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25 Jan 99

Parent Representatives on Poole Education Committee

Parents in Poole are being represented on the Borough's Education Committee for the first time and are taking their places a year earlier than required by the recent Education Act. Borough of Poole Councillors have decided to run a one year pilot scheme to help all involved gain valuable experience.

Following elections by parent governors, two members have been appointed to the Committee: Mr Phil Renahan from St Mary's Combined School to represent the primary schools and Mr Bill Craig from Ashdown School as a secondary school representative.

Their challenging task will be to represent the views of all parents in the Borough as the Committee continues with its task of raising standards and improving provision.

Cllr Annette Brooke, Chairman of the Education Committee is looking forward to the views of parents being heard. "This will be a welcome continuation of the partnership which has been forged between parents and the local education authority since reorganisation in 1997. We already run an effective Parents' Forum and the inclusion of these new members will help to ensure that the views of parents are heard".

Jeff Hart, Chief Adviser, School Advice and Support said: "We need to ensure the right balance if we are to be a really democratic authority. It is for this reason that we are also pleased to be co-opting Mr Richard Dimbleby, the Principal of the Bournemouth & Poole College of Further Education to the Committee. By widening our representation we hope to ensure that all aspects of education in the Borough can move forward together."

David Downing, Advisory Officer (Governor Training & Support) School Advice & Support Service (01202) 687073