Lafford's numbers have to add up

From the Sleaford Standard

EDITOR – I attended the meeting on March 6 at the Lafford High School, Billinghay to discuss the proposal by the governors to close the school. Understandably, passions were running very high. I attended the Lafford High School many years ago and I have very fond memories of my time spent there under the headship of Mr Padgett.

In the last few years since the Lafford High School has been working in partnership with St George's, it has made improvements year on year under the headship of Paul Watson. This is due to the good leadership of Paul and the dedication of the teachers and staff who have all worked extremely hard.

My understanding of the problem is that there are not sufficient pupils coming into the school from this summer (19 in total) and the pupils in the local primary schools for the coming years are very low in number.

This will mean that the overall numbers within the school will continue to fall year on year which will make the school unviable in terms of educational provision and finance. The local management of schools funding is mostly decided by pupil numbers and, although the county council has very limited discretion, it is obliged to follow the Government's funding formula.

Closing the school is something the council has desperately tried to avoid. This is why the partnership was encouraged with St George's and additional support provided to the school for many years by the county council. Without better parental support in terms of numbers it is difficult to see a better way forward in the interests of the children.

If local people want to keep the school open we need more children to attend – so if you have a child or grandchild who is 11 years or over please consider sending them to the Lafford High School.

As the local councillor I would be happy to discuss the issue in more detail. I can be contacted at cllrp.bradwell@lincolnshire.gov.uk or by telephone on 01526 352842.

COUNCILLOR PATRICIA BRADWELL
County Councillor for Billinghay & Metheringham
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What is your response to this, please? All comments welcome. Please contact Patricia Bradwell as well if you feel the need to.