Michael Gove’s speech to the Tory Conference this week included the announcement that
“The Department for Education owns or has a lease on more than 100 buildings….. At the moment there is floor space in those buildings lying empty or under-used…….. We will open new academies in the Department for Education’s buildings.”
There are 2 obvious problems here.
The first is that the government cancelled the BSF programme that left thousands of pupils to study in schools that are falling down. So they are preparing to hand over millions of pounds worth of property to Academies, while doing nothing for community schools.
Secondly we have to ask whether these schools will be appropriate places to learn, and are they where they are needed?
How many DfE buildings have playground space, sports facilities or fields? Are they equipped for Special Needs pupils?
How many DfE buildings are there on housing estates and new build housing areas? Perhaps Michael Gove can release the list of 100 buildings he is proposing to turn into schools?
How can the Anti Academies Alliance help your school?
In the last 2 weeks a number of schools have approached us to help them campaign against Academy proposals that are being pushed on them.
The Anti Academies Alliance is happy to work with head teachers, governors, parents and staff to develop a campaign to prevent your school becoming an Academy.
Please contact the office if you need help.
Or email in your order and we will send you an invoice.
Anti Academies DVD
We have an excellent new 13 minute DVD outlining the case against Academies and ‘Free’ Schools.
It is perfect for union meetings / parent meetings / campaign meetings.
If you would like a copy they are £10 to union groups / £2 to parent and campaign groups. Send orders to the office and we will despatch them with an invoice.
