Conservatives in Reading have condemned Labour’s lack of forward planning for Primary School places and the consequent need to find twelve bulge classes in Primary Schools across the town.
Cllr Isobel Ballsdon, Conservative Strategic lead for Education, said, “I’ve first-hand experience of being given a waiting list number instead of a primary school place so I know what a nerve-wracking process this is for parents. Although “bulge classes” are not ideal there is no alternative given the short amount of time between now and September 2013. I welcome the announcement of where nine of the twelve bulge classes will be located as this will help parents make more realistic choices on their application forms before the 15 January 2013 deadline. The second bulge class north of the river should be finalised any day but the Council is further off finding a solution for the remaining 2 in central Reading.”
“The shortage of school places came to a head right across Reading back in April for children starting Reception in September this year. On offer day this year 79 families were not given a school place because the Labour administration had failed to anticipate and prepare for the number of applications or even where the worst pressure for places was likely to be.”
Cllr Sandra Vickers, Conservative Education spokesman said, “Many families came to me in despair during the mess and uncertainty over places for the current academic year’s admissions. Nobody wants a repeat of that shambles. I support these “bulge classes” and hope the administration’s forecasting will prove to be accurate next time.”
The Council’s planning for next year’s intake should deal with the forecast increase in primary applications. In the meantime Conservatives are also working to help plan for 2014 and beyond.”