Proposals to change Fortismere School from a Community School to a Foundation School

Consultation Report from Governing Body

Statement from Keep Fortismere Comprehensive

24th September 2007

KFC Committee has met to review the future of the campaign following the decision of the Governors to adopt Foundation Status.

The title of our campaign and the aims and objectives set out in our constitution were chosen to include keeping Fortismere as a comprehensive school and to oppose the introduction of selection. These issues are broader than the issue of Foundation Status.

Although the school will still be subject to the code of practice on admissions, we believe that there are many loopholes in this code. We also believe that without Haringey administering the admissions process there is a real danger of covert selection. The debacle over sixth form admissions last year shows the continued need for monitoring.

Similarly, we remain concerned about recent changes in the ethos and provision for Special Needs and statemented pupils at the school. We intend to continue to work closely with the Fortismere Inclusion group to ensure that students’ receive their entitlements.

We have therefore agreed that there is a real need to continue the campaign, but, with a new focus.

During the consultation, the Governors repeatedly stated that they too wished the school to remain comprehensive, that they would not change the admission arrangements, that they would not sell off land, and that staff would have their conditions protected, and that the school would continue to co-operate with other Haringey schools.

We want to support the Governors by ensuring that these commitments are met. Again, we believe we have a role to play in monitoring.

It is perfectly possible for the Governors of a Foundation School to run the school in practice in the same way as if it had continued to be a Community School. We see a continued role in campaigning for them to do this.

Our campaign has been supported by many parents, staff and members of the community. From them, we see a key role in identifying candidates who support these aims to stand for election to the Governing Body.

We have agreed to hold a meeting for all members of the campaign to seek their views on this statement.

To all members of KFC

You are invited to attend a meeting:

10.30am
Saturday, 13th October, 2007
Royal British Legion
Muswell Hill Road, London N10 3NG

This meeting will provide an opportunity to consider our strategy and will also be the Annual General Meeting of the campaign.

NB This is meeting for KFC members only

Fortismerecampaign@blueyonder.co.uk

By fax to 0871 733 5749

Or by post to Haringey NUT, 38 Station Road, London N22 7TX

If you would like to join our campaign, or receive information please contact us

Please could all visitors to the website who support the KFC cause spread the word as far as you possibly can to other parents/carers they know.