Growing opposition to the Academies Bill

The opposition to the Academies Bill continues to grow.

The number of MPs signing the EDM has reached 68, with many Labour MPs demanding consultation before schools can become Academies.

The Children’s Services Network and Local Government Information Unit have produced a useful briefing.

http://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/opposing-the-academies-bill/academiesbill-aspecialbriefingbythechildren%E2%80%99sservicesnetwork

The Anti Academies Alliance public meeting in London last week saw 250 people pack the room. Alongside the excellent platform speakers from the floor included a Headteacher, chair of governors, and teachers organizing against Academy proposals in their schools. There have been meetings around the country, with many more to follow.

In Calderdale parents are organizing to save their school http://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/headlines/greetlandprimaryschoolparentssetupactiongrouptosaveschool

In Brent protestors gathered outside Claremont High School to leaflet and protest

http://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/headlines ( see update from Martin Francis below)

These are examples of what could be done at every school that threatens to become an Academy.

Meetings against the Academies Bill

   ·    Wakefield - A fair school system for all

* Trafford and Salford - Defend State Education

* Alliance Against Birmingham Academies meeting

* Manchester - Briefing meeting on the Academies Bill and Free Schools

* Cornwall - no more academies

* Norwich - Defend State Education

Anti Academies Newspaper – reprinting already

The first print run of the newspaper has run out and we have ordered a reprint.

We want to get this to parents in as many schools as possible, particularly if their school may be interested in becoming an Academy.

Free to parents groups, £3 per hundred to union groups (plus postage).

Please order newspapers as soon as possible, we can invoice union branches.

Download a copy here http://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/news/antiacademiesnewspaper

Order form available here

http://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/news/newspaperorderform

If you are posting an order for the newspaper please also send us an email so we can send it out as quickly as possible.

Write to your MP

http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/speakout/academies

EDM 135

Please ask your MP to add their name to this Early Day Motion. Currently 68 MPs have signed it.

EDM 135 PROPOSED ACADEMIES LEGISLATION 02.06.2010

Sign our Petition

here Petition Please download and circulate the petition

Please return the petition as soon as possible. Those that have been returned so far have pages filled. Thanks.

Anti Academies Alliance financial appeal

The work of the Anti Academies Alliance is supported by affliations, donations and voluntary labour.

You can help by:

Asking your organization to make a donation to the Anti Academies Alliance

checking that your organisation is affiliated or has reaffiliated;

by signing a standing order form for £2 a month;

posting the bulletin on your staffroom noticeboard or forwarding it;

putting a link to the website on your Facebook page.

Affiliation leaflet and Standing Order mandate - https://sites.google.com/a/antiacademies.org.uk/aaa/Home/affiliate

News

Wealthy to dominate Academies

http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6049283

TES cover story – Academies: An issue that’s not clear cut

http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6049354

Lib Dem councillor says 'Academising' our primary schools will not solve parents' problems 

http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/002853/academising_our_primary_schools_will_not_solve_parents_problems__eady.html

Brent Council letter to schools

http://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/opposing-the-academies-bill/brentcouncillettertoschools

Having trouble keeping up with the news on Academies and Free Schools?

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RSS feed - http://feedity.com/rss.aspx/antiacademies-org-uk/UVFTW1JS

CLAREMONT ACADEMY (Brent)  update from Martin Francis 

The Governing Body of Claremont High School has acted after contradictory statements from the headteacher over applying for academy status. Terry Malloy's statements to the press had ranged from the tentative to the gung-ho and resulted in an anti-academy demonstration outside the school. Reading between the lines it appears that there might have been a good old-fashioned row on the governing body.

A statement published in the Harrow Times said:

"The discussion was full and frank. At this point in time, the governing body has concluded that no expression of interest in pursuing academy status will be made and the school will continue to explore the specific and wider implications of academy status to be better informed."

As Brent Green Party spokesperson on Children, Families and Schools I welcome the governing body's statement which indicates that they have recognised their democratic responsibilities and the need to be accountable to the wider community. I hope that after due deliberation they will reject the academy option on the grounds that it would undermine central services provided by the local authority, take money from other schools, and remove democratic accountability.