Co-operative Schools

Earlier today, I presented the following motion at the Co-operative Party Annual Conference held in Manchester.

Public Services

Motion 15      

G South Western Party

This Conference is very alarmed at the pressure that is being put on schools maintained by local authorities to become academies with the consequence that there will be no local accountability.

Children could be refused admission and schools could become part of chains of schools which are based on faith and ideology or commercial organisations.

Conference, therefore, calls on the NEC and the Parliamentary Group to work with the Co-operative College to ensure that all schools facing this pressure understand the benefits of becoming a Co-operativeTrust or Academy school to ensure schools remain accountable to their local communities.

Co-operative Education

PAUL BULL  - Labour and Co-operative Councillor on Exeter City Council and delegate 

from South Western Party Council

I’m a busy district councillor who, as well as dealing with ward casework and council business, is trying to make sense of welfare and benefit reform, as well as ensure that developers deliver the social housing that Exeter desperately needs [and following yesterday’s Government announcement is extremely worried about getting those developers to meet their obligations]

I’ve tweeted to preserve the NHS and petitioned to conserve the forests.

 

In short, I am a fully aware and fully connected person, acutely tuned in to most – if not all – of the current concerns and topics.

Well, at least I thought I was .

Somehow I missed out on the 2011 Education Act that received Royal Assent on 15 November last year.

I am ashamed to admit it was only a couple of months ago that I finally discovered the true extent to which this Tory-led Government, propped up by an increasing irrelevant Lib-Dem 

contingent are dismantling OUR education service.

I was horrified to discover that one of the main provisions of the Act contained within section 37 [schedule 11] amends the Educations and Inspections Act 2006.

This means that Local Authorities, when they considered  a new school was needed in their area,  are now REQUIRED to hold 'competitions' to decide on the type of school - so that now [and I quote] 

"If a local authority in England think a new school needs to be established in their area, they MUST seek proposals for the establishment of an Academy"  

That would, of course, allow for free schools, as they are simply (in overall legal terms at least) a type of academy. 

Only if no proposals come forward (or if the Secretary of State gives consent) can the local authority then set up a new  community, community special, foundation or foundation special schooll.

It is my belief – and a belief that I hope is shared within this conference – that education cannot be relegated to pure economics.

Education should NOT be a means for private firms to make profits from academies

Education should NOT be subject to the whims of ‘interest groups’ setting up free schools.

EDUCATION should be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It should promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

That’s a right guaranteed under article 26/section 2 of the UN Declaration on Human Rights.

So, are there viable alternatives to profit-making academies and free schools?

I believe there is…and it’s a CO-OPERATIVE alternative.

One that can reflect my – and your – values and  principles.

The co-operative and ethical values that we already subscribe to.

And with our principles we can put those values in action in the creation of a viable alternative to profits in education.

We can lead education through co‑operation

Co-operative Schools place a high emphasis on schools, teachers and the community working together to provide the best environment they can for young people.

They concentrate on the development of young people into active global citizens, which is at the core of tour co-operative philosophy.

  

Schools could just adopt and use Schools by adopting and using Co-operative Values and Principles, but many are looking at a more legal structure which effectively turns their school into a locally owned co-operative in its own right.

These schools use a range of legal frameworks to build democratic elements into their governance structures.

By legally becoming either a co-operative trust school or co-operative academy they ensure :-

·     their school serves the needs of their community by staying locally run             

·     there is a long term commitment to good values through a co-operative ethos

·     there is a long term strategic commitment to engage all the key stakeholders, such as parents, staff, learners and members of the local community

The big question I am asking when a school is looking at conversion to another status, is why would you NOT consult these groups?

By becoming Co-operative, schools make these aspects a normal part of the process!

I’m pleased to say, in Cornwall 70 schools have converted to – or are looking at converting into Co-operative schools. 

Similarly in Devon we have model schools and more are considering the option.

We all need to became advocates for this exciting model and I call on conference to support this motion

With that, it gives me great please to move the motion.

For reference, here's Article 26 from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights   

Article 26.

            (1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.

            (2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

            (3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.