Between 120 to 130 people attended.

The presentation was fair if slightly biased and the question and answer session was for the most part well handled

 I AM HOWEVER VERY HAPPY THAT 4S ARE NOT MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS the comments about the “inevitability” of change and the arrogance of the presenter who maintained that he was just making an argument were astonishing.

Respondents had the same concerns as have been expressed at meetings in Dunstable and if as 4S suggest they are a conduit to the County Council then they will in my view report back that the people of Leighton Buzzard are proud of the standards in their schools, of the curriculum provided by those schools, of the pastoral benefits of the current system and are overwhelmingly in favour of its retention.

4S were asked if there was any evidence to prove that a change would improve standards and responded honestly that there was no such evidence. They confirmed that the feedback already made to county had included issues regarding their leadership and the lack of support that county has provided to schools. It was pointed out that the county had failed in its strategies in relation to SEN and behavioural issues and that had this been dealt with effectively it was likely that standards would naturally improve.

Other issues raised included costs, school closure. The bias in the presentation and consultation documentation and response forms.

Again I stress that this is my interpretation. It is likely to be the same team at Queensbury. Go and see and hear for yourselves.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS

LETS HOPE THAT THEY LISTEN