On Tuesday night the Courier ran a by-election debate at Carnegie Conference Centre, giving all seven candidates a chance to debate the main by-election issues. They of course discussed the schools issue along with other topics. Please follow the link below to see the candidates in action (school segment starts at about 19 minutes although it's worth watching the whole thing if you can) and remember to get out there and vote tomorrow!
Dunfermline candidates clash at Courier debate.
Welcome to the Save Pitcorthie Primary campaign blog. Our aim is to keep parents, pupils and the wider community updated on our fight to save our school.
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Newsnight Scotland hustings
On Monday night BBC 2 ran a Newsnight Scotland by-election special, giving six of the seven candidates a chance to debate the main by-election issues. They of course discussed the schools issue along with other topics. Please follow the link below to see the candidates in action (school segment starts at about 18:40 although it's worth watching the whole thing if you can) and remember to get out there and vote tomorrow!
Newsnight Scotland by-election special.
Newsnight Scotland by-election special.
Monday, 21 October 2013
By-election
It's only a few days now until we go to the polls to elect not only a new councillor but also a new MSP. In the last month or two we have been very fortunate to meet with candidates from a variety of political parties and we are immeasurably grateful for all the support we have received from them.
In this time we have been asked, as a group and as individuals, who we support in the by-election. Our reply has been and will remain that the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee does not support any particular party or candidate.
In the interests of fairness and transparency we invited all candidates in both by-elections to submit a statement for our blog and Facebook page. Please, if you have not already done so, take a few minutes to follow the links below and read the statements.
This Thursday is your chance to get your voice heard - make sure to get out and vote!
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Statements from council candidates
With the by-election looming, we feel that it is important for voters to have all the facts at their disposal in order to make an informed choice when it comes to polling time. In order to do this we contacted all the council candidates and invited them to send in a statement for our blog and Facebook page. We would like to thank those candidates who took the time to reply and encourage all our visitors to read through the statements below.
Helen Cannon-Todd, SNP candidate for local council seat
Dear Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaigners,
Thank you for your invitation to submit a personal statement for your blog and Facebook page. Although I am a candidate for the council elections I think it is important to say that the possible closure of Pitcorthie Primary is not just a political issue for me but also a personal matter as two of my great nephews attend this fantastic school. (1)
When my niece appeared on the television news on the 18th July with the campaigners to save the school, I contacted her and offered my support. Before any election had been called I wrote to the Dunfermline Press and the Courier to voice my concerns and show my support.
Like many parents of this wonderful school my niece is at a loss as to why Pitcorthie is being considered for closure. Just reviewing a few facts illustrates this perfectly; it is the 2nd fullest primary school in Fife, it has a great record of achievement across the board, it has a low cost per head of pupil, it’s an eco-school, it has recently attained level 1 Rights Respecting Schools award, plus it’s a nurture school. No wonder it’s so popular!
Like many schools ‘of an age’ the building requires some upgrading and it is this cost that the Labour administration are using to put the school on the scrap heap. However, their sums just don’t add up. Estimates have put the required repairs at around £700k, but the cost to the council for disrupting the education of all of the children at Pitcorthie and the schools who will take the dispersed pupils has been put at £3.5m. Why on earth would anyone want to cause so much misery and spend an extra £2.8m to do so?
My heart goes out to all of the staff. As I understand it they are not able to discuss the matter due to Fife Council rules. Not only is their livelihood at risk, but so is the investment they have made personally and professionally to the school, to the children, and to the family’s they work with. One of my great nephews was worried about being split up from his younger brother; would they go to different schools? Sadly he told me that he couldn’t even discuss his worries
with his teacher. Isn’t this the very person he is should feel safe to turn to at school if he is worried?
This is not just an election issue for the SNP. Our councillors have asked for alternatives to be found, but the Labour and Lib-Dem councillors voted this down. I also know that Shirley-Anne Somerville, our Parliamentary candidate is right behind your cause and I was delighted she was able to set up a meeting with the campaign team and Mike Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education to tell him about the schools campaign. I know Shirley-Anne is taking this matter very seriously.
My position is clear there should be no further progress with the closure programme until real and meaningful engagement has taken place and an alternative to closure is found. If I am elected I promise I will not give up on you, and I will work with Shirley-Anne Somerville and our colleagues in the SNP to Save Pitcorthie Primary.
Thanks again for this opportunity to write to you.
Yours sincerely
Helen Cannon-Todd
SNP Dunfermline South Council Candidate.
1. http://www.thecourier.co.uk/opinion/readers-letters/council-ignoring-responsibility-to-residents-1.121402
Billy Pollock, Scottish Labour candidate for local council seat
I would like to congratulate the save Pitcorthie primary committee for campaigning with tremendous passion and for working with everyone to help promote your goal of keeping Pitcorthie open. If I am elected as your councillor, I will support you in your campaign. I will help ensure that every voice is heard in the consultation process. It is essential that Fife Council hears clearly from the parents, children, staff and community affected by the the consultation. A key role for me will be to ensure that your voice is heard at every level. I know that this issue is of tremendous concern. I know there is a real passion and desire to keep Pitcorthie open. As your councillor, I will ensure that your wishes are heard. The consultation process needs to be open and transparent. I will ensure that the council goes beyond the usual consultation process - the council needs to go out and actively seek views and opinions, rather than just let people send in emails or letters. The consultation needs to be genuine. There can be no fixed views going in to the consultation. I will ensure that the consultation is open, fair, transparent and genuine. As a local councillor, I will be asked to vote on proposals. My promise to you is that I will make that decision after listening to all the views. If decisions were made on the basis of who shouts the loudest, then things would be very different. But we don't. As a councillor, I will make the decision that I think is right for the community I represent. My other promise is that I will be proud to stand on my record. Elections are there for a reason - if you agree with what I've done in representing you, then I would hope to receive your support. If you don't, then you can choose what to do. I will not shy away from the votes I will cast on your behalf. The consultation which is going to start shortly must be properly held and must be taken into consideration when the decision is due. Some will promise you everything. But Fife Council has a huge problem to deal with. We are facing cuts of £100 million over the next four years. Let nobody try to kid you - if no schools are to close, then other cuts will be made. We can't dodge the difficult choices we're facing. Anybody telling you that nothing needs to change and that we need to be spending more simply isn't telling the truth. As a councillor, I will not avoid the difficult choices which face us. You would not expect me to. I'm a family man who lives locally. My life experiences have shaped who I am and will shape the type of councillor I will be. My priority for your children will be to ensure that Fife Council gives them the very best education and start in life that they possibly can. I promise you that I will work as hard as I possibly can to ensure our children do get that best start in life. Billy Pollock Labour Party Candidate for Dunfermline South
David Ross, conservative candidate for local council seat
As the Conservative candidate for the Dunfermline South By-Election, I, David Ross, am pleased to support those in the “Keep Pitcorthie Primary School Open” campaign. I find it surprising that Fife Council has earmarked a school with such high occupancy levels and which has been praised by School Inspectors for closure. I would urge everyone to take a full and active part in the consultation with the aim of convincing Fife Council to keep such a high performing school open.
Helen Cannon-Todd, SNP candidate for local council seat
Dear Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaigners,
Thank you for your invitation to submit a personal statement for your blog and Facebook page. Although I am a candidate for the council elections I think it is important to say that the possible closure of Pitcorthie Primary is not just a political issue for me but also a personal matter as two of my great nephews attend this fantastic school. (1)
When my niece appeared on the television news on the 18th July with the campaigners to save the school, I contacted her and offered my support. Before any election had been called I wrote to the Dunfermline Press and the Courier to voice my concerns and show my support.
Like many parents of this wonderful school my niece is at a loss as to why Pitcorthie is being considered for closure. Just reviewing a few facts illustrates this perfectly; it is the 2nd fullest primary school in Fife, it has a great record of achievement across the board, it has a low cost per head of pupil, it’s an eco-school, it has recently attained level 1 Rights Respecting Schools award, plus it’s a nurture school. No wonder it’s so popular!
Like many schools ‘of an age’ the building requires some upgrading and it is this cost that the Labour administration are using to put the school on the scrap heap. However, their sums just don’t add up. Estimates have put the required repairs at around £700k, but the cost to the council for disrupting the education of all of the children at Pitcorthie and the schools who will take the dispersed pupils has been put at £3.5m. Why on earth would anyone want to cause so much misery and spend an extra £2.8m to do so?
My heart goes out to all of the staff. As I understand it they are not able to discuss the matter due to Fife Council rules. Not only is their livelihood at risk, but so is the investment they have made personally and professionally to the school, to the children, and to the family’s they work with. One of my great nephews was worried about being split up from his younger brother; would they go to different schools? Sadly he told me that he couldn’t even discuss his worries
with his teacher. Isn’t this the very person he is should feel safe to turn to at school if he is worried?
This is not just an election issue for the SNP. Our councillors have asked for alternatives to be found, but the Labour and Lib-Dem councillors voted this down. I also know that Shirley-Anne Somerville, our Parliamentary candidate is right behind your cause and I was delighted she was able to set up a meeting with the campaign team and Mike Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education to tell him about the schools campaign. I know Shirley-Anne is taking this matter very seriously.
My position is clear there should be no further progress with the closure programme until real and meaningful engagement has taken place and an alternative to closure is found. If I am elected I promise I will not give up on you, and I will work with Shirley-Anne Somerville and our colleagues in the SNP to Save Pitcorthie Primary.
Thanks again for this opportunity to write to you.
Yours sincerely
Helen Cannon-Todd
SNP Dunfermline South Council Candidate.
1. http://www.thecourier.co.uk/opinion/readers-letters/council-ignoring-responsibility-to-residents-1.121402
Billy Pollock, Scottish Labour candidate for local council seat
I would like to congratulate the save Pitcorthie primary committee for campaigning with tremendous passion and for working with everyone to help promote your goal of keeping Pitcorthie open. If I am elected as your councillor, I will support you in your campaign. I will help ensure that every voice is heard in the consultation process. It is essential that Fife Council hears clearly from the parents, children, staff and community affected by the the consultation. A key role for me will be to ensure that your voice is heard at every level. I know that this issue is of tremendous concern. I know there is a real passion and desire to keep Pitcorthie open. As your councillor, I will ensure that your wishes are heard. The consultation process needs to be open and transparent. I will ensure that the council goes beyond the usual consultation process - the council needs to go out and actively seek views and opinions, rather than just let people send in emails or letters. The consultation needs to be genuine. There can be no fixed views going in to the consultation. I will ensure that the consultation is open, fair, transparent and genuine. As a local councillor, I will be asked to vote on proposals. My promise to you is that I will make that decision after listening to all the views. If decisions were made on the basis of who shouts the loudest, then things would be very different. But we don't. As a councillor, I will make the decision that I think is right for the community I represent. My other promise is that I will be proud to stand on my record. Elections are there for a reason - if you agree with what I've done in representing you, then I would hope to receive your support. If you don't, then you can choose what to do. I will not shy away from the votes I will cast on your behalf. The consultation which is going to start shortly must be properly held and must be taken into consideration when the decision is due. Some will promise you everything. But Fife Council has a huge problem to deal with. We are facing cuts of £100 million over the next four years. Let nobody try to kid you - if no schools are to close, then other cuts will be made. We can't dodge the difficult choices we're facing. Anybody telling you that nothing needs to change and that we need to be spending more simply isn't telling the truth. As a councillor, I will not avoid the difficult choices which face us. You would not expect me to. I'm a family man who lives locally. My life experiences have shaped who I am and will shape the type of councillor I will be. My priority for your children will be to ensure that Fife Council gives them the very best education and start in life that they possibly can. I promise you that I will work as hard as I possibly can to ensure our children do get that best start in life. Billy Pollock Labour Party Candidate for Dunfermline South
David Ross, conservative candidate for local council seat
As the Conservative candidate for the Dunfermline South By-Election, I, David Ross, am pleased to support those in the “Keep Pitcorthie Primary School Open” campaign. I find it surprising that Fife Council has earmarked a school with such high occupancy levels and which has been praised by School Inspectors for closure. I would urge everyone to take a full and active part in the consultation with the aim of convincing Fife Council to keep such a high performing school open.
Statements from Holyrood candidates
With the by-election looming, we feel that it is important for voters to have all the facts at their disposal in order to make an informed choice when it comes to polling time. In order to do this we contacted all the parliamentary candidates and invited them to send in a statement for our blog and Facebook page. We would like to thank those candidates who took the time to reply and encourage all our visitors to read through the statements below.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, SNP candidate for MSP
Dear Parents and Campaigners of Save Pitcorthie Primary School,
The education of our young people is vital. As a mother of two young girls I understand the significance and importance of your local school; both for your children and for the positive effect on the community at large.
It is for these reasons that I have put the efforts - your efforts - to Save Pitcorthie Primary School at the very centre of my campaign to be elected as the next MSP for Dunfermline. Pitcorthie is a great primary school running at near capacity and there exists no good reason – not on educational grounds or any other valid reason - for the Labour run Fife council to close this school.
I back Pitcorthie Primary School remaining open and so do the people of Dunfermline. Last week I instructed my campaign team to carry out a survey across Dunfermline. From the 6,892 people in the constituency that we contacted on the issue, we found that nearly 90% believe that Labour-run Fife council's school closures programme should be ditched, while only 10% of people in Dunfermline disagree.
I was glad that some of you also had the chance to meet and speak with the Scottish Government Education Secretary Michael Russell, whom I invited over to meet your campaign group.
If elected as the new MSP for Dunfermline, I will seek an urgent meeting with Labour run Fife Council's Executive Director for Education and Learning, and call for the council’s closure plans to be ditched.
My opponent, the Labour candidate, has described the proposal to close Pitcorthie as ‘a real shock’. However, it is vital not to forget that she – together with all the other Labour and Lib Dem Councillors – rejected a proposal from the SNP Council group at the Dunfermline Area Committee in May to put the consultation on hold so an alternative to closure could be considered, but she voted for the consultation to go ahead.
Labour’s plans to close three primary schools in the constituency reveal just how out of touch they are with the needs of young families in Dunfermline, and I believe the SNP's track record on managing the school estate shows that we can be trusted in future.
Let's remember that through the previous Labour council's disastrous experiment with PFI/PPP schools, Fifers will now be paying over £400m for schools that had a capital value of around £100m - and we'll still be paying for them in 20 years' time. By contrast, the SNP administration built two award-winning schools in Dunfermline; Dunfermline High School and Carnegie Primary School, without a penny of PFI debt.
The result of the by-election is vital in order to protect schools and the best interests of children and their families in Dunfermline. If you vote for me I promise to be a champion for Pitcorthie Primary School.
Yours Sincerely
Shirley-Anne Somerville
Cara Hilton Scottish Labour Candidate for MSP
I have, from the outset, stood with the parents of Pitcorthie in opposing any plans to close this school. I will continue to work with parents to ensure that Fife Council either removes the school from the consultation process, or decides that the school should remain open. I hope that we will achieve this.
I would also like to congratulate the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign Committee for achieving something rare when it comes to politics - uniting the candidates in the Scottish Parliament by-election! But the future of Pitcorthie is bigger than the by-election. When all the campaign teams have packed up and left Dunfermline, I will still be here. The morning after the result, I will continue with my campaign, working with you the parents, to keep this school open.
Some have questioned my position. For those of you who have worked with me over the past few months, you will know my views and how hard I've worked to make sure that the questions you've been asking get answered.
But let's be frank. I was told that the school building simply couldn't be kept open and safe. I was told that it would need to close in the next couple of years. That view, given to me as an expert opinion, I now believe is simply wrong and can't be backed up.
Schools have become the big issue in this by-election. I'm pleased that they have. Providing the best education for all Fife children is the obligation which rests with us as local councillors. For others to come into our community and question the integrity of those who are fighting for this school is regrettable. We deserve better and you deserve a debate about this school which isn't reduced down to Punch & Judy politics.
I have given a clear commitment: I will fight to keep Pitcorthie open. I do not believe that this school should close. The arguments about why this school must remain open are clear and need no explanation here.
But we also need to understand why Fife Council is asking questions about whether we have the right schools in the right places. The budgets have been slashed by the Scottish Government.
This isn't me saying this because I'm a Labour councillor, or because I'm the Labour candidate in the by-election. Before the last council elections, the SNP in Fife were arguing that schools would need to close as a result of the budget cuts. Now they are saying that no school should close. You have to ask yourself why they've changed their mind. Given that the council needs to cut £100 million by 2017, it is irresponsible for the SNP to start playing politics like this. You deserve better.
As a local mum, I know how important our schools are. I know how attached we can become to our school. Pitcorthie Primary is an amazing school. It's popular and it is one of the best in Fife. I will fight to keep the school open - you have my promise on that. But don't let people suddenly come along and claim that they're on your side. Before they had even heard of Pitcorthie, I was working with you. When they leave, I'll still be at your side, campaigning alongside you to keep this school open.
Susan Leslie, Liberal Democrats candidate for MSP
It is no surprise that proposals which could see Pitcorthie and other local primary schools shut their doors have proved controversial. Decisions of this magnitude are always difficult.
It is important that we work to ensure that our education system uses resources as effectively as possible. But what this absolutely does not mean is that the wishes and needs of parents and pupils can be ignored when it comes to school closures.
Parents trust teachers with their children during the school day. As a former Headteacher this was always something that I felt keenly. The strong attachment that people feel for their local schools is wholly understandable.
As chair of the council's education scrutiny committee, I have a formal role to play in the consultation on the future of Pitcorthie and the other local schools. I will be responsible for examining the evidence after it has been collected and making a recommendations to the Executive for the formal decision.
My position on the scrutiny committee means that I cannot pre-judge the consultation. But I will say that I think that the case for closure has not yet been made. Parents have made strong arguments for Pitcorthie remaining open.
I am not in the habit of making empty promises. It would be irresponsible of me to pledge something that I know I cannot deliver. But when I met with parents from the Save Pitcorthie Primary campaign, the promise I made was that there is no question of the views of parents and communities being swept under the carpet. I stand by that promise.
Your voices will be heard at every stage of this process. I will ensure that you have the chance to speak to councillors on the scrutiny committee and make the case for your school remaining open.
Zara Kitson, Green candidate for MSP
I am fully behind the fight to save Pitcorthie Primary School. Communities should never be left without their own school. Greens are the strongest voice for keeping services local, against the growing trend toward centralisation. Education, and the value of community are far too important to be crassly boiled down to pounds and pence, and bricks and mortar. We are faced with cuts handed down by Westminster, being further compounded at Holyrood. I will push for more local revenue raising powers, providing pragmatic solutions that make cuts to services less likely. I will also champion more participatory budgeting processes, putting people at the helm of where monies should be spent, and saved.
James Reekie, Scottish Conservitive Candidate for MSP
I am writing to offer my support to the Save Pitcorthie Primary School campaign. A school is not just a building. It is the teachers.pupils and the wider community that makes it into a friendly open space. Although there has been much discussion in the press and elsewhere concerning the financial implications of the decision to close the school, I fear that many other considerations have not been properly taken into account.
Firstly, the high occupancy rate of the school and the increase in pupil numbers serves to highlight how highly Pitcorthie is regarded in the community. Coupled with positive HMIE reports this paints a picture of a school which is locally embedded and offering an outstanding education for children.
As your campaign has rightly pointed out, Fife council themselves have conceded that the school doesn't meet the guidelines for closure. I will be urging the council to look again at the proposals and take into account not only financial considerations, but the immaterial losses to the people of Pitcorthie. Even in terms of the financial implications of closure, we can see that the council have estimated a 2.9 million cost, which does not offer good value for money for tax payers.
It simply does not make sense to close down a school which offers such a high standard of education to our young people and which plays such a central role in the local community. If there is anything I or any of my colleagues can do to support you in the near future please do not hesitate to contact us.
I am committed to standing beside you all against the closure of your communities school.
yours sincerely,
James Reekie.
Scottish Conservatives by-election candidate.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, SNP candidate for MSP
Dear Parents and Campaigners of Save Pitcorthie Primary School,
The education of our young people is vital. As a mother of two young girls I understand the significance and importance of your local school; both for your children and for the positive effect on the community at large.
It is for these reasons that I have put the efforts - your efforts - to Save Pitcorthie Primary School at the very centre of my campaign to be elected as the next MSP for Dunfermline. Pitcorthie is a great primary school running at near capacity and there exists no good reason – not on educational grounds or any other valid reason - for the Labour run Fife council to close this school.
I back Pitcorthie Primary School remaining open and so do the people of Dunfermline. Last week I instructed my campaign team to carry out a survey across Dunfermline. From the 6,892 people in the constituency that we contacted on the issue, we found that nearly 90% believe that Labour-run Fife council's school closures programme should be ditched, while only 10% of people in Dunfermline disagree.
I was glad that some of you also had the chance to meet and speak with the Scottish Government Education Secretary Michael Russell, whom I invited over to meet your campaign group.
If elected as the new MSP for Dunfermline, I will seek an urgent meeting with Labour run Fife Council's Executive Director for Education and Learning, and call for the council’s closure plans to be ditched.
My opponent, the Labour candidate, has described the proposal to close Pitcorthie as ‘a real shock’. However, it is vital not to forget that she – together with all the other Labour and Lib Dem Councillors – rejected a proposal from the SNP Council group at the Dunfermline Area Committee in May to put the consultation on hold so an alternative to closure could be considered, but she voted for the consultation to go ahead.
Labour’s plans to close three primary schools in the constituency reveal just how out of touch they are with the needs of young families in Dunfermline, and I believe the SNP's track record on managing the school estate shows that we can be trusted in future.
Let's remember that through the previous Labour council's disastrous experiment with PFI/PPP schools, Fifers will now be paying over £400m for schools that had a capital value of around £100m - and we'll still be paying for them in 20 years' time. By contrast, the SNP administration built two award-winning schools in Dunfermline; Dunfermline High School and Carnegie Primary School, without a penny of PFI debt.
The result of the by-election is vital in order to protect schools and the best interests of children and their families in Dunfermline. If you vote for me I promise to be a champion for Pitcorthie Primary School.
Yours Sincerely
Shirley-Anne Somerville
Cara Hilton Scottish Labour Candidate for MSP
I have, from the outset, stood with the parents of Pitcorthie in opposing any plans to close this school. I will continue to work with parents to ensure that Fife Council either removes the school from the consultation process, or decides that the school should remain open. I hope that we will achieve this.
I would also like to congratulate the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign Committee for achieving something rare when it comes to politics - uniting the candidates in the Scottish Parliament by-election! But the future of Pitcorthie is bigger than the by-election. When all the campaign teams have packed up and left Dunfermline, I will still be here. The morning after the result, I will continue with my campaign, working with you the parents, to keep this school open.
Some have questioned my position. For those of you who have worked with me over the past few months, you will know my views and how hard I've worked to make sure that the questions you've been asking get answered.
But let's be frank. I was told that the school building simply couldn't be kept open and safe. I was told that it would need to close in the next couple of years. That view, given to me as an expert opinion, I now believe is simply wrong and can't be backed up.
Schools have become the big issue in this by-election. I'm pleased that they have. Providing the best education for all Fife children is the obligation which rests with us as local councillors. For others to come into our community and question the integrity of those who are fighting for this school is regrettable. We deserve better and you deserve a debate about this school which isn't reduced down to Punch & Judy politics.
I have given a clear commitment: I will fight to keep Pitcorthie open. I do not believe that this school should close. The arguments about why this school must remain open are clear and need no explanation here.
But we also need to understand why Fife Council is asking questions about whether we have the right schools in the right places. The budgets have been slashed by the Scottish Government.
This isn't me saying this because I'm a Labour councillor, or because I'm the Labour candidate in the by-election. Before the last council elections, the SNP in Fife were arguing that schools would need to close as a result of the budget cuts. Now they are saying that no school should close. You have to ask yourself why they've changed their mind. Given that the council needs to cut £100 million by 2017, it is irresponsible for the SNP to start playing politics like this. You deserve better.
As a local mum, I know how important our schools are. I know how attached we can become to our school. Pitcorthie Primary is an amazing school. It's popular and it is one of the best in Fife. I will fight to keep the school open - you have my promise on that. But don't let people suddenly come along and claim that they're on your side. Before they had even heard of Pitcorthie, I was working with you. When they leave, I'll still be at your side, campaigning alongside you to keep this school open.
Susan Leslie, Liberal Democrats candidate for MSP
It is no surprise that proposals which could see Pitcorthie and other local primary schools shut their doors have proved controversial. Decisions of this magnitude are always difficult.
It is important that we work to ensure that our education system uses resources as effectively as possible. But what this absolutely does not mean is that the wishes and needs of parents and pupils can be ignored when it comes to school closures.
Parents trust teachers with their children during the school day. As a former Headteacher this was always something that I felt keenly. The strong attachment that people feel for their local schools is wholly understandable.
As chair of the council's education scrutiny committee, I have a formal role to play in the consultation on the future of Pitcorthie and the other local schools. I will be responsible for examining the evidence after it has been collected and making a recommendations to the Executive for the formal decision.
My position on the scrutiny committee means that I cannot pre-judge the consultation. But I will say that I think that the case for closure has not yet been made. Parents have made strong arguments for Pitcorthie remaining open.
I am not in the habit of making empty promises. It would be irresponsible of me to pledge something that I know I cannot deliver. But when I met with parents from the Save Pitcorthie Primary campaign, the promise I made was that there is no question of the views of parents and communities being swept under the carpet. I stand by that promise.
Your voices will be heard at every stage of this process. I will ensure that you have the chance to speak to councillors on the scrutiny committee and make the case for your school remaining open.
Zara Kitson, Green candidate for MSP
I am fully behind the fight to save Pitcorthie Primary School. Communities should never be left without their own school. Greens are the strongest voice for keeping services local, against the growing trend toward centralisation. Education, and the value of community are far too important to be crassly boiled down to pounds and pence, and bricks and mortar. We are faced with cuts handed down by Westminster, being further compounded at Holyrood. I will push for more local revenue raising powers, providing pragmatic solutions that make cuts to services less likely. I will also champion more participatory budgeting processes, putting people at the helm of where monies should be spent, and saved.
James Reekie, Scottish Conservitive Candidate for MSP
I am writing to offer my support to the Save Pitcorthie Primary School campaign. A school is not just a building. It is the teachers.pupils and the wider community that makes it into a friendly open space. Although there has been much discussion in the press and elsewhere concerning the financial implications of the decision to close the school, I fear that many other considerations have not been properly taken into account.
Firstly, the high occupancy rate of the school and the increase in pupil numbers serves to highlight how highly Pitcorthie is regarded in the community. Coupled with positive HMIE reports this paints a picture of a school which is locally embedded and offering an outstanding education for children.
As your campaign has rightly pointed out, Fife council themselves have conceded that the school doesn't meet the guidelines for closure. I will be urging the council to look again at the proposals and take into account not only financial considerations, but the immaterial losses to the people of Pitcorthie. Even in terms of the financial implications of closure, we can see that the council have estimated a 2.9 million cost, which does not offer good value for money for tax payers.
It simply does not make sense to close down a school which offers such a high standard of education to our young people and which plays such a central role in the local community. If there is anything I or any of my colleagues can do to support you in the near future please do not hesitate to contact us.
I am committed to standing beside you all against the closure of your communities school.
yours sincerely,
James Reekie.
Scottish Conservatives by-election candidate.
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Meeting with Cllr. Susan Leslie
Today, Tuesday 1st October, the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee met with Cllr. Susan Leslie, Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for the upcoming parliamentary by-election, and Liam McArthur MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Education and Energy.
Cllr. Leslie talked us through the post-consultation process and gave us ideas on how to present our case against closure during the consultation period.
Cllr. Leslie talked us through the post-consultation process and gave us ideas on how to present our case against closure during the consultation period.
Meeting with Michael Russell MSP
On Saturday 28th September the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee met with Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Shirley-Anne Somerville, SNP candidate for the upcoming parliamentary by-election, Helen Canon-Todd, SNP candidate for the upcoming council by-election, and Cllr. Brian Goodall.
Mr Russell, although unable to offer an opinion on the closure proposal or discuss particulars of our case, talked us through the consultation process from start to finish in great detail. We came away from the meeting feeling very positive in that we now understand exactly how we can all make our voices heard from 28th October when our consultation goes live.
Mr Russell, although unable to offer an opinion on the closure proposal or discuss particulars of our case, talked us through the consultation process from start to finish in great detail. We came away from the meeting feeling very positive in that we now understand exactly how we can all make our voices heard from 28th October when our consultation goes live.
Meeting with Cllr. Cara Hilton
On Thursday 26th September the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee met with Cllr Cara Hilton, Labour's candidate for the upcoming parliamentary by-election. We aired our concerns over the proposed closure and Cllr. Hilton drafted a letter to Kenneth Greer, Executive Director of Education and Learning at Fife Council, detailing her opposition to the closure of Pitcorthie Primary. The letter was countersigned by members of the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Upcoming by-election
With the by-election looming a number of council and parliamentary candidates have come out in support of the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign. We very much appreciate all the help we have been given from all parties concerned and hope that help and support continues into the future.
However, the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign committee will not come out in favour of any one party or candidate. In the interests of fairness and impartiality we are in the process of contacting all the candidates individually to arrange meetings, and to request a statement for our blog and Facebook page. The deadline for these statements is 10th October 2013 and they will be published shortly thereafter.
Please be sure to ask questions of any candidate who knocks on your door or stops you in the street for a chat. Read the papers, watch the news and make sure your voice is heard by voting for your preferred candidate on 24th October.
However, the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign committee will not come out in favour of any one party or candidate. In the interests of fairness and impartiality we are in the process of contacting all the candidates individually to arrange meetings, and to request a statement for our blog and Facebook page. The deadline for these statements is 10th October 2013 and they will be published shortly thereafter.
Please be sure to ask questions of any candidate who knocks on your door or stops you in the street for a chat. Read the papers, watch the news and make sure your voice is heard by voting for your preferred candidate on 24th October.
Friday, 27 September 2013
Protest on 24th October - Save our School!
The Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign are holding a protest and petition signing on polling day, Thursday 24th October 2013, outside Pitcorthie Primary School.
Protest will be from 10:00am to 12:00pm and a presence at the petition signing will be maintained for most of the day. We hope to have the media present.
The school will be closed that day as it is used as a polling station. We hope to show what our school means not just to us but to the wider community so bring family, friends and above all the children for whom we are fighting. Get them involved in making SAVE OUR SCHOOL banners to wave.
Please come along on Thursday 24th October and join us in showing Fife Council how important Pitcorthie Primary is to our community.
STV News
STV News' political correspondent interviewed some of the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee as part of their Dunfermline by-election coverage. You can see the clip here on their website.
Polling day is Thursday 24th October so let's all get along to our local polling station & make sure our voices are heard.
Polling day is Thursday 24th October so let's all get along to our local polling station & make sure our voices are heard.
Monday, 23 September 2013
BBC news
A wee birdie has told us to watch the BBC news tonight. No other details (ie whether it's the national news at 6:00pm or Reporting Scotland at 6:30pm) so we'll be tuning in at 6:00 & keeping our eyes peeled.
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Campaign update 18th Sep 2013
Lynburn Primary parent partnership visit
We were invited to attend a Parent Partnership meeting at Lynburn Primary School on 17th September. Two representatives of the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign attended and we spoke at length with the Chairperson of the Parent Partnership about the possible effects of the proposals on Lynburn school and its pupils. We also shared information obtained and encouraged Lynburn parents to take part in the upcoming consultation process.
Meeting with Thomas Docherty MP
Today (18th September) we had a long meeting with Thomas Docherty MP regarding the proposals for Pitcorthie Primary and the proposed receiving schools, which lasted the best part of the morning. Four representatives of the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign attended, information was exchanged and Mr Docherty will be sending a list of questions to Fife Council on our behalf. The questions and responses will be made available to the public as soon as we are able to do so.
Parents' Evening
Members of the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign committee will be present in the foyer at tonight's parents' evening to share information gathered this far. If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to speak to us.
We were invited to attend a Parent Partnership meeting at Lynburn Primary School on 17th September. Two representatives of the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign attended and we spoke at length with the Chairperson of the Parent Partnership about the possible effects of the proposals on Lynburn school and its pupils. We also shared information obtained and encouraged Lynburn parents to take part in the upcoming consultation process.
Meeting with Thomas Docherty MP
Today (18th September) we had a long meeting with Thomas Docherty MP regarding the proposals for Pitcorthie Primary and the proposed receiving schools, which lasted the best part of the morning. Four representatives of the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign attended, information was exchanged and Mr Docherty will be sending a list of questions to Fife Council on our behalf. The questions and responses will be made available to the public as soon as we are able to do so.
Parents' Evening
Members of the Save Pitcorthie Primary Campaign committee will be present in the foyer at tonight's parents' evening to share information gathered this far. If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to speak to us.
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Fife Council's proposal document
Finding the proposal documents for the schools that are under threat of closure is no easy feat. We are therefore providing a link so that the community can access the document in full. Copies of the full proposal for Pitcorthie Primary should be provided by Fife Council to every parent before consultation starts on 28th October.
This is the document that the Education, Social & Communities Scrutiny Committee of 3rd September voted to pass to consultation despite contention from councillors that there were errors in the documents.
Most of the people who will decide our school's fate have never entered this building and everything they know about Pitcorthie Primary will come from the proposal document and feedback that parents and pupils give during the consultation process. For this reason it is vitally important that we all take part in the consultation process.
Thursday, 12 September 2013
How to contact us
Have a question, suggestion or comment for the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee? Contact us at;
savepitcorthieprimary@hotmail.co.uk
savepitcorthieprimary@hotmail.co.uk
Friday, 6 September 2013
Site rules
The Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee have set up this blog to help keep parents and the wider community up to date on developments before, during and after the statutory consultation period.
Visitors to this blog are welcome to leave comments but it should be noted that:
Visitors to this blog are welcome to leave comments but it should be noted that:
- Views expressed by visitors to this blog are not necessarily shared by the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee.
- Comments left must not defame or otherwise insult any individual or group of individuals.
- Blog admin reserves the right to delete any comments that are deemed offensive, abusive or potentially libelous.
We thank you in advance for abiding by these rules to keep this blog a positive, welcoming part of cyberspace.
What the press have to say
Dunfermline Press
Three West Fife schools set to close.
Labour and SNP clash over school closures.
Furious parents only found out about school closure in Press.
One Dunfermline school's closure to trigger £3.9million bill.
School closure plan set to dominate Dunfermline by-election.
Dunfermline South by-election date set for October.
SNP slams 'misleading and inaccurate' reports over threatened schools.
The Courier
Fife Council confirms schools facing closure or merger.
Councillors seek Fife school closures plan rethink.
Opposition fail in bid to halt Fife school closures consultation.
Councillor says Fife schools report is riddled with 'gobbledegook and doublespeak'.
Claim teachers will lose jobs if Fife schools are closed.
Union says Fife teacher job losses is 'very unlikely'.
Fife school review process 'has been robust'.
Fears over Pitcorthie Primary closure.
Fife schools in line for £6m upgrade as closures likely.
Urgent talks plea to help avoid 'prejudice' over school behaviour support units.
Council ignoring responsibility to residents? (reader's letters)
Fife council poised to hold school closure meetings.
Fife Council accused of political motivation in school closures.
Fife councillor says a 'shameful new low' reached during school closure debate.
Fife school cuts reports are 'misleading'.
Claim parents have lost trust in Fife Council over school closures.
STV News
Parents and pupils protest against closure of Fife primary school.
Dunfermline candidates seizing on local issues ahead of by-election.
Scotland Tonight: Dunfermline by-election candidates quizzed.
Three West Fife schools set to close.
Labour and SNP clash over school closures.
Furious parents only found out about school closure in Press.
One Dunfermline school's closure to trigger £3.9million bill.
School closure plan set to dominate Dunfermline by-election.
Dunfermline South by-election date set for October.
SNP slams 'misleading and inaccurate' reports over threatened schools.
The Courier
Fife Council confirms schools facing closure or merger.
Councillors seek Fife school closures plan rethink.
Opposition fail in bid to halt Fife school closures consultation.
Councillor says Fife schools report is riddled with 'gobbledegook and doublespeak'.
Claim teachers will lose jobs if Fife schools are closed.
Union says Fife teacher job losses is 'very unlikely'.
Fife school review process 'has been robust'.
Fears over Pitcorthie Primary closure.
Fife schools in line for £6m upgrade as closures likely.
Urgent talks plea to help avoid 'prejudice' over school behaviour support units.
Council ignoring responsibility to residents? (reader's letters)
Fife council poised to hold school closure meetings.
Fife Council accused of political motivation in school closures.
Fife councillor says a 'shameful new low' reached during school closure debate.
Fife school cuts reports are 'misleading'.
Claim parents have lost trust in Fife Council over school closures.
STV News
Parents and pupils protest against closure of Fife primary school.
Dunfermline candidates seizing on local issues ahead of by-election.
Scotland Tonight: Dunfermline by-election candidates quizzed.
The story so far . . .
In late 2012, Fife Council undertook a review of its schools estate. In April 2013, the Executive Committee passed proposals to look at closing seven Fife schools, three of which are in West Fife. One of these schools is Pitcorthie Primary School in Dunfermline.
Pitcorthie Primary is a bustling, thriving school and is at the heart of our community. School roll is at an all-time high with over 300 children currently in attendance. It consistently receives outstanding HMIE reports, has gained 'Health Promoting School' status and a 'Green Flag' ECO award, and has also just received its level 1 Rights Respecting Schools award.
Unfortunately for Pitcorthie's pupils, it is surrounded by three schools whose occupancy levels fall below Fife Council's desired levels. Further, part of the building has some structural problems inherent in its design. These structural problems have been apparent to Fife Council and have been under monitor for a number of years, and do not pose an immediate danger to pupils or staff, but they will need to be addressed in the next 2-5 years and will of course cost money. Despite this, Fife Council concedes in its own proposal documents that the school does not actually meet its own guidelines for closure.
Since the decision was announced in April, Pitcorthie parents have been making our voices heard. We have set up a Save Pitcorthie Primary Facebook page, attended council meetings, organised a banner, demonstrated with our placards outside both Fife House and Dunfermline City Chambers, and handed over a petition to Councillor Alex Rowley that contained over 900 signatures. We have had letters published in Dunfermline Press, and pictures and interviews in both the Press and the Courier. We have even been interviewed by Kingdom FM and on STV news.
Yesterday evening (Thursday 5th September) the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee held a public meeting for all parents to let everyone know how they can help with our campaign. The meeting was very well attended and we were grateful to all the parents, pupils, community members and elected councillors who came along. We detailed plans for the next steps in our campaign, answered as many questions as we could (and took note of a few more that we will get answers for) and took contact details so we can better keep people up to date. This blog is just one of the ways that we intend to keep the wider community appraised of our plans and progress in the fight to save our school.
Pitcorthie Primary is a bustling, thriving school and is at the heart of our community. School roll is at an all-time high with over 300 children currently in attendance. It consistently receives outstanding HMIE reports, has gained 'Health Promoting School' status and a 'Green Flag' ECO award, and has also just received its level 1 Rights Respecting Schools award.
Unfortunately for Pitcorthie's pupils, it is surrounded by three schools whose occupancy levels fall below Fife Council's desired levels. Further, part of the building has some structural problems inherent in its design. These structural problems have been apparent to Fife Council and have been under monitor for a number of years, and do not pose an immediate danger to pupils or staff, but they will need to be addressed in the next 2-5 years and will of course cost money. Despite this, Fife Council concedes in its own proposal documents that the school does not actually meet its own guidelines for closure.
Since the decision was announced in April, Pitcorthie parents have been making our voices heard. We have set up a Save Pitcorthie Primary Facebook page, attended council meetings, organised a banner, demonstrated with our placards outside both Fife House and Dunfermline City Chambers, and handed over a petition to Councillor Alex Rowley that contained over 900 signatures. We have had letters published in Dunfermline Press, and pictures and interviews in both the Press and the Courier. We have even been interviewed by Kingdom FM and on STV news.
Yesterday evening (Thursday 5th September) the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee held a public meeting for all parents to let everyone know how they can help with our campaign. The meeting was very well attended and we were grateful to all the parents, pupils, community members and elected councillors who came along. We detailed plans for the next steps in our campaign, answered as many questions as we could (and took note of a few more that we will get answers for) and took contact details so we can better keep people up to date. This blog is just one of the ways that we intend to keep the wider community appraised of our plans and progress in the fight to save our school.
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