I AM a parent whose children attend Longsight School in Harwood.
About two weeks ago the parents were informed by the LEA that by September 2002 the school may be shut and all the staff made redundant because of falling numbers -- an issue which is a national problem.
The LEA has proposed two half-baked ideas for our children. Either Christ Church School takes over our school and can decide whether or not they take in our children or Christ Church keeps its site (a very small one) and most of Longsight's children will have to be crammed in there.
Either proposal will mean some children being taught in portable buildings. Those parents from areas outside Harwood such as Tonge Moor and Breightmet who have chosen Longsight will be expected to get their children in schools nearby.
As to where our children will go in September is all rather vague and seems to be of minor importance compared to the LEA main priority of shutting the school. We, as parents, are left with the worry.
As a parent, I chose this school for my children. So did all the other parents at the school -- some of whom went there as children. What happens to my right to choose where my children are educated if that school is to be eliminated within less than a year?
Longsight is a good, well-run community school with caring, committed staff. My children are happy and progressing well educationally and socially. If either of these proposals are carried out, my children's education will be disrupted and will suffer.
The school has an excellent after-schools club which provides a service for parents and children at the school and for other schools which do not have a club. The lady who runs the club will have to find other premises.
The way that this affair is being handled by the LEA is hasty, hotch-potch and underhand. It smacks more of saving money than of improving education. If they succeed with our school then whose school is next on the list?
The parents, staff and children intend to fight these plans all the way and keep our school as it is. I hope that prospective parents will not be put off by the publicity and trouble that these proposals have caused.
Katherine Dean
Longsight
Harwood
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