July 14th 2009

Dear Editor.

The Lib Dem cabinet decision to "consult to closure of Abbeydale Grange" is a huge blow to children, parents and teachers in this city. Yet again the results of a consultation process have been ignored. That process recommended that the school stayed open with a soft federation, investment in the fabric of the school and the development of a sixth form.

This decision ignores the aim of developing well balanced, emotionally secure children being at the heart of education - Abbeydale Grange excels in this respect. All schools are being judged against a single benchmark of narrowly defined attainment and little else, even by this measure last week's inspection report said that Abbeydale Grange has been making good progress since February. However the Local Education Authority have already made up their minds that the school should close. What will happen to its pupils? Some may be obliged to trek to the other side of the city for a school place, given the long waiting lists for many neighbouring schools.

People have lost faith in the political process and it is no surprise that the UK's children are the unhappiest in the developed world..The Green Party remain in favour of small community schools and will continue to support the school in the task of remaining open and retaining its unique ethic.

Green Party Cllr Bernard Little.