Dear Editor,

COULD arrangements for pupils attending SFG get any more chaotic? Well yes they could, and they just have.

The debacle began in late August this year, when an announcement that the  start of the autumn term would be delayed because school buildings were dangerous, was made just days before the autumn term started. Then further delays to the start of term were announced, often with just a single days notice, making it impossible for parents to plan childcare or arrange time off work. 

Last week parents were told that the better quality temporary school buildings that had been promised for November were delayed. This meant that the very temporary ones, with inadequate  toilets, mildew on the ceiling and melting radiators would have to be used until the spring. We were also told that Year 7 would now be bussed to Mark Hall for the entire year.

Today, on the last day of the half term, with just a weeks notice, parents are told that the next half term would also be delayed. No definite start date has been given and pupils are warned that online learning (and we all know how disastrous that is) may have to continue on occasion throughout the winter. How can any parents plan care for their children when they do not know when term starts and when pupils may be sent home for online learning? 

And where is our MP Mr Halfon? Yes we see him popping up for photo opportunities, but he refuses to answer questions on this issue even though he works in the Department for Education which is responsible for this appalling state of affairs.

My children, and the other pupils that attend SFG deserve better. So Mr Halfon, it’s time you told your Conservative colleagues at the DfE,that they’re not “doing a effing good job” as they claim. Its time you apologised for the chaos and uncertainty that you are in part responsible for. And it’s long overdue for you to set out in clear, honest terms exactly what educational provision SFG students can expect and to ensure they get a fair crack at a decent education.