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Dr Liz Taylor |
Town Hall locked in talks with schools as places crisis deepens
COUNCIL chiefs are locked in talks with five schools in north Camden about finding space to open temporary classrooms in their playgrounds this September as the primary school place crisis continues.
Anxious parents met with Town Hall officials last Wednesday to discuss the 107 unplaced children mainly living in Hampstead, Belsize Park, Gospel Oak and Swiss Cottage.
The last vacant place in a Camden primary school was accepted earlier this week.
Although press officials did not answer questions on the subject this week, the council is known to be in the process of ordering at least two temporary “bulge” classrooms, and is negotiating with existing primary schools over space.
Dr Liz Taylor, who has led the campaign, said parents were growing increasingly concerned as the summer holidays approach. She said: “It is now less than 12 weeks before the new school year starts in September. For over 100 Camden children there is anxiety, worry and distress.
“It is disappointing that the council can’t make any promises about these places now – a firm commitment would be lovely. The council have relied in the past in the problem going away – but it goes away because parents have to make choices they do not want to make.”
Press officials also denied reports that parents were being advised to look at places in Westminster and Islington. One official said: “We will certainly assist any parent who is willing to consider a primary school place in Islington (or any other borough). However our priority, in line with the expressed preferences of parents, is to provide places in Camden primary schools.
“This is a difficult and stressful time for many parents and we would like to express our thanks for their continued patience and understanding.
Schools chief Councillor Andrew Mennear said: “Broadly speaking, it is more likely to be two than three classrooms.
“We have been in touch with more than five schools – we cannot name names at this moment. We’ve got a whole list of alternatives and options and we are working with the parents to find a solution.” |
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