Neasden PS, under threat - "Education is not a cost. It's an investment." Save Hull Schools by Martin J Deane, 21.2.05

The proposed closure of 9 Hull primary schools (including the 2 for 'amalgamation') is causing great concern to communities across Hull. The Council plans to close Newland Ave, St Charles, St George's, Coleford, Constable, Midmere, and The Dales.

'Amalgamation' sounds better than closure, but in fact Lambwath, and probably Oldfleet schools will be closed, with all moved to other local schools, and the former sites developed. So Hull City Council is proposing a total of 9 primary schools being closed. A primary school is often the heart of a local community. Officials talk of falling numbers, birth rates and population projections. What they don't say is that smaller class sizes, and lower teacher-pupil ratios help children learn better, or that each of these schools has its own feel and unique sense of tradition. If they move 1500 children into other schools, class sizes will increase, children's education will suffer in the transition itself, and from the disruption to all those relationships established over years, between children and friends, teachers and parents. Such trust and tradition is vital for children and is at the heart of a community family primary school.

Since 1997, the Labour government has overseen the closure of about 200 primary schools every single year. Meanwhile the number of children in these age ranges has stayed roughly constant. What is going on? I have joined the Green Party recently to stand for Parliament in the Hull North area. Party policy is very definitely small is beautiful. Each of these schools should be kept and strengthened in the tireless work they do for the children of each community.

Smaller schools, and not giant education factories, are the way forward. Education is not a cost. Education is an investment. To join this campaign write a letter or email to helen.mcmullen@hullcc.gov.uk or to Ms Helen McMullen Corporate Director for Learning and Culture Kingston upon Hull City Council, Essex House, Manor Street, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU1 1YD (Please include your name and address, and, of course, make your point politely...) Public Meetings open to everybody will be held at - 1) St Charles RC PS, Beverley Rd - Mon 21st Feb, 7pm. 2) St George's PS, St George's Rd, off Anlaby Rd - Tue, 22nd Feb 7pm 3) Newland Ave PS, Newland Ave, 3.15 & 6pm Thu 24th Feb 4) Newland Ave PS, also 7pm, Thu 3rd March The moves will adversely affect the education of 1500-2000 children. Children always take some time to recover from transition between schools, and although the transition may not be as marked as from primary to senior school, teachers can still expect some levels of work to take time to recover. If you want to help contact Martin at - hull@greenparty.org.uk

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