Another consultation, another questionaire - surely this time someone will take notice.

There is another consultation about the academy - I am not sure how far it has been published (the document says it has been distributed to staff and governors at Chapter and Temple, to local MP's and councillors to other local schools and to interested parties and groups.)

But - it does have a public website www.stroodacademy.org where the consultation docs are to be found for download and they are asking for everyones feedback.

So - take a look and let them know what you think - it may be your voice will fall on deaf ears, but if you don't say anything then there is NO chance of your opinions being taken into consideration.

There is also a public meeting

Wednesday 4 March 2009, 6-8pm at the Corn Exchange, High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LX

Expression of Interest Published

The EOI is available online, not sure how to search for it but the DCSF have sent me a direct link

Expression Of Interest on the DCSF site

Interesting that the date for opening the new building which has always been 2011 - is now listed as 2012.

Not sure what the impact of that will be but I think it means there will need to be an increase in the facilities at Chapter to handle the extra intake for 2009/2010/2011.

Still I am sure it's all been thought out by the council - nothing to worry about there.

Have a read and see what you think - my next questions are about how much money got released, to whom, and what are they spending it on.

The Expression of Interest

For those of you who don't know, the first stage of the Academy process (after the required Insultation - sorry Consultation) is the Expression of Interest (EOI) - that has been completed and some funds have been released to allow the Feasability study.

Trouble is, right now, nobody seems to know how much public money has been released, or to whom, or what they are going to spend it on.

The expression of interest is a public document, except it's not actually been made public anywhere. I have asked to DCSF to supply it under the Freedom of Information act, they have today replied with a reference number and a statement that they have 15 to 20 business days to respond. It should have been published on the DCSF site

When I receive it (or spot it published) I'll update the blog so we can all read it, likewise if we hear who has got the 1st release of funding then we will make sure to let everyone know.

CHATHAM SOUTH PARENTS - IT'S HAPPENING TO YOUR CHILDREN NOW - YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR CASE

Open letter to parents and students at Chatham South School

We attended your consultation meeting last night, and we were alarmed at what we heard - it was deja vue for us.

We (SOCK) feel we have made a difference to the future of our children we did this by being organised, gaining support of the Head, the staff, the parents and the students and local residents. It's not over yet, but we have made a difference.

We got publicity and support for our campaign and we have worked hard and learned a lot - we would like to share our experiences with you, and help you if we can - please contact us at

contactus@sockcampaign.com

You can make a difference, and there are some things you need to know to make the most of your efforts.