I have recently been contacted by a number of parents of pupils at Forest Hill School about the cuts that have to be made in response to the discovery that the school was projected to generate a large budget deficit. I would refer you to a number of statements that I have previously made that I hope will explain the situation and the Council’s position:
I understand that there is a rumour circulating that says that 30 teachers have resigned from the school in addition to the staff cuts that have had to be made as part of the deficit recovery plan. This is false. Resignations and redundancies are broadly in line with what the school anticipated they would be.
NB The deficit recovery plan involves the loss of 15 teaching posts starting in September 2017. Any additional redundancies will create vancanies which will be filled by a recruitment process in the normal way. These 15 posts were clearly not affordable as the school was spending more than its income, thereby generating the deficit.
I further understand that there is a rumour circulating that since I ‘have hardly heard any complaints from concerned parents about the cuts and restructure to Forest Hill Boys school, (I) have concluded that FHS parents are in favour of the cuts’, (I quote directly from an email I have received). I have never said that and I don't believe that.
NB The deficit recovery plan involves the loss of 15 teaching posts starting in September 2017. Any additional redundancies will create vancanies which will be filled by a recruitment process in the normal way. These 15 posts were clearly not affordable as the school was spending more than its income, thereby generating the deficit.
I further understand that there is a rumour circulating that since I ‘have hardly heard any complaints from concerned parents about the cuts and restructure to Forest Hill Boys school, (I) have concluded that FHS parents are in favour of the cuts’, (I quote directly from an email I have received). I have never said that and I don't believe that.
I am pleased that the NUT has suspended their strike action. I am pleased that talks are continuing between the school and the NUT to try and address the union's concerns. I hope these will be result in an agreement that avoids further strike action.
