EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION

The schools` consultation process trundled into Maybole on Wednesday night and considering the lack of publicity promoting the event there was a reasonable turnout.
However about half the audience – in total about 60 – were teachers, head teachers , councillors and one election candidate (me) – certainly not enough parents. And let`s face it, parents and pupils will be the ones most affected by change.

For change there will need to be as school roles are falling throughout the area and some schools are falling apart – a legacy, South Ayrshire officials were quick to point out, of the bad old days of Strathclyde Regional Council. The helpful information sheet which was handed out said `efforts to maintain quantity are compromising the long term quality of the provision. – in realspeak that means- changes will need to be made if our kids are to get the education they deserve. Schools may need to be amalgamated, new schools may be built on different sites, more use could be made of IT linking schools, school campuses may be created – all sorts of ideas.

However the officials also emphasised the village schools were recognised as vitally important to communities and a falling school role did NOT mean a school was threatened with closure.

Luckily this is a very early stage in the year long consultation process which means there is plenty time to have your say– and the education department officials were at pains to emphasise this will be a real consultation not like one about the Ayr Hospital Accident and Emergency department closure! They really want to know what you think, any ideas you have will be considered. This is a genuine attempt to consult communities every step of the way. They know how important the future education provision is.

Sitting back saying nothing is not an option. You want to keep your local school, think it is important, want to see it improve – then put pen to paper and tell them. Bombard them with ideas and opinions. Write to the Director of Education, Culture and Lifelong Learning, County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr KA 19 7DN or you can email mayboleareaconsultation@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.

What do I think? Rural schools are the heart of small communities and I want to see their continued presence in the villages. It’s up to the council to find ways of providing a high standard of education provided at the local level. I will stand up and be counted on this issue.