Shortage

Published: 1 July, 2010

• THE new Labour administration in Camden has been talking about its commitment to providing a good education for all.

These assertions are at odds with their lack of activity in confronting the acute shortage of primary school places in the north-west of Camden.

Last year Camden was able to plug the shortfall at the 11th hour by opening the Courthope Centre due in a large part to the excellent work of the parents’ working group which was set up in May 2009.

But Camden has to find a permanent solution to the problem fast.

There may be a slight lull in the problem this year but Camden’s own predictions show it coming back with a vengeance next year, and worse again the year after that.

There simply will not be enough places available to meet the demand and Camden will fail in its statutory duty.

Given the extent of the problem – two extra forms of entry need to be found by September next year and possibly more again for the year after that – Camden needs to be engaging with the working group now and continuing the positive steps of the previous administration.

Shockingly, the working group has been mothballed and action on the problem kicked into touch until the autumn.

I think the majority of parents would prefer to work with the council to solve this shortage, but in the light of the lack of engagement, it is no surprise that people are talking about the free school option.

CLLR TOM SIMON
Liberal Democrat,
Belsize ward