Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch used a question in Parliament (07/10/15) to press the Scottish Government on what its position is on proposed rural school and nursery closures. This follows Ian Blackford MP for Ross, Skye, and Lochaber, challenging Highland Council over the proposal.
Mr Thompson said, “I am reassured by the Cabinet Secretary that the Scottish Government places real value on rural schools and nurseries.
“However, as I highlighted to the Cabinet Secretary, Highland Council has shown complete arrogance by mothballing Edinbane and Struan nurseries and appealing (to the courts) in favour of closing Knockbreck, Edinbane and Struan primary schools on the Isle of Skye”.
“Any proposal to close a rural school must comply with the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, which were strengthened in 2014, so I expect any final decision to be made on these grounds.
Dave went on, “I will be glad to take the Cabinet Secretary up on her offer of a meeting once the legal process has been concluded and in the meantime, I would urge Highland Council to deal with possible rural school closures on a case by case basis”.
Notes:
14. Dave Thompson (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the closure of rural schools and nurseries. (S4O-04681)
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (Angela Constance): Rural schools and nurseries are often highly valued by their community, and it is important that any proposal to close one of them is given full consideration and complies with the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, which were strengthened in 2014.
Dave Thompson: The cabinet secretary will know that Highland Council has mothballed Edinbane and Struan nurseries and is appealing in favour of closing Knockbreck, Edinbane and Struan primary schools on the Isle of Skye. It is doing so to try to block the reopening of the nurseries, and is using that as an excuse. Does the cabinet secretary agree that such arrogant behaviour by Highland Council ill becomes a supposedly democratic organisation, which should deal with the case of each nursery on its own merits?
Angela Constance: Of course I agree that nurseries are essential to communities and to the wellbeing and education of children. I am aware of the case that the member mentions and the sensitivities that are associated with it. However, as it is currently before the courts, the member will appreciate that I am limited in what I can say. Dr Allan or I would be more than happy to meet Mr Thompson to discuss the issue further once the legal process has concluded. However, until the matter is resolved, the council may not implement those proposals either wholly or partly. In the meantime, we expect the council to meet its statutory obligations relating to the provision of early learning and childcare.
Link to Official Report:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=10135&i=93509
Recent Press Release Issued from Ian Blackford’s Office below:
Ian Blackford MP continues to challenge Highland Council over Skye school closures
Ian Blackford MP is continuing to challenge Highland Council in a dispute over school closures on Skye and the consequent lack of nursery provision.
Although Highland Council intended to close Edinbane, Struan, Knockbreck and Dunvegan schools and build a new school in Dunvegan, the School Closure Review Panel refused consent for this proposal. Highland Council have appealed against this decision.
Pending a decision, nursery classes at the schools continue to be mothballed despite the presence of nursery-age children in the area. Mr Blackford has urged the council to reinstate nursery provision at Edinbane pending a final decision on the closures.
Replying to an earlier letter from Ian Blackford, Bill Alexander, Highland Council’s Director of Care & Learning said that “the Council has committed to a new school and the closure of the four current schools, because it is clear that this will provide educational benefit for the children and families of North West Skye. This is the view of the vast majority of members and all political groups, including all of the Skye members.
Ian Blackford has responded: “This is a quite remarkable statement for a couple of reasons.
“Firstly you cannot commit to close the schools; you have been forbidden to do so. You may, as you are doing, waste taxpayer resources by taking legal action against this but quite demonstrably you cannot commit to close the schools unless you overturn the judgement.
“As for the statement that it is clear that there will be educational benefit, that is your opinion, it is not based on factual evidence. There was an attempt to suggest such a position in the consultant’s report; this was rightly exposed at a public meeting in Dunvegan as being based on nothing more than anecdotal evidence…I regret that the council is pursuing an appeal but you must in the interim discharge your obligations by restating nursery provision at Edinbane.”
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