You may have heard about North Somerset’s proposals to extend school place capacity in Portishead by 210 places. One of their suggestions is to convert both High Down Infants and High Down Juniors into two separate 420 place Primary Schools as of September 2013. This single action would solve Portishead’s places shortage and provide all the additional places required – or would it?
The Highdown Mums who have been in contact with Practically Perfect Mums have some very strong opinions on this matter, ranging from being very pleased because siblings will be able to attend the same school for a number of years to being furious at the lack of consultation with existing parents and the potential problems which may result from the proposed changes.
- What are your opinions on the proposed changes?
- Are you concerned about the travel arrangements and parking problems resulting from pupils being transported from other parts of Portishead?
- Do you welcome the potential for healthy competition between the two adjacent schools?
We would like to offer you this forum to share your opinions and comments on this issue which affects so many of our children. Kicking off the debate, some thought provoking points are raised in a comprehensive and well-informed letter from Highdown Mum, Tanya Slatter.
Hi Tanslat, your letter already has 28 likes on our site alone, so it’s clear that opinion is running high on this issue. Practically Perfect Mums appreciate you keeping us up to date and look forward to hearing any response you receive.
Just to advise, as I have not yet had a reply from Katie Young, I am sending her an email with a copy of the letter attached, asking for a response. I am also sending a copy of the letter to all of the Portishead Town and County Councillors, asking for their stance and advising that I have been contacted by a number of parents supporting the letter and confirming that they would also like answers to the points I have raised. Am considering whether there is any value in a petition being drawn up – any opinions on this gratefully received, (or any volunteers to set one up!)