School absences amongst lowest in the country

Figures released by DfE last week show school absence in York are amongst the lowest in the country.

Truency

In York, absence in primary schools for the 2013 autumn term fell to 3.4 per cent, a figure bettered in only three of the other 150 local authorities.

Similarly, absence in secondary schools fell to 4.4 per cent – the best ever figure for a term in York secondary schools – bettered by only 11 of the 150 other Local Authorities.

Absence figures in York’s secondary schools are also reducing at a faster rate than the national trend.

Where there are barriers or challenges to a child attending regularly, schools work with families to support them in resolving the issues.

Schools overcrowding crisis looms if York expansion gets go ahead

The York Council has admitted that it will need to find school places for at least an additional 800 primary age children by 2016.

These are children who will move to the City to occupy houses built on (mainly) green field sites around the City.

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The number is in addition to a forecast increase of 1359 primary pupils resulting from natural changes to birth rates and new developments already scheduled to take place.

The number of primary school pupils stands at 12513. This will increase to over 14,000 by September 2016.

The Council says that it has identified between 13 and 15 schools which will need to be expanded, with “one or two” additional schools being built.

The Council accepts that most of the expansion – the costs and source of funding for which are not yet known – will be built on existing playgrounds and playing fields.

With “lead in” times for new school buildings in excess of 2 years, it is likely that the City will see greater use being made of temporary classrooms over the next few years.

The revelations come at a time when the Council is starting to consult on proposals to include still more – mainly green field – land in its development plans..

The draft Local Plan published by the Labour led Council 12 months ago proposed that the City should increase in size by 22,000 homes (25%).

Following the highest number of objections ever received for a city-wide consultation in York,  theCouncil is moving closer to adopting a Local Plan for the city. The new proposals change some of the sites and add in others.
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York schools closed on Thursday 22 May 2014

The following schools have informed the Council that they will be closed on Thursday 22 May 2014 as they act as polling stations for the European Elections:

  • St Barnabas’ CE Primary School
  • St Lawrence’s CE Primary School
  • St Paul’s CE Primary School
  •  Woodthorpe Primary School
  • Hob Moor Primary School
  • Hob Moor Oaks School

For other days schools are closed, such as school term dates and training days, please view the school terms and holiday dates page.

York Primary schools labelled as “complacent” by Labour

The Labour Councillor who has responsibility for education standards in York has accused local Primary schools of being “complacent”.

Cllr Looker gives this as the reason for several  schools “flat lining” on performance.

Schools quote March 2014

Until 2011, York was an outstanding area for education standards but some schools subsequently slipped in OFSTED checks.

Even some schools in major City’s like London overtook York in achievements.

If there was complacency then it was in political Leadership.

The Labour Cabinet member with responsibility for Education quit only 6 months after taking office in 2011.

The whole of the Education Departments management team then went off looking for alternative jobs.

They found them. Perhaps significantly, all in non Labour controlled authorities.

Cllr Looker was brought out of retirement to steady the ship.

“Steady” it appears turned out to mean “mediocre”.

“Big Brother” fears as more invisible policemen set to come to York?

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ANPR camera use to be extended

The Council has announced that it will use camera cars to enforce zig zag parking restrictions outside schools.

This is likely to be of limited value at some schools where some parents park on yellow lines, verges and block access driveways.

Use of such camera cars has been controversial in other towns and cities but  the vehicle may give some comfort to schools and their immediate neighbours.

Ironically the DfT is just completing its public consultation on car parking. One of the options being considered is to limit the use of CCTV cameras near schools!

More significantly in York, Labour Councillors are now proposing to extend the use of number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras in the City.

ANPR cameras have been responsible for identifying over 50,000 drivers on Coppergate and Lendal Bridge, with fines totalling around £1 million already issued.

Clearly this potential cash cow has proved to be attractive to the Council.

It will decide later today to introduce camera enforcement of more bus lanes later this year with a target income of £50,000.

It is also budgeting to receive an additional £100,000 in 2015 from the  “Further introduction of ANPR enforcement measures across the City where network congestion can be improved”.

The budget papers published by the Council make no mention of how much revenue they except to raise from the continued use of the Coppergate (or Lendal Bridge) cameras during the next financial year.

York High and Westfield amongst schools likely to be hit by strike action on Tuesday

Teachers’ unions the NUT and the NASUWT are planning a one-day strike for their members on Tuesday 1 October 2013.

Information about the school closures is detailed below and will be updated regularly. However, if you have any queries, please contact your school directly.

Contact details for schools can be found here.

Click here for up to date list.

click for updated list

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