Note from the Chair

Dear Supporter,

Things may have seemed to have gone quiet on the public front in respect of the closure of our Middle School but much is going on behind the scenes. C.LA.R.E. continue to examine with partners the failures of the SOR Consultation and the inappropriate reaction to the parent/community proposal for a new secondary community college on the Middle School site. We have identified significant areas of failure and perhaps even neglect in the County Council’s process and procedures. We can challenge those issues but to be realistic we currently do not have the resources to mount the legal challenge which would be probably win. However we have written to a Government Official called the Schools Commissioner (see post below) who is supposed to represent parents’ and children’s interest in education, asking him to intervene on the basis of the bureaucratic mess and the inclusive nature of the advice arising from Government policy.

Our MP Tim Yeo continues to support and lobby for us and has recently been discussing our situation with Lord Hanningfield an eminent political leader in the area of education who has been very outspoken about the failures of education provision of late. Tim has also written to the Schools Commissioner supporting our contentions.

Meanwhile the LIBDEM/LAB/Independent opposition in the County Council have announced their intent to halt and change the SOR process and re-consult with communities if elected to power in the forthcoming local elections and you may wish to view their manifestos available on their respective websites.

It is our belief that Suffolk County Council has run out of money and cannot fund the changes they have proposed. Certainly in central government circles they feel things may have to change or at the very least remain as they are. We are continuing to explore the reality of this.

Also we are endeavouring to collectively mobilise support against the SOR Process across the county with other parental groups and parish councils who in reality actually repsresent their local communities’ best interests.

Finally C.LA.R.E. have not given up – nor should you. There is much going on, and we will keep you informed as and when there is something tangible to tell you.

Jim Meikle.
Chair.