Parent power aims to solve school wrangle (From Warrington Guardian)

Parent power aims to solve school wrangle

PARENTS are uniting to try to resolve a wrangle between two Sandbach schools which stems from an inaugural decision by one to admit boys into its sixth form.

It follows plans announced by Sandbach High School to allow boys into its sixth form for the next school year in September.

Sandbach School says the High School has gone back on an agreement to work together and liaise on timetable plans.

It feels the increase in competition will be negative for pupils and staff alike and place the two schools in direct competition for funding.

It has led to the forming of the Both Schools Parents Group to try and bring both schools and education chiefs back to the negotiating table to resolve the issue.

Group organiser Malcolm Palin, from Haslington, said: "This impasse has inspired a group of parents, with children at either or both schools, to bring their disappointment and concerns to the attention of both headmasters and governing bodies.

"We have sent individual letters to both headmasters and governors and contacted the Local Education Authority (LEA) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to influence a more satisfactory outcome.

"Two open parents meetings took place on November 4 and November 10 and we have another on Tuesday.

"These meetings have reflected that most parents are confused and very concerned about the current situation and what the future holds for their children at sixth form level.

"The meetings have agreed a number of actions to promote a more inclusive and democratic debate which engages all parties; the parents, governors, headmasters and the LEA and LSC.

"The group's objective is to get discussions re-opened and to provide the best and most efficient use of the available funding to match the needs of the students, parents and our community.

"We welcome and encourage all parents, including those with children at primary school, to consider supporting our group on this most vital and important issue."

l The meeting at Wesley Church Hall, Chapel Street in Sandbach, starts at 7.30pm. Alternatively, residents can email their support to info@bothschools.org.uk.