RHS Parents’ Group
Meeting : Monday 8th March, 2010
Queen’s Hall, Newtownards
Agenda in brief:
Introduction - Liz Breadon
Meeting Purpose and general update
Legal update - Michelle Edgar
Prep. Dept. update - Mrs. Packham ( Acting Head of Dept)
MLA update - Michelle McIlveen MLA ( Education Committee)
MLA update - Jonathan Bell MLA
Summary of responses to parents ‘letters received to date - Julie Rainey
Ards Borough Council presentation - Julie –Ann Augusto
Q&A / ongoing concerns - Chair / Panel / Floor
Legal update - further explained
Also present :
Mark Paden – Board of Governors
Michael McCaughan – Board of Governors
Teachers from RHS Prep
Cygnet House representatives
Down High Prep representative
Concerned parents
Liz Breadon - Introduction
- Aim of meeting in general to inform parents of the progression made since the meeting Thurs 25th Feb. Explained that there were a variety of people present who would advise parents of the events which would indicate a more positive outcome than previously expected.
- Purpose – summary of meeting 10 days ago. Information indicated there may be extra fees of £808, the controlled status of RHS Prep was explained and the issues that may arise because of this, the SEELB stance with reference to the proposals. Attention was brought to parents of the need to write to as many relevant parties as possible, MLA’s, Human Rights Commission, etc. as a matter of urgency. MLA Mervyn Storey referred to the aim of getting this matter into the Assembly.
Liz Breadon – General Update
- There have been several developments since meeting. Lobbying MLA’s for support, response to Chris McRoberts Dept. of Education, consider lagal opinion, other schools involvement (combining forces) – all very positive.
Liz continues: “…aim is simply to present you with facts, and not to speculate”
- Contact sheet to be filled in - for those who could not attend, you can request this form from any of the parent representatives , details given on Home page.
- If any parent feels that they can assist in any way, their help would be welcome.
Michelle Edgar – John Ross & Son Solicitors
Information needed to formulate test cases. Proposed 2 avenues to follow:
- Attempt to stop now, with reference to the difficulties presented
- Longer term picture.
Request – could all parents fill in the questionnaire provided at the meeting. It will be treated in confidence.
Mrs. Packham – Acting Head of Dept.
- Giving teachers’ perspective
- What is happening to date? – some people have left or are considering leaving. Coping with uncertainty may be the issue.
- Encouraging figures to report – since Jan +3 pupils, since Jan -3 pupils. 3 more children waiting to enroll in next 2 weeks.
- Teachers are very encouraged – it is ‘business as usual’
- Reference made to the report “Consultation on the Proposed Changes to Common Funds Scheme for the Local Management of Schools.” No specific detail given, however Mrs. Packham able to report that the findings of the Board refer to proposals as “ unworkable, undeliverable, and unreasonable.”
Michelle McIlveen MLA
- In addition to DUP support, we have had positive support from Alliance and SDLP.
- A motion has been tabled in the Assembly.
- People may attend if they wish – see Assembly website for details.
- The response to the Education Minister, made by the SEELB is strongly worded – they have concerns.
- Education Minister has not carried out proper consultations – parents have not been consulted.
In response to question by L.Simpson, it was stated that “…there may not be a vote – you will witness the debate and hear her argument.”
Jonathan Bell MLA ,and member of Board of Governors to RHS
- Confident Prep will continue in its’ present form.
- Aware of response submitted by SEELB to Education Minister – key issues – proposals are ‘unachievable, unrealistic, unworkable.’
- Education budgets are to be submitted by 15th March
- Minister of Education will be taken for Judicial Review, as she has failed to follow due process.
In response to question from J. Hunter, it was felt that the Education Minister will not get the cross – community support within the 10 ministers in the Executive.
In response to question from Alan Shields in relation to the 2 Departments (Education and Finance), there was no proposal from the Finance Dept. to withdraw funding. The Bain Report was jointly commissioned, but not jointly taken forward.
- Senior Counsel have advised that there is a strong chance for this to be overturned.
- All information gathered to date indicates a strong and bright future for Prep. Schools.
Michael McCaughan – Board of Governors
- Board of Governors are unanimous in their support.
- At Board meeting, resolution passed – unswerving support for parents, pupils, and staff.
- Issue of confidence – vital all hold steady until Ministers’ decision.
Julie Rainey - summary of political responses
- Support from DUP, Alliance, SDLP, UUP
- Finance Minister – issue will be brought to the Executive for cross – community vote.
- Equality Commission – have sent acknowledgement.
- NI Human Rights – have said in their opinion it is not a Human Rights issue.
Anna Lo – MLA Alliance is asking at the motion on Monday for an update on Dept. funding for Prep. Schools, and an estimate of additional costs over next 3 years if proposals go ahead.
Julie confirmed that she had been in contact with Ms Lo, making her aware of RHS current position and had received an email from her saying that she will ask an additional question re controlled schools.
Julie has also contacted Lorde Browne, who is also asking a question on Monday 15th March, to make him also aware of RHS's current predicament.
- DUP comment, from David McNarry that “..you can make a difference by writing”
Julie-Ann Augusto – Ards Borough Council Meeting
- Deputation arranged to address Ards Borough Council, Tues 9th March. Need parents’ support, keep energy going, and please join us tomorrow evening.
Michael McCaughan – Board of Governors
In response to question from Claire Thompson, advice given to request from the Dept. of Education, under the Freedom of Information Act the form:
‘ Consultation on Proposed Changes to the Common Funding Scheme for the Local Management of Schools.’
Mrs. Packham – Acting Head of Dept
Alan Shields asks “will there be any way back for such parents who have been ‘scared’ into making a decision?” In response, Mrs. Packham advises that there is an open door policy, but cases would have to be discussed.
L. Romein, parent, informs the Floor that:
- Her son was moved out of mainstream primary into Prep.
- All the extras we take for granted will not be had in other schools.
- She would urge parents to have faith.
- She will not be taking her son out.
Liz Breadon – Chair of Parent Group
- How would parents like to receive updates and information?
Parents agreed the blogsite was the most satisfactory way.
There followed a full and frank discussion on the benefits of pursuing a Judicial Review. More information later.
Meeting closed at 9.30pm – with vote of thanks from the Chair.
Date of next meeting to be posted on the blog.
All monies received from parents as a contribution towards running costs of the campaign are being lodged into a client account, held with John Ross & Sons solicitors, Newtownards.
( minutes taken by Sarah Schutzler )
