Reminder

'Caring Parents 101020' have posted a reminder (see below) that Peter Duxbury's letter requires responses if we are so engage in real dialogue. Please contact him directly or email me with comments which I can add to mine.

"This is an important letter, which needs our responses to make a difference. Our views by letter need to be received by Peter Duxbury (Director of Children’s Services) by the 9th April 2008."

First they came...

First they came for the Communists,
  and I didn’t speak up,
    because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
  and I didn’t speak up,
    because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
  and I didn’t speak up,
    because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
  and by that time there was no one
    left to speak up for me.

by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945

Thank you

Were you one of the people who went to see Douglas Hogg, MP? Please let us know how you got on.... well done to all you courageous people.

I would like to say a special thank you at this time to the staff of The Lafford High School in particular, as they have acted with tremendous dignity following the recent announcements. It has been very difficult for you as many risk losing your livelihoods. You have not really had a voice because of your professionalism. We care, we will stand up for you, we will speak out for you and all you represent. Remember, no one can steal your dignity and peace of mind - unless you allow them to. You have done so much for so many young people. That is never wasted. Have a happy weekend!

Acting Headteacher and new minisite

The Executive Headteacher of the Lafford has resigned following the open meeting on 6th March. That means that there is an Acting Headteacher now in place, with responsibility for the on site running of the school. Parents have been informed today.

Executive Head resigns

Sadie Lawlor of the Sleaford Standard has kindly let me know that there is now a SAVE THE LAFFORD minisite on their website. You can access it from the homepage. It should have all the relevant articles and comments. All are welcome to add to the debate and move things forward. Please use it.

Sleaford Standard
Save the Lafford Minisite

Letter to parents

This letter highlights several issues which have serious implications for the village as a whole, the wider community and for the communities of Tattershall, Ruskington and Sleaford. Paragraph five (Page 1) makes bizarre assumptions about minimum sizes of groups, which are totally unsubstantiated. I would like some evidence for this, please. Any other responses?

Billinghay Children's Centre

From the Sleaford Standard

"A facility to provide health and childcare needs for young children is progressing well. A new purpose-built children's centre, which will share the same site as Billinghay Primary School, is nearing completion. The centre will cater for the needs of families in the area with children aged up to five.

Coun Patricia Bradwell, Lincolnshire County Council's executive councillor for children's services, said: "The centre will provide facilities and essential support all the year around for young children and their families. "Services could include baby-weigh in sessions with health visitors, support groups for families, and healthy eating and legal advice. There could also be lots of activities for youngsters, including reading, play, singing and crafts.

"The children's centre will work in partnership with local childcare and early years providers and there will be the opportunity to develop support for parents and carers, including training and help with employment." The centre will link with a range of schools and will be managed by Paul Watson, principal of St George's College of Technology, Sleaford."
----
How do the people of Billinghay feel about it?

Sleaford Target

Was I pleased to read today's Sleaford Target! Thanks especially for the publication of an excellent open letter to our MP, Douglas Hogg, from Don Irvine. He said it all.

The main article on the Lafford has not appeared in the online version as yet, though it should do soon.
Sleaford Target
When it does, just search for 'Lafford' and you should find all the relevant online articles.

Update: Here it is!

Happy day to you all ;-)

Speak to your MP

I believe that Douglas Hogg, our MP, is in Sleaford this Friday. If you would like to take this case to him, please do so. Thankfully we still live in a democracy, have free speech and elected representatives. Use it!

Some suggestions:
Please let him know you are coming. Contact Douglas Hogg.
Take evidence with you - write things down so you don't forget what the most important points are. Take any relevant paperwork with you, petitions etc. The more evidence the better!
Stay calm and respectful at all times, leave the emotional stuff out.

Ask for his advice, ask him what he is prepared to do for your child, the village and his constituents.

If you are unable to use any of the links, feel free to use this email address for Douglas Hogg. Please do not abuse it. Just replace the 'at' with '@' , and the 'dot' with a '.'(done to prevent spam!)

hoggd at parliament dot uk

Have a happy day! There is much to be done. Oh additionally, there are still spaces for Parent Governors at the school. Are you interested? Contact the school and speak to someone in the office.

Surprised

Honestly, I am surprised at how many of you have admitted to reading this blog! I thought it was just me :-) Many of you are safely watching from the sidelines, and that is quite okay. If anyone has made any 'next steps' plans, please, please, please let us know. Big changes happen when people act in unison. As I have gone on record saying this, I am happy to repeat it here, I am expecting a good outcome for all involved in this challenging situation.

Primarily, for every child involved and affected by this huge upheaval (and their families).
Secondly, for those employed at the school. All you hardworking committed folk who turn up day after day and try and keep it all together.
Thirdly, for the wider community of Billinghay and surrounding areas.
I am sure there are more. Do let me know.

So, feel free to write and comment here. You can choose to leave comments anonymously (I have no way of finding out who you are - unless you write and tell me so). As long as the responses are not discriminatory or illegal in any way, I will leave them here for others to read.