Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell, has raised concerns over the perceived lack of information being made available as part of the consultation exercise surrounding plans to build a Super School as part of the ‘Dumfries Learning Town’ Project.
The MP has received feedback from worried parents both at a public meeting held in the town last month and as part of his recent spring surgery tour. Those who have been in contact with Mr Mundell feel they are not being provided with enough information to make an informed choice and that the consultation being carried out by those behind the project is not taking their views on board or providing the reassurances they need.
Mr Mundell is particularly concerned at the perception amongst parents that the decision has already been made and that it is motivated by “ring fenced” funding available from the Scottish Government.
Mr Mundell has written to the Scottish Government seeking their assurances that funding will not be tied to this specific project, in the event that parents and those living in the Dumfries area do not support the plans. Mr Mundell believes that transparency over the financial and resourcing implications of the project is vital moving forward and that it is the only way to make sure parents, schools and communities can make a fully informed choice.
In response to the concerns raised by his constituents Mr Mundell initially wrote to all Parent Councils in the Dumfriesshire part of his constituency, asking them to take part in an online survey in an attempt to help him better understand the specific concerns over the plans and to help make sure their voices are heard.
Following numerous requests from parents and those in the local community Mr Mundell last week extended the survey to all affected parents and residents, and the surge in responses and the views expressed have moved Mr Mundell to call once again for those behind the project to start giving the reassurances parents, schools and communities need.
Commenting on the response so far the Dumfriesshire MP said: “These initial responses to my survey confirm fears that parents feel they simply do not have enough information. Despite all the meetings and the attempts to get information to worried parents and member of the public, people still feel their concerns are not being answered and that they are not being given all the facts.
“Nine out of 10 parents are telling me that they haven’t been given enough information and given the scope of the proposed changes more needs to be done urgently to let people know what is planned and what it will mean for them. Those behind the proposals must do everything possible to take on board and answer the concerns people are raising in order to address perceptions that these decisions are being made without parents and without the experience or resources to make this project a success.
“I fully understand why people do not want their children to be used to test this model and why they worry about parental choice. More educational evidence is also needed to help people understand the effects of altering the stage at which their children move school.
“Given the radical proposals put forward and the importance of education to the future needs and success of children across this region those behind the plans must take responsibility for explaining to those affected why your proposals are better than the status quo.
“Over the next few weeks and months I will continue doing what I can to encouraging all parents to take an interest in these proposals, which I believe have wide ranging impacts for schools across the wider Dumfries area, including Annandale and Eskdale and Nithsdale. This is one of the most