Frank Barnes School Parent Action Group
January 2008 Update Newsletter
Scrutiny Committee Update
Following the Call-In in December, a Scrutiny Committee Working Group was set up to investigate the options for Frank Barnes School. The Group have asked to meet with Deaf experts and professionals working for Deaf organisations. Brian Gale from the NDCS has been asked to represent parents views to the Working Group on the 14th January and he met with PAG on 9th January in preparation for this meeting. Karen Simpson and Stephen Phillips, Chair of Governors, will also meet with the Scrutiny Committee on 14th January.
Consultation process
Following the report from the Scrutiny Committee Working Group, Camden will carry out formal consultation meetings. After these meetings Camden will publish their formal proposals for the future of Frank Barnes.
The proposed dates for the consultation meetings are as follows:
Pupils and ex-pupils
Weds 13th February 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
Parents
Wednesday 13th February 1.00 – 3.00 pm
Deaf professionals
Tuesday 26th February 6.00 – 8.00 pm
Local & Deaf Community
Thursday 28th February 6.00 – 8.00 pm
It is important that as many parents and supporters as possible attend these meetings to make their views known. Please invite friends and members of the Deaf Community to take part in the consultation.
Primrose Hill Option
A feasibility study is being carried out on the possibility of rebuilding Frank Barnes as a co-location with Primrose Hill primary school. We believe this option will secure the high standard of education currently provided at Frank Barnes School.
Campaign update
We are gaining wide support from the public and MPs. Glenda Jackson and Frank Dobson have written to Ed Balls, Secretary of State, Children, Schools and Families requesting a meeting to discuss Frank Barnes School. Iain Duncan Smith, former Conservative Leader, has said he is interested in supporting our campaign. Michael Gove, Shadow Secretary of State, Children Schools and Families has agreed to raise questions about Frank Barnes in Parliament.
Our petition on the Downing Street website gathered a total of 679 signatures and we are now waiting for a formal response from government.
There is still time to visit your MP if you haven’t already done so. If parents need information on surgery times for their local MPs or would like support with visiting please contact Polly.
Thank you so much for everyone’s hard work in raising awareness about the campaign for Frank Barnes School.
If you need any further information please contact:
Polly Burton, PAG co-ordinator
Paula Garfield, PAG member
