Hackney Council is considering closing several primary schools currently maintained by the council.
The plans include proposals to shut down Randal Cremer and De Beauvoir Primary, along with merging Colvestone Primary and Baden Powell Primary into two other schools.
Parents and teachers have publicly opposed the plans, arguing that it could lead to the dominance of free schools, academies, and religious institutions.
“We haven’t been given the freedom of choosing a school for our kids, which is our right… We received a letter at the beginning of October, saying you’ve got a month to give us the choice of your school”, said one parent.
Hackney Families, a community group of concerned parents, is actively working to save at-risk schools. They have launched a campaign, asserting that four schools are currently at risk, with an additional twelve potentially facing the same fate.
We, the people of Hackney, call on the Council to stop closing schools, without genuine consultation. Our children’s future is at stake. Join us! #HackneyFamiliespic.twitter.com/0NOC4VI8Vp
The campaigners believe these closures would impact the kids the most;
“Children develop very very important relationships, especially in primary schools. So, it is very traumatic for them when their school closes,” said Dave Davies, Joint District Secretary of Hackney NEU (National Education Union).
The primary goals of the campaign are gaining momentum and increasing community involvement. They aim to ensure that school closing decisions are led by community priorities so that no child is left behind.
‘Hackney Families’ met on Monday to discuss about their campaign. Credit: Madhurima Dutta
While Hackney Council attributed the proposed closures to a declining number of pupils, it said that they will continue to do everything possible to offer high-quality, sustainable education for all children.
A consultation will take place in December, which will determine the final decision on the schools’ future.
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Standfirst
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HeadlinePrimary school closures in Hackney stir community concerns
Short HeadlineHackney families concerned with school closures
StandfirstThe council has planned to close Rendal Cremer and De Beauvoir Primary, while merging Colvestone and Baden Powell Primary into two other schools.
Hackney Council is considering closing several primary schools currently maintained by the council.
The plans include proposals to shut down Randal Cremer and De Beauvoir Primary, along with merging Colvestone Primary and Baden Powell Primary into two other schools.
Parents and teachers have publicly opposed the plans, arguing that it could lead to the dominance of free schools, academies, and religious institutions.
“We haven’t been given the freedom of choosing a school for our kids, which is our right… We received a letter at the beginning of October, saying you’ve got a month to give us the choice of your school”, said one parent.
Hackney Families, a community group of concerned parents, is actively working to save at-risk schools. They have launched a campaign, asserting that four schools are currently at risk, with an additional twelve potentially facing the same fate.
We, the people of Hackney, call on the Council to stop closing schools, without genuine consultation. Our children’s future is at stake. Join us! #HackneyFamiliespic.twitter.com/0NOC4VI8Vp
The campaigners believe these closures would impact the kids the most;
“Children develop very very important relationships, especially in primary schools. So, it is very traumatic for them when their school closes,” said Dave Davies, Joint District Secretary of Hackney NEU (National Education Union).
The primary goals of the campaign are gaining momentum and increasing community involvement. They aim to ensure that school closing decisions are led by community priorities so that no child is left behind.
‘Hackney Families’ met on Monday to discuss about their campaign. Credit: Madhurima Dutta
While Hackney Council attributed the proposed closures to a declining number of pupils, it said that they will continue to do everything possible to offer high-quality, sustainable education for all children.
A consultation will take place in December, which will determine the final decision on the schools’ future.
