Tomorrow is also the last day for the Ponteland school consultation

This ends midnight 23rd June 2016. I have met many of the local families, governors, teachers and headteachers involved in this process. Three Friday's ago I met a group who were very opposed.

NCC proposes to change the age ranges of all schools (apart from Ponteland Middle School which is now an Academy) to convert to a 2 tier structure. This is a decision which will have a huge impact on local education. Some are in favour. Some are against. But not to get respond would be a great shame - particularly if you oppose the present plan. It is more important now than ever for each parent/carer to give their views to the latest proposals. Fuller details from NCC can be found at http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Education/Schools/Consultations.aspx

The present NCC proposal is here: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/NorthumberlandCountyCouncil/media/Document-store/School%20Consultation/Ponteland-Consultation-Document-FINAL.pdf

Update on County Council approach to Ponteland Schools

The four County Councillors for Ponteland and I are furious we were not consulted in any meaningful way, and that the Council is once again trying to impose its own plans on Ponteland.

I know this outstanding school, and its outstanding headteacher Dr Carolyn Pryor very well. It has outstanding results and I know is strongly supported. I have visited the school, and met the teachers, parents and pupils many times. Indeed, we have worked very hard to improve the facilities there. In April 2015 I was part of the opening football match at the new football pitch that was funded by the Premier League, the Football Association and Sport England money, on the basis that the school would be there on a long term basis. 

We cannot see why there is such an unseemly rush for this unprecedented upheaval. There is a real danger the County Council is now setting one school against another. Whilst there may be benefits to the surrounding first schools in extending their age ranges, we personally could not support a consultation which proposes closing Ponteland Middle School, which is one of Northumberland's most outstanding schools.

The formal consultation on the closure of Ponteland Middle School is rushed and has been decided behind closed doors.

It is now vital the County Council listens to the people of Ponteland. If local people are opposed to these plans it would be a real mistake for the County Council to go ahead. Politicians should listen to local people and so I would urge the County Council to listen to what local people have to say. If they say that the County Council should abandon these proposals and maintain the three tier system then that is exactly what the County Council should do.

New Football Pitch at Ponteland Middle School - a great community investment

It was great to pop by the Ponteland Middle School last month and see the work being done on the football pitch there. Full story here in the Morpeth Herald. I am looking to play in the charity game when the pitch is finished.
http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/news/local-news/mp-s-high-praise-for-school-s-big-pitch-project-1-7009434

I raised this in the House of Commons in November:

Guy Opperman (Hexham, Conservative)

As a cricketer, I echo the sympathies for the wonderful Phil Hughes, whose loss is tragic.

I welcome the announcement that Ponteland middle school will have a new artificial grass football pitch funded by the Premier League, the Football Association and Sport England. May I urge the DCMS to carry out an audit of all my constituency so that other pitches may be installed very soon?

            

Helen Grant (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; Maidstone and The Weald, Conservative)

I am delighted that Ponteland community middle school has been successful in its application. Artificial pitches are amazing and increase participation, community involvement and talent development, which is how we will grow the game. I am happy to look, with my hon. Friend, at what scope there might be for further projects.