Fill gaps in classrooms

Published: 30 July, 2010

• I’M not sure about the percentage of vacancies at Canonbury Primary School, which my older children attended and where my youngest child attended the nursery, but I do know she was not offered a place for reception in September last year and has been on the waiting list ever since (Classroom gaps crisis, July 16).

I have been informed that the reception class has never been at its full 60 capacity – there has always been a   minimum of two vacant places.

Currently there are three places, with a fourth becoming available at the end of this week.

I would like my daughter to go back into Canonbury (she was not considered eligible for admission under the sibling rule as when I applied for a place and she was at the nursery, her sister was in year six).

I have made weekly visits or phone calls to Cambridge Education @ Islington, only to be fobbed off with one excuse or another.

It is CE’s job to fill these empty places –   the last time a new   child started at Canonbury was February, yet there is a long, growing waiting list and gaps in the classroom.

The headteacher at Canonbury and the governors are unable to do anything to help – they too would dearly like the places filled.

How many other schools is this  happening to?

When will CE take responsibility and fulfil its role, as it is meant to, and help stop this classroom gaps crisis?

RACHEL PARNABY
Address supplied