Haringey Liberal Democrats have demanded a full public meeting as part of their five-point plan for the future of Fortismere School. Governors of Fortismere recently started an informal consultation process regarding the proposals for the school to move for Foundation status, giving until 18th May 2007 for views to be returned. The Liberal Democrats have suggested that more thorough consultation is needed and have provided five steps that need to be addressed:

1) The closing date for the consultation should be extended and the consultation should be widely publicised in order to gather the views of the whole local community.

2) The Head and the Director of Education should meet urgently to try to resolve the conflict between the school and the council. Lynne Featherstone MP has offered to facilitate the meeting in the hope that a way forward can be found that avoids the school pushing for foundation status.

3) The school should hold a proper public meeting to allow all points of view to be presented to parents and local community.

4) The school should be transparent and undertake to publish all the results of its informal consultation.

5) The Head and Governing body should make its intentions on selection clear – and guarantee Fortismere remains a school for the whole community.

Liberal Democrats support community schooling that is inclusive, not selective, and does not compromise on Special Educational Need (SEN) or Additional Education Need (AEN) provision.

Cllr Gail Engert (Lib Dem Spokesperson for Children and Young People) comments:

“Our five point plan ensures that all groups are properly consulted on the future of this successful school and that the results of the consultation are fully transparent. This school is a fundamental part of the local community and decisions on its future direction should take their concerns fully into account.”

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green adds:

“It is clear that there has been a break down in communications between the school and Haringey Council, which has resulted in Fortismere pushing for foundation status. I want Fortismere and Haringey to resolve their differences and start working together for the benefit of parents and the local community.

“I have offered to broker a meeting between the two sides so we can resolve this dispute. I am hopeful that this issue can be resolved if all sides focus on what is important – the future of the school and the children.”