| SPOTLIGHT |
A group of parents are threatening for a second time to bring a legal challenge against Hackney Council over its decision to close a local primary school.
‘Save Colvestone’ campaign group previously sent a letter before action in September, which was responded to by the council.
However, in a letter to parents and carers on 13 December following a formal consultation, Hackney revealed that its Cabinet had decided to proceed with proposals to close/merge the school.
Colvestone Primary School in Dalston is one of four schools that will close at the start of the next school year due to the “significant decline in the number of school-aged children”. Princess May Primary School will take pupils from Colvestone.
‘Save Colvestone’ campaigner Helen James described the council’s plan as “short sighted”, adding that it has found “easy targets”.
The group argues that the closure of Colvestone and nearby De Beauvoir would mean there would be no non-faith, one-form entry local authority schools within a mile of the Colvestone building.
The group have highlighted the fact that 7% of Colvestone students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), “more than well above the 4.3% average across the borough”.
In its final consultation submission on 3 November, the campaign group wrote: “We agree that Hackney Council has to address the issue of falling rolls, but we insist that this should be done in an informed, holistic and consultative fashion.”
Sharing her disappointment over the council’s December announcement, Helen James said: “a consultation should be when you engage and listen.” She added: “Over 90% of parents were against the proposals”.
The group is now in conversation with its legal team at Cornerstone Barristers to discuss a pre-action protocol letter for judicial review. It revealed it is “rallying support from financial point of view”.
Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor, Cabinet Member for Education, Young People and Children’s Social Care said: “We know schools are much more than places where children and young people go to get an education, they are a core part of the local community. Following what the data tells us means that we had to make an incredibly difficult decision. But this is the only way to ensure that we can minimise the long term negative impact on Hackney education and more widely on the Council’s budget, at a time of extreme financial pressure.
“We understand that once parents find a treasured school with amazing leaders and staff and good support it’s very difficult to accept that it may be taken away from them. But great schools are the rule, not the exception in our borough. 98% of Hackney primary schools are good or outstanding, and we will continue to do everything we can to support them in offering high quality, sustainable education for all our children.”
The council revealed that a call-in has been requested for the cabinet decision taken on 11 December relating to Colvestone Primary School.
A special Scrutiny Panel meeting will take place on Tuesday 9 January.
“In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the part of the decision referred to in the call-in is suspended pending the outcome of the call-in”, said a council spokesperson.
Lottie Winson
