Southwark Liberal Democrats’ campaign for new schools in the borough was given a boost this week with a visit from the Minister for Schools, David Laws MP.
The Liberal Democrat minister met parents and local councillors in East Dulwich to discuss the shortage of school places in Southwark and what the Government is doing to support new schools.
He also heard from local councillors about their campaign for a new free school on the Dulwich Hospital site, which they hope will become the home of a new Harris Academy primary school.
The visit was arranged by Liberal Democrat councillor for East Dulwich, Cllr James Barber, and London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon AM.
Despite a growing shortfall of primary and secondary school places in Southwark, the Labour-run council has been accused of having no long-term plan to get to grips with the crisis. Critics say they are putting party politics ahead of children’s education by failing to talk to school providers, and also creating dozens of temporary ‘bulge’ classes instead of building new schools where they are needed.
Commenting after the meeting, East Dulwich councillor James Barber said:
“Whilst the Labour-run council buries its head in the sand on school places, Liberal Democrat councillors are getting on with the job of talking to parents and education providers to get new schools for local kids.”
“Parents have told us that what they care about is getting a good education for their children, and they’re not interested in political squabbles about which organisation provides it. That’s why Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of the campaign to build a new Harris free school on the Dulwich Hospital site.”
“It’s also important that all our primary schools are the optimal size of being two or three form entry so our children have the best possible start in life”.
Liberal Democrat London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon AM added:
“It was fantastic to have David Laws MP in Southwark as a Liberal Democrat minister at the heart of government. He listened to what parents had to say, and heard about our campaign for new schools in East Dulwich and across the borough. Having his support is a welcome boost for the campaign.”
Photos: John Russell