Free schools would be bad for Rotherham

Sir,I write in response to the articles on 'Free Schools' published on the 17th September 17 and August 27.

I would like to make the following points for the consideration of your readers.

The Free School concept is a policy of the Conservative Coalition Government in the U.K based on practise in Sweden.

A most recent and independent review of this Swedish model revealed that it was socially divisive, elitist and expensive.

Furthermore, there is no independent evidence that it raised standards significantly. If two so called 'Free Schools' were to be established in Rotherham, they:

•  Would be outside of Local Authority Control and supervision.
• Would be unaccountable to the wider Rotherham Community of Parents and learners.
• Could set their own admission policies, be highly selective and potentially ignore students with E.A.L and Special Educational needs.

This would create an increased and unfair responsibility on the remaining L.A. Schools. Furthermore, there is no additional money for Free Schools; the funding would come out of the current funding pot.

In essence the public sector would be funding the private sector. All schools in Rotherham would have their budgets reduced to pay for these Free schools.

For all parents reading this letter, your child will receive less funding at their school to allow Free schools to be established and maintained.

A loss of up to 1350 students from the state sector to 'Niche' or other Free Schools would constitute a serious drain on the community of schools in Rotherham potentially threatening their existence.

I urge your readers and the Rotherham community as a whole to oppose Free Schools in Rotherham, and to support quality, Local Authority, State funded education as a right for all children.

Susan D Brook NASUWT Local Negotiating Secretary Rotherham.

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