Posts

George Tomlinson Primary School, Leytonstone: the spectre of ‘academisation’ persists?

December 28, 2016 Academies

Earlier posts have reported on recent events at George Tomlinson Primary School in Leytonstone, and in particular noted the apprehension of some parents, teachers and onlookers that it is being prepared for ‘academisation’, perhaps by stealth. The development that first triggered such anxieties – the involvement of The Lime Academy Trust in the management of the school – has now come to an end, but as several correspondents have reminded me, this has by no means re-established a satisfactory status quo. What in part is fuelling the fire at this juncture is the governing body’s appointment of one Dr. Mathew Laban as interim associate headteacher and staff governor. For Dr. Laban turns out to ... »

Waltham Forest’s Mini-Holland: an imminent exposé?

December 21, 2016 Mini Holland

I recently stumbled across this video about Mini-Holland (MH) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hEVPJm-cBM What is perhaps of more interest is the following statement that its creator has placed on Facebook: ‘This video is a response to the feedback from ENJOY WALTHAM FOREST in regards to MH. The feedback claims that residents are happy with the scheme. This is perversely misleading; the scheme has actually torn Walthamstow into two parts. The claims have now prompted other areas of the UK to follow suit and implement a MH. This video is here to highlight the feelings of local residents. It is made in order to tell you what the MH lawmakers are not telling you…Several ... »

Chris Robbins: in memoriam UPDATED

December 16, 2016 Cllr. Chris Robbins, LBWF

EduAction: www.walthamforestmatters.org.uk/2015/02/10/down-memory-lane-2-nrf-eduaction-and-an-open-letter-to-cllr-chris-robbins/ Town Hall ‘culture’: www.walthamforestmatters.org.uk/2015/03/09/the-independent-panel-report-it-has-been-impossible-to-find-any-individual-within-the-council-itself-who-understands-what-was-contracted-and-what-has-been-delivered-for-the-money Worknet www.walthamforestmatters.org.uk/2015/03/24/documenting-past-failures-9-the-lbwf-worknet-fiasco/ The Olympics www.walthamforestmatters.org.uk/2015/04/08/our-olympics-2-lbwf-and-leyton-market-the-council-wins-a-gold-medal-for-ineptitude/ Asbestos www.walthamforestmatters.org.uk/2015/05/29/town-hall-asbestos-u... »

Education round-up: worrying developments at Davies Lane and George Tomlinson

December 11, 2016 Academies, George Tomlinson, LBWF, Waltham Forest Schools

In previous posts, I’ve looked at some of the worrying developments that are occurring in relation to the governance of Waltham Forest schools. Now word reaches me of two further instances which set alarm bells ringing. Davies Lane Primary School recently was taken over by the Arbor Academy Trust. Almost simultaneously, the governors took the decision to dismiss NUT representative Tobias Hayden. According to the union, this occurred after a disciplinary hearing held in Mr. Hayden’s absence, and stemmed from two particular aspects of his activity, which are described as follows: ‘In the Summer term, Tobias invited junior doctors to speak to the school’s NUT group. Meet... »

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LBWF backs down on proposed changes to its Council Tax Support scheme

December 2, 2016 Council tax, the Labour Party in Waltham Forest, Waltham Forest Labour Party

Some good news for a change. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Labour’s plan to drastically increase the proportion of council tax that the poorer sections of society would be required to pay in the forthcoming financial year. However, I now understand that, due to pressure from Labour’s rank and file, in tandem with the opposition of ‘some’ councillors, the rate will stay the same as before, higher than other London boroughs, true, but at least flatlining. It would be nice to think that this volte-face represents a significant turning point, and that after disasters like the Better Neighbourhoods Initiative and Worknet, Labour’s leadership has finally re-dis... »

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