MP tells minister of ‘betrayal’ over closure of school McCabe slams decision in House of Commons
MINISTERS were told they have “betrayed” Birmingham parents over the closure of Baverstock Academy.
Steve McCabe, Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, condemned the decision as he questioned education ministers in the House of Commons.
It follows the announcement that Baverstock is to close despite a passionate campaign by parents and pupils designed to convince ministers to think again.
Baverstock, in Bells Lane, was earmarked for closure last year but the Government announced in September that it would help the school to stay open – only to reveal in January this year that it was launching a fresh consultation about closing it.
The school was once known as one of Birmingham’s most innovative secondaries, but ran into trouble almost immediately after it was converted into an academy in 2013. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr McCabe said: “In terms of disadvantage, the Government’s about to close Baverstock School in my constituency.
“They won’t say what that costs, where the pupils will go, they won’t explain the inaccurate travel and future demand data and the secretary of state won’t even respond to my request for a meeting.
“Although I’m told she’s got time for a photo opportunity elsewhere in Birmingham where she won’t be meeting Baverstock parents.
“Are you at all surprised that when it comes to disadvantage my constituents have one word for government education policy, and that’s ‘betrayal’?”
Children and families minister Edward Timpson MP replied by pointing out that Baverstock had been placed in special measures following Ofsted inspections.
He said: “The honourable gentleman is right to be worried about schools in his constituency. So are we.”
Are you at all surprised that when it comes to disadvantage my constituents have one word for government education policy, and that’s ‘betrayal’?