Luton Primary needs support

Luton Primary School suffers from Cameron Tory cuts

One of the areas of contention since the election of a Tory-led government is the budget cuts being inflicted on local schools and their staff.

This blog has posted previously on the Tory threat to our local Acadamies, mis-spent millions on capital projects and for a number of Primary schools the cuts to teachers and teaching assistants. As a member of the public in April, I was also able to reveal the fib at the heart of the Conservative Party local manifesto which claimed that Sure Start was not being cut. However, the truth came out when budget figures showed that there was a both a cash terms cut, and a real terms cut of £281,000. Add into the cuts to EMA and the introduction of tuition fees to £9,000 per annum and only the most naive of readers cant see that the next couple of years will be difficult for all those who teach and educate our children. From primary to tertiary the Tories are cutting and slashing important services.

Luton Primary School in the ward I represent is a struggling school and is a case in point. On the latest DfE statistics only 42% are achieving level 4 or above in English & Mathematics (down from 58% in 2009) and way below the Medway average of 67% which itself sits below the national average of 73%. English results have consistently worsened since 2008 where 65% achieved level 4 or above to a 2010 figure of 54%. This sits below the Medway average of 76%, which itself sits below the national average of 80%. Mathematics results have also worsened where only 48% are achieving Level 4 or above when compared to a 64% figure in 2009. The Medway average id 79% which is consistent with the national average of 79%.

The school is in need of investment and parents wanted the improved buildings. They opposed a rushed merger because of the history of school closures elsewhere in the ward.

The school has a challenging demographic from not only economically disadvantaged communities but also one which has a transitory mix from newly integrated communities from Eastern Europe. The school also sits in a ward which will require additional provision in future years.

The Labour Government had proposed significant investment in the site subject to an appropriate proposal being put forward by the Conservative-controlled Council. As we know the Primary School proposal put forward by Cllr Wicks was rejected because of poor research and proposals which were totally unwarranted.

As Councillor I was expecting a new set of proposals to be forthcoming for Luton Primary because the provision of new facilities on this site was actually supported by residents, parents, pupils and staff.

Much to my anger the latest cabinet paper is worrying in that it seems like the Council is examining options to step back and wash their hands of responsbility.

4.2. The council's anticipated capital allocation from central government, from which the project to build the schools was to be funded as part of the primary capital programme, has been sigificantly reduced by the Coalition Government's spending review, meaning that funding is no longer available for a number of projects including the one to rebuild Luton

4.3. In addition, the level of devolved capital funding to schools has been significantly reduced from almost £5m un 2010/2011 to less than £800,000 for 2011/12. The impact of this reduction to the local authority will need to to direct a much higher proportion of our capital funding to routine condition and maintenance issues which schools themselves would have previously funded

It is imperative that we do not allow buck-passing of responsibility over this school, because the outcome will leave hundreds of children in my ward in a position no better than before. In my mind also, not only is Luton Primary in this position because a Conservative Portfolio holder failed to do his job properly on the original Primary School programme, but now it appears that one of the options being suggested is that no new proposals should be forthcoming for improvements because Conservatives (supported by Liberal Democrats) are slashing building budgets.

In times of economic difficulty we can not spend on all schools and I am aware that opposition members can challenge on the fact that 'Labour spent all the money' and that we can afford these improvements.

However, there is an ethical and moral obligation to target resources more effectively and especially where we can see the best improvement in results.

When you see huge sums wasted on mismanaged capital programmes and new projects in wealthier wards still going ahead; the question is not about whether we have the money. It is about how it is allocated, and quite frankly we see all too many cases of money not being spent on areas of most need.

Luton School is currently struggling to fulfil its obligations; it has a great teaching staff and some fantastic pupils but it can not strive for greater success without resource and given its demographic and clear need for investment buck-passing can not be allowed.