Well there is no longer any reason not to tell you at least one of the people behind this site. My name is Ian Sorby I am the parent of two children, one in Tomlinscote year 9, and another due to start next year. I am very concerned about these proposals and I want to provide an information service so that people can be as informed as possible in their decision, regardless of the conclusion they personally reach.
I am against the rumoured proposals of a split-site solution on many levels. I am concerned about the disruption to my childrens education and to the impact these proposals will have on the local area. While obviously I am interested in how these proposals affect me and my family I actually am VERY concerned that these proposals are not a good solution regardless of the school that peoples children attend, in fact I think it it is bad for Frimley even if you don't have children!
Please see my video blog here..
http://surreyheath-residents.co.uk/2011/03/24/video-blog-tomlinscote-kings-merger-oposition-group/
I also urge you to call for a traffic study..
http://petitions.surreyheath.gov.uk/TrafficStudy/
I look forward to working with you in the coming months.
Ian..
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Thursday 24 March 2011
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Excellent post from Kings Parent
I have had a number of emails from Kings parents asking that Tomlinscote parents be sensitive about this subject see a couple below. I thought that this post was particularly excellent..
http://www.camberleypeople.co.uk/groups/education/Letter-Kings-Parent-merger/story-10865991-detail/story.html
The attitude of some children and parents posting on facebook does not bode well for a smooth combination of the schools. Ofsetds critical report of Kings has so much to answer for it has skewed the intake so that few people want to go there and given people the erroneous impression that there is nothing good about Kings. The Ofsted report / league table system boils down the very complex issue of education into a almost binary Good/Bad tag - this ludicrous over simplification has the effect of ensuring failure for schools that are identified as having challenges and ensuring success for those tagged as being above average. Success in life cannot be framed as simplistically as educational achievement - yesterday my boss phoned me to ask what qualifications I had as he needed to fill some paperwork out for my promotion. I was embarrassed when I told him what I had, despite having a degree most people around me have Phd's and more. After getting off the phone it occurred to me that HIS qualifications to be in his position were similar to mine - a track record of industry experience and getting things done. Neither of us was defined by our qualifications. While people are simplistically evaluating a school on its ability to grind out A*'s they might stop to consider the number of graduates out of work or in low paid jobs. Schools should be judged on their ability to turn out valuable members of society and on their "value add" not on pure A*'s. Compare and contrast the fate of some graduates with a scenario of someone who leaves school at 16 and becomes a gas fitters apprentice moving on in time to have their own van. Working hard they could soon find themselves successful enough to be paying a rather lot of 40% tax - the academic route is not for everyone and does not ensure success in life.
Please also see a couple of letters I received:-
On Sat, Mar 19, 2011 at 6:00 PM, REMOVED wrote:
Hi, in this day and age with crime, bullying etc I dont think 12 year olds should really be walking home alone. I lived in Lightwater and went to Collingwood, the whole of Lightwater which is huge gets on a free bus to Collingwood - its safe and no parent even needs to get in a car. You could charge parents the cost of the journey without making a profit or just pay for it. I dont see why a bus could not go from Heatherside to Tomlinscote. Lots of parents drive now that could put their children on the bus.
Also with all the amount of new houses popping up the extra building could cater for all the new children attending the schools. Surely in 5 years time with all the new houses, Tomlinscote and Collingwood would not be able to take them as they are over subscribed now.....
I think parents should chill out a little about this proposal and think about what can be done to make the transition smooth and what benefits it could have, rather than think negative all the time. Alot of parents are probably very angry because they have moved to the "Tomlinscote" catchement area so their children can go to Tomlinscote - if this proposal goes ahead they would have wasted their money - many being an extra morgage of 60K!
Kind Regards
REMOVED
Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:30:15 +0000
Subject: Re: michael.gove.mp@parliament.uk, andrew.povey@surreycc.gov.uk
From: tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com
To: REMOVED
Thanks for your input - I actually think it will mean MORE traffic not less but I'm sure a scientific study could be done to deduce the real answer one way or another. As regards the quality of education of children this has to be an important issue, whatever is best for the welfare of the children as a whole is what needs to be pursued. If the quality of education needs to raised at Kings then it needs to be worked on. If the council has given up on Kings and wants the students to become part of Tomlinscote and Collingwood that may be a good idea but disrupting a perfectly well run school and all its children by relocating them is at least in the short term a disaster.
all the best.
On Fri, Mar 18, 2011 at 12:16 PM, REMOVED wrote:
Hi, I would like to say what a fab idea it is that Kings college merges with Tomlinscote. Why should an under performing school continue? It will reduce the amount of cars parked at Tomlinscote and driving very near a busy area ( the hospital ) and therefore reduce the chaos round there. Also for all the children currently walking to Tomlinscote that need to get in the car there are the other half of children who can walk that currenlty get in the car!!
I think it is disgusting that Watchetts school is doing so badly and Kings and actually doing something about it - people want to appose! They are only doing this because it does not suit them, they are not thinking about all the poor children that are getting a rubbish education in these schools.
I'm all for it!
On Sat, Mar 19, 2011 at 8:26 PM, tomlinscote kings <tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com> wrote:
The proposal will see children from both areas travelling backwards and forwards. I agree that if that IS the way to go that a bus service should be provided, I believe that Tomlinscote governors have said this is a requirement. I also know that SurreyCC is trying to axe the bus services they provide for faith schools so if they promise to provide a bus it is not a promise that will last long. I also agree that the traffic currently is stupid and that parents driving their kids to school is bad, my kids currently live 5 mins walk from school - if this goes ahead I will have to drive them as I would be too scared to let my daughter walk 40 mins to and 40 mins from school.
My biggest concern personally is the disruption not to my son (year 9) but to my daughter (next year 7 currently 6) she will have 2 school moves in 5 years ... a year in Tomlinscote, 2 years at Kings site then back to Tomlinscote site for 2 years.
Tomlinscote is 5 mins walk, Kings is 40 mins walk across several busy roads.
House prices - yup I'm sure there are plenty of people who may be sore about that (even some without kids) but for me I bought my house because I liked it and the area so I'm not sore even if this proposal goes ahead.
Bottom line I'm concerned about the major disruption to about 2500 childrens educations. Whatever is done needs to ensure the best education with the least distractions for ALL of them.
Whatever happens I'm sure it will upset someone I just hope some sort of compromise can be reached that makes everyone reasonably happy.
bregds
From: REMOVED
Date: Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 9:10 AM
Subject: Kings
To: "tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com" <tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com>
I've been reading your blog and can I ask you please to consider the kings parents when posting?
I, as a kings parent had to put up with a huge amount of abuse about my childrens abilities from tomlinscote parents and students in various forums. Kings parents care just as passionately about their children's education and there is a real risk of any debate disintegrating into abuse as has been seen already.
There's good and bad in both schools. Who knows, the bright students from kings might even have a positive impact on tomlinscote!
From: tomlinscote kings <tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 5:45 PM
Subject: Re: Kings
To: REMOVED
I absolutely agree with you. I want to see a solution that protects
my childrens education. My main objection is the split site that
means both T an K children will have to travel and transfer schools
during their education. I also worry that the restructuring will
cause standards to drop in both schools.
I have an agenda with the blog but if you want to write me a piece
from your point of view I'm happy to publish it.
I cannot protect you from what is written on facebook but I can make
you a promise that the blog will be sensitive to Kings parents.
http://www.camberleypeople.co.uk/groups/education/Letter-Kings-Parent-merger/story-10865991-detail/story.html
The attitude of some children and parents posting on facebook does not bode well for a smooth combination of the schools. Ofsetds critical report of Kings has so much to answer for it has skewed the intake so that few people want to go there and given people the erroneous impression that there is nothing good about Kings. The Ofsted report / league table system boils down the very complex issue of education into a almost binary Good/Bad tag - this ludicrous over simplification has the effect of ensuring failure for schools that are identified as having challenges and ensuring success for those tagged as being above average. Success in life cannot be framed as simplistically as educational achievement - yesterday my boss phoned me to ask what qualifications I had as he needed to fill some paperwork out for my promotion. I was embarrassed when I told him what I had, despite having a degree most people around me have Phd's and more. After getting off the phone it occurred to me that HIS qualifications to be in his position were similar to mine - a track record of industry experience and getting things done. Neither of us was defined by our qualifications. While people are simplistically evaluating a school on its ability to grind out A*'s they might stop to consider the number of graduates out of work or in low paid jobs. Schools should be judged on their ability to turn out valuable members of society and on their "value add" not on pure A*'s. Compare and contrast the fate of some graduates with a scenario of someone who leaves school at 16 and becomes a gas fitters apprentice moving on in time to have their own van. Working hard they could soon find themselves successful enough to be paying a rather lot of 40% tax - the academic route is not for everyone and does not ensure success in life.
Please also see a couple of letters I received:-
On Sat, Mar 19, 2011 at 6:00 PM, REMOVED wrote:
Hi, in this day and age with crime, bullying etc I dont think 12 year olds should really be walking home alone. I lived in Lightwater and went to Collingwood, the whole of Lightwater which is huge gets on a free bus to Collingwood - its safe and no parent even needs to get in a car. You could charge parents the cost of the journey without making a profit or just pay for it. I dont see why a bus could not go from Heatherside to Tomlinscote. Lots of parents drive now that could put their children on the bus.
Also with all the amount of new houses popping up the extra building could cater for all the new children attending the schools. Surely in 5 years time with all the new houses, Tomlinscote and Collingwood would not be able to take them as they are over subscribed now.....
I think parents should chill out a little about this proposal and think about what can be done to make the transition smooth and what benefits it could have, rather than think negative all the time. Alot of parents are probably very angry because they have moved to the "Tomlinscote" catchement area so their children can go to Tomlinscote - if this proposal goes ahead they would have wasted their money - many being an extra morgage of 60K!
Kind Regards
REMOVED
Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:30:15 +0000
Subject: Re: michael.gove.mp@parliament.uk, andrew.povey@surreycc.gov.uk
From: tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com
To: REMOVED
Thanks for your input - I actually think it will mean MORE traffic not less but I'm sure a scientific study could be done to deduce the real answer one way or another. As regards the quality of education of children this has to be an important issue, whatever is best for the welfare of the children as a whole is what needs to be pursued. If the quality of education needs to raised at Kings then it needs to be worked on. If the council has given up on Kings and wants the students to become part of Tomlinscote and Collingwood that may be a good idea but disrupting a perfectly well run school and all its children by relocating them is at least in the short term a disaster.
all the best.
On Fri, Mar 18, 2011 at 12:16 PM, REMOVED wrote:
Hi, I would like to say what a fab idea it is that Kings college merges with Tomlinscote. Why should an under performing school continue? It will reduce the amount of cars parked at Tomlinscote and driving very near a busy area ( the hospital ) and therefore reduce the chaos round there. Also for all the children currently walking to Tomlinscote that need to get in the car there are the other half of children who can walk that currenlty get in the car!!
I think it is disgusting that Watchetts school is doing so badly and Kings and actually doing something about it - people want to appose! They are only doing this because it does not suit them, they are not thinking about all the poor children that are getting a rubbish education in these schools.
I'm all for it!
On Sat, Mar 19, 2011 at 8:26 PM, tomlinscote kings <tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com> wrote:
The proposal will see children from both areas travelling backwards and forwards. I agree that if that IS the way to go that a bus service should be provided, I believe that Tomlinscote governors have said this is a requirement. I also know that SurreyCC is trying to axe the bus services they provide for faith schools so if they promise to provide a bus it is not a promise that will last long. I also agree that the traffic currently is stupid and that parents driving their kids to school is bad, my kids currently live 5 mins walk from school - if this goes ahead I will have to drive them as I would be too scared to let my daughter walk 40 mins to and 40 mins from school.
My biggest concern personally is the disruption not to my son (year 9) but to my daughter (next year 7 currently 6) she will have 2 school moves in 5 years ... a year in Tomlinscote, 2 years at Kings site then back to Tomlinscote site for 2 years.
Tomlinscote is 5 mins walk, Kings is 40 mins walk across several busy roads.
House prices - yup I'm sure there are plenty of people who may be sore about that (even some without kids) but for me I bought my house because I liked it and the area so I'm not sore even if this proposal goes ahead.
Bottom line I'm concerned about the major disruption to about 2500 childrens educations. Whatever is done needs to ensure the best education with the least distractions for ALL of them.
Whatever happens I'm sure it will upset someone I just hope some sort of compromise can be reached that makes everyone reasonably happy.
bregds
From: REMOVED
Date: Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 9:10 AM
Subject: Kings
To: "tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com" <tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com>
I've been reading your blog and can I ask you please to consider the kings parents when posting?
I, as a kings parent had to put up with a huge amount of abuse about my childrens abilities from tomlinscote parents and students in various forums. Kings parents care just as passionately about their children's education and there is a real risk of any debate disintegrating into abuse as has been seen already.
There's good and bad in both schools. Who knows, the bright students from kings might even have a positive impact on tomlinscote!
From: tomlinscote kings <tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 5:45 PM
Subject: Re: Kings
To: REMOVED
I absolutely agree with you. I want to see a solution that protects
my childrens education. My main objection is the split site that
means both T an K children will have to travel and transfer schools
during their education. I also worry that the restructuring will
cause standards to drop in both schools.
I have an agenda with the blog but if you want to write me a piece
from your point of view I'm happy to publish it.
I cannot protect you from what is written on facebook but I can make
you a promise that the blog will be sensitive to Kings parents.
Michael Gove - careful reply from a man with plenty to lose
Here is the standardised letter that Mr Gove's team is sending in reply to your letters. I've seen a few and they do differ slightly but the paragraphs on this one are common to all letters.
In some ways I feel sorry for Mr Gove as anything he does here will almost certainly open him to scrutiny at the highest levels. If he is seen to commit one way or another, even if he does not, the outcome could open him to attack in the mainstream press or at the dispatch box.
The failure of SurreyCC with respect to the performance of Kings International School cannot be placed at Mr Goves door. Like it or not however, the parents (from Tomlinscote and Kings) demand for him to comment on this issue means he cannot disclaim all responsibility for whatever happens from now on - this may come back to haunt him.
If there is any drop in the "Outstanding" standards at Tomlinscote school due to the massive hiatus that will result from serious restructuring I can see serious questions being asked as to how the Education Secretary could have let this happen on his watch and in his constituency. It is going to be a little difficult to plead ignorance of the goings on given the number of people who have written to him. Measuring if Kings students are better off will be almost impossible as Kings would not exist.
Of course it could go the other way and he could claim the credit for a fantastic initiative - who knows.
The other aspect that has huge potential to do damage to the Conservative party is this:-
Insider 2300hrs 17th March 2011: Are Surrey County Council (SCC) pursuing the incorporation of Kings International School into Tomlinscote for the right reasons (for children and parents), or is it purely to head off a fear from the County of a potential Free School bid from an outside party to take over the running of Kings International? The benefit to SCC to keep it in their control would be massive in that the money paid from Central Government to schools would be distributed via County Hall, keeping jobs there, as well as to secure land ownership and assets when increased pupil demand longer term may make both schools viable as seperate entities?
This is obviously a rumour but it paints an intriguing picture. David Cameron is talking of a "big society" and "smaller government" and encouraging peoples participation. Meanwhile a conservative council in a safe conservative seat, that of his education secretary no less, may be pursuing a line that makes a mockery of him. The education secretary Michael Gove is promoting "academies" and "free schools" while, in this case, his own conservative led council maybe following a line that is undermining his departments flagship policy. Its not too much of a struggle to believe that Surrey County Council does not like the idea of being smaller and having less control and power. This is before the fact that the plans are likely to cause traffic mayhem in Frimley having a serious impact on both the local business economy and CO2 emissions, a backward step directly contradicting two other rather serious central government policies.
Its not as if this can be painted as a "cost saving" measure when it is suggested to keep both sites and all of the combined teachers - in fact if anything it will add more cost as a £115k pa Super Head is placed above the existing management structure. Extra building works are needed etc etc.
The "big society" and "small government" ideals are great but there is a huge feeling amongst parents that our voice will not be heard and that the outcome is a done deal. Where does this place the "big society" policy if a conservative led council is possibly planning to push past a policy that so many people are opposed to while only "going through the motions" of consultation. Lets face it their communication so far has been dire, the pupils forming intake for next year have not even been informed - if you don't tell people that 6 week consultation process is going to fly by!
Then there is the "conflict of interest" in that the "merger" is supported by SurreyCC and the local LEA who have representation on the board of governors. I don't believe they should be allowed to vote given that with their publicly stated preference they can hardly be objectively voting in the interests of the school of which they are a governing body. Tony Ryles has a foot in both camps too so really he has a massive conflict of interest and cannot be considered impartial either - even worse his retirement means that he will not have to preside over whatever he votes for - hardly a vote of confidence. Perhaps worse still the HEAD of the governors at Tomlinscote Colonel Steel is also on the restructuring committee at Kings - If the Head of the Governors has a conflict of interest I can see why people feel the consultation process is irrelevant and a done deal. The wording of Mr Goves letter does nothing to reassure me that he has not known about this for quite some time, which makes him uncomfortably close to the gentle setting up of this direction with a "Soft Federation" and the shared management and voting structure.
Get this wrong at your peril guys!
In some ways I feel sorry for Mr Gove as anything he does here will almost certainly open him to scrutiny at the highest levels. If he is seen to commit one way or another, even if he does not, the outcome could open him to attack in the mainstream press or at the dispatch box.
The failure of SurreyCC with respect to the performance of Kings International School cannot be placed at Mr Goves door. Like it or not however, the parents (from Tomlinscote and Kings) demand for him to comment on this issue means he cannot disclaim all responsibility for whatever happens from now on - this may come back to haunt him.
If there is any drop in the "Outstanding" standards at Tomlinscote school due to the massive hiatus that will result from serious restructuring I can see serious questions being asked as to how the Education Secretary could have let this happen on his watch and in his constituency. It is going to be a little difficult to plead ignorance of the goings on given the number of people who have written to him. Measuring if Kings students are better off will be almost impossible as Kings would not exist.
Of course it could go the other way and he could claim the credit for a fantastic initiative - who knows.
The other aspect that has huge potential to do damage to the Conservative party is this:-
Insider 2300hrs 17th March 2011: Are Surrey County Council (SCC) pursuing the incorporation of Kings International School into Tomlinscote for the right reasons (for children and parents), or is it purely to head off a fear from the County of a potential Free School bid from an outside party to take over the running of Kings International? The benefit to SCC to keep it in their control would be massive in that the money paid from Central Government to schools would be distributed via County Hall, keeping jobs there, as well as to secure land ownership and assets when increased pupil demand longer term may make both schools viable as seperate entities?
This is obviously a rumour but it paints an intriguing picture. David Cameron is talking of a "big society" and "smaller government" and encouraging peoples participation. Meanwhile a conservative council in a safe conservative seat, that of his education secretary no less, may be pursuing a line that makes a mockery of him. The education secretary Michael Gove is promoting "academies" and "free schools" while, in this case, his own conservative led council maybe following a line that is undermining his departments flagship policy. Its not too much of a struggle to believe that Surrey County Council does not like the idea of being smaller and having less control and power. This is before the fact that the plans are likely to cause traffic mayhem in Frimley having a serious impact on both the local business economy and CO2 emissions, a backward step directly contradicting two other rather serious central government policies.
Its not as if this can be painted as a "cost saving" measure when it is suggested to keep both sites and all of the combined teachers - in fact if anything it will add more cost as a £115k pa Super Head is placed above the existing management structure. Extra building works are needed etc etc.
The "big society" and "small government" ideals are great but there is a huge feeling amongst parents that our voice will not be heard and that the outcome is a done deal. Where does this place the "big society" policy if a conservative led council is possibly planning to push past a policy that so many people are opposed to while only "going through the motions" of consultation. Lets face it their communication so far has been dire, the pupils forming intake for next year have not even been informed - if you don't tell people that 6 week consultation process is going to fly by!
Then there is the "conflict of interest" in that the "merger" is supported by SurreyCC and the local LEA who have representation on the board of governors. I don't believe they should be allowed to vote given that with their publicly stated preference they can hardly be objectively voting in the interests of the school of which they are a governing body. Tony Ryles has a foot in both camps too so really he has a massive conflict of interest and cannot be considered impartial either - even worse his retirement means that he will not have to preside over whatever he votes for - hardly a vote of confidence. Perhaps worse still the HEAD of the governors at Tomlinscote Colonel Steel is also on the restructuring committee at Kings - If the Head of the Governors has a conflict of interest I can see why people feel the consultation process is irrelevant and a done deal. The wording of Mr Goves letter does nothing to reassure me that he has not known about this for quite some time, which makes him uncomfortably close to the gentle setting up of this direction with a "Soft Federation" and the shared management and voting structure.
Get this wrong at your peril guys!
Sunday 20 March 2011
Timing of disclosure - does this present a legal claim?
The fact that this was released on the final day for accepting your secondary school place seems to be a fairly cynical move! How many people may have made a different choice if they knew what was coming down the pipe - effectively we were misled.
Are there any lawyers out there who know how SurreyCC stands legally on this issue?
Update: I received my letter from SurreyCC today (Thursday 24th March 2011 pm) because I have a year 6 child - a week or so after the deadline for accepting school offers.
Are there any lawyers out there who know how SurreyCC stands legally on this issue?
Update: I received my letter from SurreyCC today (Thursday 24th March 2011 pm) because I have a year 6 child - a week or so after the deadline for accepting school offers.
Facebook Petition
I've just been informed that you can sign a facebook petition here http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190058327699422 thanks to Georgia.
Update: Some of the talk on this board is not very nice or constructive - I'm currently talking to Georgia to see if we can find a solution to this - perhaps have someone admin it.
Update: Some of the talk on this board is not very nice or constructive - I'm currently talking to Georgia to see if we can find a solution to this - perhaps have someone admin it.
Standardised / example letters of complaint
If anyone would like to write some standardised letters of complaint that people can cut and paste from to make production of their own letters easier that would be great.
If people are prepared to share their own letters this would also serve the same purpose.
Please send suggested letters to tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com and I'll compile a page. Please state when you send it if you wish to be named or you want your details blanked. In all cases I will bank out telephone numbers and addresses.
If people are prepared to share their own letters this would also serve the same purpose.
Please send suggested letters to tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com and I'll compile a page. Please state when you send it if you wish to be named or you want your details blanked. In all cases I will bank out telephone numbers and addresses.
Are Tomlinscote teachers voting with their feet?
Tomlinscote has a crisis teaching wise in the Maths department. An unprecedented number of teachers have left recently. An insider has revealed that a couple of members of staff associated with Key Stage 3 will be leaving at the end of the year I'm sure there are more I don't know about.
I had the misfortune to be caught in a company merger once. The management of the two companies fought, the employees of the two companies fought, morale was awful, work related sickness went through the roof and very little work got done. The best management and employees left to a rival company and I hear the whole thing went on for about 3 years.
It took me 10 months to "jump ship" but despite the stress I was paid during that period. Our children (Tomlinscote or Kings) will not have the ability to "jump ship" and will be stuck with this resructuring chaos for their whole time at school. Maybe this will seem like a good idea in 8+ years time but for the current students and the next few years intake (4000-5000 students) their education will be materially affected.
Update: I have been assured by a source within Tomlinscote school that the issues relating to staffing in the Maths department are not in any way connected with - people voting with their feet. But it does serve as an example about how a few staff leaving for whatever reason can lead to problems with the provision of lessons.
Are Tomlinscote teachers voting with their feet?
I had the misfortune to be caught in a company merger once. The management of the two companies fought, the employees of the two companies fought, morale was awful, work related sickness went through the roof and very little work got done. The best management and employees left to a rival company and I hear the whole thing went on for about 3 years.
It took me 10 months to "jump ship" but despite the stress I was paid during that period. Our children (Tomlinscote or Kings) will not have the ability to "jump ship" and will be stuck with this resructuring chaos for their whole time at school. Maybe this will seem like a good idea in 8+ years time but for the current students and the next few years intake (4000-5000 students) their education will be materially affected.
Update: I have been assured by a source within Tomlinscote school that the issues relating to staffing in the Maths department are not in any way connected with - people voting with their feet. But it does serve as an example about how a few staff leaving for whatever reason can lead to problems with the provision of lessons.
Are Tomlinscote teachers voting with their feet?
Saturday 19 March 2011
Lobby the Governors
Update: please see list of Tomlinscote Governors
I received the following mail that was very well researched:-
Could I suggest that the majority of efforts are aimed at lobbying and persuading the governors of Tomlinscote school, since the ultimate decision whether to go ahead with the SCC proposal rests with them – it cannot go ahead without the approval of the Tomlinscote governing body; this has been confirmed by Peter-John Wilkinson (see attached). Presumably, the majority of Parent & Teacher governors would be against the proposal already, so may be best to concentrate on Col. Steel and the Community governors. Unfortunately, the Tomlinscote website doesn’t seem to list the governors individually, but the school office should be able to supply a list of who’s who.
To this point, I would think that the most compelling argument would possibly be the inherent problems with effectively running an educational establishment across two non-adjacent sites; a quick google brings up a number of references in various Ofsted reports to support this, including:
· “The school's split sites are not the easiest of learning environments”
· “… constraints on the timetable due to the split site mean that continuity between staff who teach specific groups can be problematic.”
· “it has suffered a great deal from problems caused by split-site working … governors, headteacher and key staff have struggled hard to pull things together, but until recently the school has often been diverted from the main task of raising standards”
· “the severe financial constraints posed by running two widely spaced sites”
The issue has even been raised in Parliament:
· “Has the Secretary of State had a look at the letter from the headmaster of Tibshelf school explaining the difficulties of having to deal with the split school site in Bolsover and North East Derbyshire?”
I would also like to press for a meeting to be held between Tomlinscote governing body and Tomlinscote parents, other than the one planned by SCC, as we would then at least be able to gauge the feeling of the body as a whole and possibly see which governors are for or against the proposal. I have emailed Mrs Johnson-Walker and Col. Steel to request this; may be worth asking others to do so, too?
From: Peter-John Wilkinson <peterjohn.wilkinson@surreycc.gov.uk>
To: REMOVED
Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:49:44 +0000
Subject: RE: one more question!
REMOVED -
Yes, just so.
Peter-John
Peter-John Wilkinson
Acting Head of Schools & Learning
Tel no 020 8541 9907
Peter-John,
Thanks for your prompt response, but just to clarify, when you write ‘rests equally’ with the council & the governing body, does that mean the decision would need agreement of both bodies to go ahead?
Thanks,
REMOVED
From: Peter-John Wilkinson [mailto:peterjohn.wilkinson@surreycc.gov.uk]
Sent: 18 March 2011 11:47
To: REMOVED
Subject: Re: one more question!
Dear REMOVED,
The decision on the closure of Kings rests with Surrey County Council. The decision on the expansion of Tomlinscote rests equally with the County Council and with the Governing Body of Tomlinscote.
12 pupils started at Kings International last September.
I hope this is the information you need.
Best wishes
Peter-John
Peter-John Wilkinson
Acting Head of Schools & Learning
Tel no 020 8541 9907
Dear Mr Wilkinson,
Thank you for your time on the phone yesterday evening, it was much appreciated.
One quick question that I’m hoping you can give me an authoritative answer to: at the end of the consultation process etc, whose final decision would it be as to whether the merger of the schools actually goes ahead?
Also (ok, make it two questions), your letter mentions the number of first-preferences that were submitted for Kings for the last academic year: please could you tell me the number of actual admissions, ie including those who didn’t list it as their first preference?
Many thanks,
REMOVED
From: REMOVED
Sent: 15 March 2011 18:03
To: 'peterjohn.wilkinson@surreycc.gov.uk'
Subject: query
Importance: High
Dear Mr Wilkinson,
I have been advised to contact you to obtain some accurate information concerning a rumoured proposal for the merging or similar of Tomlinscote & Kings schools in Camberley.
I would appreciate it if you could urgently either email me further information, or contact me on REMOVED as it seems most worrying that as a parent of children that would be directly affected by such a proposal, the only information that seems available are rumours and speculation voiced by school children.
Thanks & regards,
REMOVED
I received the following mail that was very well researched:-
Could I suggest that the majority of efforts are aimed at lobbying and persuading the governors of Tomlinscote school, since the ultimate decision whether to go ahead with the SCC proposal rests with them – it cannot go ahead without the approval of the Tomlinscote governing body; this has been confirmed by Peter-John Wilkinson (see attached). Presumably, the majority of Parent & Teacher governors would be against the proposal already, so may be best to concentrate on Col. Steel and the Community governors. Unfortunately, the Tomlinscote website doesn’t seem to list the governors individually, but the school office should be able to supply a list of who’s who.
To this point, I would think that the most compelling argument would possibly be the inherent problems with effectively running an educational establishment across two non-adjacent sites; a quick google brings up a number of references in various Ofsted reports to support this, including:
· “The school's split sites are not the easiest of learning environments”
· “… constraints on the timetable due to the split site mean that continuity between staff who teach specific groups can be problematic.”
· “it has suffered a great deal from problems caused by split-site working … governors, headteacher and key staff have struggled hard to pull things together, but until recently the school has often been diverted from the main task of raising standards”
· “the severe financial constraints posed by running two widely spaced sites”
The issue has even been raised in Parliament:
· “Has the Secretary of State had a look at the letter from the headmaster of Tibshelf school explaining the difficulties of having to deal with the split school site in Bolsover and North East Derbyshire?”
I would also like to press for a meeting to be held between Tomlinscote governing body and Tomlinscote parents, other than the one planned by SCC, as we would then at least be able to gauge the feeling of the body as a whole and possibly see which governors are for or against the proposal. I have emailed Mrs Johnson-Walker and Col. Steel to request this; may be worth asking others to do so, too?
From: Peter-John Wilkinson <peterjohn.wilkinson@surreycc.gov.uk>
To: REMOVED
Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:49:44 +0000
Subject: RE: one more question!
REMOVED -
Yes, just so.
Peter-John
Peter-John Wilkinson
Acting Head of Schools & Learning
Tel no 020 8541 9907
Peter-John,
Thanks for your prompt response, but just to clarify, when you write ‘rests equally’ with the council & the governing body, does that mean the decision would need agreement of both bodies to go ahead?
Thanks,
REMOVED
From: Peter-John Wilkinson [mailto:peterjohn.wilkinson@surreycc.gov.uk]
Sent: 18 March 2011 11:47
To: REMOVED
Subject: Re: one more question!
Dear REMOVED,
The decision on the closure of Kings rests with Surrey County Council. The decision on the expansion of Tomlinscote rests equally with the County Council and with the Governing Body of Tomlinscote.
12 pupils started at Kings International last September.
I hope this is the information you need.
Best wishes
Peter-John
Peter-John Wilkinson
Acting Head of Schools & Learning
Tel no 020 8541 9907
Dear Mr Wilkinson,
Thank you for your time on the phone yesterday evening, it was much appreciated.
One quick question that I’m hoping you can give me an authoritative answer to: at the end of the consultation process etc, whose final decision would it be as to whether the merger of the schools actually goes ahead?
Also (ok, make it two questions), your letter mentions the number of first-preferences that were submitted for Kings for the last academic year: please could you tell me the number of actual admissions, ie including those who didn’t list it as their first preference?
Many thanks,
REMOVED
From: REMOVED
Sent: 15 March 2011 18:03
To: 'peterjohn.wilkinson@surreycc.gov.uk'
Subject: query
Importance: High
Dear Mr Wilkinson,
I have been advised to contact you to obtain some accurate information concerning a rumoured proposal for the merging or similar of Tomlinscote & Kings schools in Camberley.
I would appreciate it if you could urgently either email me further information, or contact me on REMOVED as it seems most worrying that as a parent of children that would be directly affected by such a proposal, the only information that seems available are rumours and speculation voiced by school children.
Thanks & regards,
REMOVED
Questions for the meeting - please post your suggestions.
I received the following mail from a parent who makes an excellent point:-
I know we do not have much time but I feel that we should have a pre prepared list of questions for when we attend the meeting on 29th March.
My concern is that with so many passionate parents together the questions are going to be duplicated and asked without any structure. The downside to this is that we may run out of time and find that important points do not get covered.
Would it be possible to add a page to this website where parents and children can leave questions that they want answered. These can then be translated into a structured list of questions to be asked by possible few spokes people who maybe have experience in doing something similar from a work place environment.
I for example have the following burning questions/comments that I would like to be asked and have the feedback documented for all to see.
1. My year 11 daughter has been offered a place at both Tomlinscote 6th form and Farnborough 6th form. She has always maintained that she will accept the Tomlinscote place, however after the announcement this week, she has been onto the Farnborough website and accepted her place there. What will Tomlinscote do to ensure that they do not lose other able and committed students, which in turn will reduce the standard of Tomlinscote 6th form.
2. Currently Tomlinscote has a commitment to provide all new students with laptops for school and home use. All parents who choose Tomlinscote are made aware of the Financial commitment involved. How is this going to rolled out to current Kings students or will this be scrapped?
3. Uniform – Tomlinscote have always maintained a very strict Uniform policy and I have personally witnessed the way many Kings students dress when they turn up to school, how is this going to be addressed, just because you change a school name does not mean you change the culture.
4. I know of specific parents who chose not to go to Tomlinscote because of what they believe are Dictatorial rules. Without the backing of these parents how do Tomlinscote expect to change existing bad behaviours.
5. I am sure everyone agrees that Kings is failing and that something needs to be done but by merging a failing school with a high achieving school is surely going to produce a mediocre institution and who exactly does that benefit.
Lastly I would love to hear the views of Mr Ryles, funny how this has come to light since he announced his retirement, would he of ever allowed it to be considered under his Leadership, I am guessing the truthful answer to that is NO.
I and I am sure all parents have another 100 questions like this which is why I feel it is so important to plan how we are going to approach this during the meeting on 29th March.
I know we do not have much time but I feel that we should have a pre prepared list of questions for when we attend the meeting on 29th March.
My concern is that with so many passionate parents together the questions are going to be duplicated and asked without any structure. The downside to this is that we may run out of time and find that important points do not get covered.
Would it be possible to add a page to this website where parents and children can leave questions that they want answered. These can then be translated into a structured list of questions to be asked by possible few spokes people who maybe have experience in doing something similar from a work place environment.
I for example have the following burning questions/comments that I would like to be asked and have the feedback documented for all to see.
1. My year 11 daughter has been offered a place at both Tomlinscote 6th form and Farnborough 6th form. She has always maintained that she will accept the Tomlinscote place, however after the announcement this week, she has been onto the Farnborough website and accepted her place there. What will Tomlinscote do to ensure that they do not lose other able and committed students, which in turn will reduce the standard of Tomlinscote 6th form.
2. Currently Tomlinscote has a commitment to provide all new students with laptops for school and home use. All parents who choose Tomlinscote are made aware of the Financial commitment involved. How is this going to rolled out to current Kings students or will this be scrapped?
3. Uniform – Tomlinscote have always maintained a very strict Uniform policy and I have personally witnessed the way many Kings students dress when they turn up to school, how is this going to be addressed, just because you change a school name does not mean you change the culture.
4. I know of specific parents who chose not to go to Tomlinscote because of what they believe are Dictatorial rules. Without the backing of these parents how do Tomlinscote expect to change existing bad behaviours.
5. I am sure everyone agrees that Kings is failing and that something needs to be done but by merging a failing school with a high achieving school is surely going to produce a mediocre institution and who exactly does that benefit.
Lastly I would love to hear the views of Mr Ryles, funny how this has come to light since he announced his retirement, would he of ever allowed it to be considered under his Leadership, I am guessing the truthful answer to that is NO.
I and I am sure all parents have another 100 questions like this which is why I feel it is so important to plan how we are going to approach this during the meeting on 29th March.
Organise into groups.
I'd like people to volunteer to join specific groups. I see the way that this would work is that I will give control of these email accounts to those who volunteer to be in the groups and they can explore the specific areas amongst themselves. To participate in a group please contact tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com thanks!
I've set up 5 groups
"traffic" tomlinscote.kings.traffic@gmail.com - This group could collect information and explore the issue from a traffic perspective.
"legal" tomlinscote.kings.legal@gmail.com - This group could look at the issue from a legal angle.
"education" tomlinscote.kings.edu@gmail.com - This group could examine the educational impact of these proposals. It would be nice if someone could request the minutes of all the governors meetings that pertain to this issue over the last year from both Kings and Tomlinscote. Parents have a right to view these minutes - otherwise the "freedom of information" act can be leveraged.
"economy" tomlinscote.kings.economy@gmail.com - This group could examine the impact on local business and lobby local companies to become involved. I have given this blog address to all businesses on the two trading estates between the Frimley roundabout and Focus DIY - but if someone wanted to canvass the Frimley shops or phone the businesses that would be good. Ironically Surrey CC have an office that will be affected on one of the estates! If we could get businesses who would be prepared to go on the record against an increase in traffic this would be brilliant.
"lobby" tomlinscote.kings.lobby@gmail.com - This group could coordinate lobbying of relevant parties (excluding business), and possible set up example complains letters and a library of complaints to make it easier for people to construct a complaint letter of their own.
If you are prepared to have your names published I'll list who is in which group on the blog.
I've set up 5 groups
"traffic" tomlinscote.kings.traffic@gmail.com - This group could collect information and explore the issue from a traffic perspective.
"legal" tomlinscote.kings.legal@gmail.com - This group could look at the issue from a legal angle.
"education" tomlinscote.kings.edu@gmail.com - This group could examine the educational impact of these proposals. It would be nice if someone could request the minutes of all the governors meetings that pertain to this issue over the last year from both Kings and Tomlinscote. Parents have a right to view these minutes - otherwise the "freedom of information" act can be leveraged.
"economy" tomlinscote.kings.economy@gmail.com - This group could examine the impact on local business and lobby local companies to become involved. I have given this blog address to all businesses on the two trading estates between the Frimley roundabout and Focus DIY - but if someone wanted to canvass the Frimley shops or phone the businesses that would be good. Ironically Surrey CC have an office that will be affected on one of the estates! If we could get businesses who would be prepared to go on the record against an increase in traffic this would be brilliant.
"lobby" tomlinscote.kings.lobby@gmail.com - This group could coordinate lobbying of relevant parties (excluding business), and possible set up example complains letters and a library of complaints to make it easier for people to construct a complaint letter of their own.
If you are prepared to have your names published I'll list who is in which group on the blog.
Petition a huge success!
Andrew Parker has kindly set up a petition on the Surrey CC website here:- http://petitions.surreycc.gov.uk/tomlinscotekings/ Please add you voice on the County website as Surrey County Council will ultimately decide on this.
900+ signatures - this gives Andrew Parker the right to attend and address the Council Meeting where this must be presented as it has over 100 signatures.
Surrey petitions
7. How many signatures do you need?
Petitions with 100 or more signatures can be presented to a meeting of the Cabinet, an individual Cabinet Member or a Committee. The Cabinet, Cabinet Member or Committee will consider the petition and decide whether to take the requested action. Petitions must be received at least 14 days before the meeting.
10. Can you attend the meeting when your petition is discussed?
The lead petitioner or spokesperson for the petitioners will be invited to attend the meeting. They may speak to the Cabinet, Cabinet Member or committee about the petition for up to three minutes. The petition may be referred without discussion to the next appropriate meeting for a report on what action should be taken, or a response may be made at the meeting. If the petition is referred to a future meeting, we will let you know when that meeting will be. If you are not a petition organiser you may still attend the meeting at which the petition is discussed, but you would not be able to speak.
900+ signatures - this gives Andrew Parker the right to attend and address the Council Meeting where this must be presented as it has over 100 signatures.
Surrey petitions
7. How many signatures do you need?
Petitions with 100 or more signatures can be presented to a meeting of the Cabinet, an individual Cabinet Member or a Committee. The Cabinet, Cabinet Member or Committee will consider the petition and decide whether to take the requested action. Petitions must be received at least 14 days before the meeting.
10. Can you attend the meeting when your petition is discussed?
The lead petitioner or spokesperson for the petitioners will be invited to attend the meeting. They may speak to the Cabinet, Cabinet Member or committee about the petition for up to three minutes. The petition may be referred without discussion to the next appropriate meeting for a report on what action should be taken, or a response may be made at the meeting. If the petition is referred to a future meeting, we will let you know when that meeting will be. If you are not a petition organiser you may still attend the meeting at which the petition is discussed, but you would not be able to speak.
A good start but this will be a long haul
Well I think we can see just how alarmed people are by this issue...
Stop Press: 8.08 hrs 18th March 2011: Eagle Radio are running the Tomlinscote Kings merger at the top of their news segments including bits of an interview with Tomlinscote Parent Lisa Wilson. It provided excellent bullet point coverage of the main issues.
Stop Press: 9.51 hrs 18th March 2011: Eagle Radio have put the issue on their website along with a transcript of Lisa Wilsons comments. See Eagle Radio Here
Stop Press: 16:27 hrs 18th March 2011: Interesting article in CamberleyPeople.
The local paper ran a front page on this yesterday (if people can provide details I'll update).
This site is generating plenty of traffic
In talking to a few parents I have heard the attitude "It will happen its a done deal" and "what can we do to stop it Surrey CC have made up their mind". My answer to this has been that however difficult it will be or how hard if we try and it goes ahead we will know that it was not due to lack of action on our part. Anyone who is not prepared to take some part such as signing the petition or writing a letter of complaint really has no right to ever complain about the outcome.
Stop Press: 8.08 hrs 18th March 2011: Eagle Radio are running the Tomlinscote Kings merger at the top of their news segments including bits of an interview with Tomlinscote Parent Lisa Wilson. It provided excellent bullet point coverage of the main issues.
Stop Press: 16:27 hrs 18th March 2011: Interesting article in CamberleyPeople.
The local paper ran a front page on this yesterday (if people can provide details I'll update).
This site is generating plenty of traffic
In talking to a few parents I have heard the attitude "It will happen its a done deal" and "what can we do to stop it Surrey CC have made up their mind". My answer to this has been that however difficult it will be or how hard if we try and it goes ahead we will know that it was not due to lack of action on our part. Anyone who is not prepared to take some part such as signing the petition or writing a letter of complaint really has no right to ever complain about the outcome.
Lobby for access to initial information meeting presentation.
Someone called us yesterday with the excellent idea that we should go into the parental meetings....
Kings Monday 28th March / TomlinscoteTuesday 29th March NOTE changed to Wednesday 30th March see note below.
5:00 pm - 6:45 pm for years 7,8,9
7:00 pm - 8:45 pm for years 10,11,12,13
.... with some idea of what would be presented. As a consequence they phoned Nick Smith at Surrey County Council (Direct line 0208 541 8902) he can also be reached via (PA at 0208 541 0907) the PA route also works for his Boss Peter John Wilkinson the author of the original message.
We think this is an excellent idea that the presentation be sent to tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com so We can upload it here before the 28th March. Understanding what will be presented will enable Kings and Tomlinscote parents to be able to prepare well informed questions.
Please lobby these people to provide the information.
At worst the information should be after the meeting for those who were unable to be present - We hope it does not take a "freedom of information" request (and the time lag that would entail) to get it.
Update: Having seen the slides at the first presentation there is little of value in them - we need the real information.
Kings Monday 28th March / Tomlinscote
5:00 pm - 6:45 pm for years 7,8,9
7:00 pm - 8:45 pm for years 10,11,12,13
.... with some idea of what would be presented. As a consequence they phoned Nick Smith at Surrey County Council (Direct line 0208 541 8902) he can also be reached via (PA at 0208 541 0907) the PA route also works for his Boss Peter John Wilkinson the author of the original message.
We think this is an excellent idea that the presentation be sent to tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com so We can upload it here before the 28th March. Understanding what will be presented will enable Kings and Tomlinscote parents to be able to prepare well informed questions.
Please lobby these people to provide the information.
At worst the information should be after the meeting for those who were unable to be present - We hope it does not take a "freedom of information" request (and the time lag that would entail) to get it.
Update: Having seen the slides at the first presentation there is little of value in them - we need the real information.
Friday 18 March 2011
Request for leaders.
Our interest is in bringing a core team of experts who would be able to discuss the issues with some authority as they possess specific specialisms that equip them to match the council professionals who will sit on the other side of the table.
i.e. (in no particular order)
a) someone in local politics
b) schools management
c) educationalist
d) school governor experience
e) traffic management professional
f) lawyer
g) local business leader
h) someone with experience of town planning
Suggestions sent to me ...
PR professional – for press/media releases (there is a mum in Ravenscote)
Financial professional – accountant…just incase SCC start quoting numbers and the like!
Environmental consultant – who can advise us on any issues but also see where SCC are coming from
Secretary/Chair – to run and coordinate…..this might be a job too big for one per person?
I feel confident that amongst the people with a vested interest in seeing a good solution to this that these people exist we just need them to volunteer and step forward. Please email the tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com email address and we will go from there, when we have talked and checked that you are prepared to be named we can publish this.
We are particularly interested in getting in touch with Andrew Parker so that he can talk to a couple of other people with specialist knowledge who may put their names forward - since Andrew now has the right to speak at council we would like him to be as supported and informed as possible.
Anyone who feels they wish to help in any way however please make yourself known. I'm sure there will be plenty to do in the coming months. I know that lots of us have been texting, emailing, leafleting, putting up posters, facebooking, calling, writing letters, calling the press and radio... lets get organised so we can avoid duplication of effort and share the load!
It would be nice if when we have established candidates we could vote for them either online or at a public meeting.
If we've missed some aspects here please email and we will update.
i.e. (in no particular order)
a) someone in local politics
b) schools management
c) educationalist
d) school governor experience
e) traffic management professional
f) lawyer
g) local business leader
h) someone with experience of town planning
Suggestions sent to me ...
PR professional – for press/media releases (there is a mum in Ravenscote)
Financial professional – accountant…just incase SCC start quoting numbers and the like!
Environmental consultant – who can advise us on any issues but also see where SCC are coming from
Secretary/Chair – to run and coordinate…..this might be a job too big for one per person?
I feel confident that amongst the people with a vested interest in seeing a good solution to this that these people exist we just need them to volunteer and step forward. Please email the tomlinscote.kings@gmail.com email address and we will go from there, when we have talked and checked that you are prepared to be named we can publish this.
We are particularly interested in getting in touch with Andrew Parker so that he can talk to a couple of other people with specialist knowledge who may put their names forward - since Andrew now has the right to speak at council we would like him to be as supported and informed as possible.
Anyone who feels they wish to help in any way however please make yourself known. I'm sure there will be plenty to do in the coming months. I know that lots of us have been texting, emailing, leafleting, putting up posters, facebooking, calling, writing letters, calling the press and radio... lets get organised so we can avoid duplication of effort and share the load!
It would be nice if when we have established candidates we could vote for them either online or at a public meeting.
If we've missed some aspects here please email and we will update.
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