Wait for free school decision

Published: 23 June, 2011

• I AM constantly surprised (and not in a good way) by the actions of Camden Council. 

That there is a problem with a lack of primary school places is not in question – 79 children are without a primary school place for September 2011. 

Another 92 children have been given a place at a school which is not one of their six choices; and although the school to which they have been allocated should be within two miles of their home there is anecdotal evidence that some are being expected to go even further. 

This is the third year in succession that such large numbers of children have been without a primary school place. 

Now it looks as if the council are not just ignoring the problem but actively seeking to undermine the efforts of those who are seeking to open a new primary school in Belsize Park to absorb some of the unplaced children (Belsize ward and Swiss Cottage being particularly hard hit by the shortage of places).  

This proposed new school could be housed in buildings which the council currently owns on Fitzjohns Avenue, but is looking to sell.  

We all appreciate the financial restrictions upon all local authorities at present and the need to raise funds. However, why can’t Camden wait a matter of weeks until a decision on the free school has been received before proceeding with a sale of the property? 

The proposal for the school is currently being examined by the Department for Education, and an initial answer is expected in August. The proposal for the new primary specifically includes either buying outright or renting the property at full market value. So the council (and us tax-payers) would not lose out. Additionally although the primary school would be a free school, the aim (I understand) is for the school to be run alongside Camden schools and so the council would receive the funding for these children. Again, the council (and the tax-payers) would benefit from this extra money, which at present it is not receiving as these unplaced children are not being educated in state schools in Camden.

If the council cannot bring itself to do anything positive with regard to a new primary school, please can it not deliberately hurt those are trying for the sake of a matter of weeks’ wait.

VICTORIA FERGUSON, NW3