ian Bailey, deputy director at Haringey, said: “We do not consider that any form of school merger would be appropriate.”
Campaigners fighting for Frank Barnes to stay in Camden said the email should have been enough to convince senior councillors to abandon the merger.
But the unpopular plan has not been ruled out and has been included in a list of three options for Frank Barnes, which is facing eviction to make way for Camden’s first city academy. Protesters want the council to forget about the merger and push for a strategy of linking the school with Primrose Hill school in Primrose Hill. Cabinet members decided at a meeting last night (Wednesday) that they needed more time to think.
Education chief Councillor Andrew Mennear said the decision was going back out to consultation, but that the leaked email would not influence their assessment of each option. He said: “Ultimately it comes back to the executive based on how achievable we think the options are. There are risks with all three and we need time to explore all three.”
Frank Barnes campaigners accused the Town Hall of a u-turn.
Labour leader Councillor Anna Stewart said: “This is a massive u-turn by the administration under pressure from a really vociferous campaign from the school and Labour.”
Frank Barnes governor Mike Katz said: “The council’s u-turn shows even they are starting to have doubts about Blanche Nevile as the right option for Frank Barnes children.”

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