Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has written to Parent Councils at all schools in the Dumfriesshire part of his constituency, including those in Dumfries town, Annandale and Eskdale, and Nithsdale, asking them to take part in an online survey on the proposed ‘Super School’ in Dumfries.
Mr Mundell has expressed concerns following feedback from parents and Parent Councils at a meeting held at St Andrews Primary in Dumfries last week.
A number of those present questioned the current consultation process, and raised fears over the lack of information on offer to parents. Mr Mundell has also been contacted at his office by a number of worried parents who feel the perception is that decisions have already been made without taking parents views on board.
The MP also believes it is vital that the scope of the existing consultation is widened to parents outside of the immediate Dumfries catchment area, as the proposals may have ramifications for schools surround Dumfries both in terms of resourcing and parental choice.
In light of this, Mr Mundell hopes that the short survey, which contains around 15 questions, will help him to better understand and address the specific issues parents are concerned about, and to allow schools outside Dumfries the opportunity for input.
The Dumfriesshire MP is also keen to highlight the strength of feeling on the issue in order to ensure those who support the project provide parents with the full facts and to make sure they take their views into consideration.
After speaking face to face with parents, Mr Mundell feels it has become clear that more needs to be done to engage people in the debate around the future provision of education in this region and believes he can play an important role in making sure that peoples voices are heard at the highest levels.
Last week Mr Mundell wrote to Michael Russell MSP seeking reassurances that the Scottish Government funding for new schools in Dumfries was not tied to the current the proposals for the Super School and would reflect the views of the people of Dumfries. Mr Mundell has vowed to keep up the pressure on the Scottish Government to makes sure that Dumfries and Galloway secures additional funding for schools that delivers for pupils, parents and the wider community.
Commenting, the Dumfriesshire MP said: “It is essential that any plans for a new Super School are introduced in partnership with parents and existing schools, and that they reflect their wishes. That is why I am encouraging members of Parent Councils in my constituency to take part in my survey and share their views. I want to make sure local peoples voices are heard at this crucial juncture before any final decisions are made. My message to people is to take an interest in these proposals as they will have a major impact on the future provision of education in our region.”
The local MP added: “Those proposing the project must be willing to accept the verdict of parents, but in order for parents to make an informed choice they must first be given all the necessary information. A number of parents remain concerned about this and I hope the results of this survey will allow me to take that issue forward on their behalf. Common sense also suggests that we need to start thinking about how these proposals might impact upon other schools in Annandale and Eskdale and Nithsdale, particularly with regards to resourcing and parental choice.”