BIG PICTURE
PRESENTATION ‘SLAP IN FACE’
I AM writing in fury at Labour Cllr James Barber’s public presentation of the findings of the recent “Joint area SEND revisit in Cheshire East” by Ofsted.
Cllr Barber’s ignores the report’s statement that “many parents who responded to the online survey have yet to be convinced that there has been lasting improvement”.
“Parents’ negative views have been exacerbated”, Ofsted declare, due to a “lack of effective communication with families” (p.2).
Effort to improve “has been, and still is, a journey” (p.3).
Ofsted reveal that “parents do not feel there is enough support for them pre- and postdiagnosis” and that “Despite the local area’s efforts to minimise the disruption to families, waiting lists have grown” (p.4).
On Twitter, Cllr Barber refers to CEC’s Children and Families department as “Outstanding”.
Parents of ASC children have been incensed by this.
“You might want to check what CE SEND parents believe before you speak… if you’re going to speak (incorrectly) for CE families, you might want to ensure you use up to date terminology”, wrote one parent.
“It’s ASC, not ASD… Autistic people do not have a disability”, he added.
Another Twitter user asked “Is this a joke? …
With zero consultation with ASC parents, who day in day out fight for basic access to education for their children in CE, this feels like a massive slap in the face”.
One Twitter user refers to Cllr Barber’s article as “the biggest load of tripe I have ever read”.
If Cllr Barber lacks the will to admit that (as Ofsted themselves stated) the journey away from previous failings is not complete, he should resign.
I am affronted that I and others who challenged Cllr Barber on Twitter have been blocked by him.
Cowardly in the extreme.
Kate Bell via email
PROJECT IS A WASTE OF £15M
CASTLE Street Macclesfield Refurbishment - what an expensive waste of council tax payers’ hard earned income.
Cafe Society? They must be joking. There is a chippy and a bookies on the street
I have been informed that the previous now unelected Conservative Regeneration Chief (Cllr Arnold) sanctioned this totally unnecessary £15m - yes £15m - spend!
However after 4 years
WHAT you’ve been saying on our Facebook page:
A GRIEVING husband has hit out at the ‘sickening’ state of Macclesfield Crematorium’s memorial garden - saying what should be a place of tranquil beauty has been turned into a ‘slum’ (July 22):
Lisa Withers: I went last night to scatter some ashes and couldn’t work out where I was, where has the pond gone, why so overgrown dark gloomy and litter strewn? I didn’t really want to scatter them but my grandparents were scattered there too, the garden of remembrance is not what it was, very sad!
Alexis Mary Jackson: It needs a good tidy up. They have taken away my dad’s tree that my mum had bought for him. Quite sad about that. It never really grew big but it wasn’t dead.
Kezz Ann: It’s so sad, all
of criticising and complaining when in opposition, the new Labour Regeneration Boss, Councillor Nicholas Mannion, because vandals knocked over the little bridge, causing damage to the pond, which no one even tried to repair. Used to be such a nice place to walk round, now it’s just dangerous.
Vivienne Landers: I went in on Tuesday, the other part of the cemetery was a mess too, can’t always blame the groundsmen as lots of flower pots etc strewn around. had to bring 2 plants home to look after, thankfully they survived! Caroline Hardy: It is disgusting, at one time it was beautiful, ducks on the pond and a lovely relaxing place, its not right how it has been let go, as stated it looks like a tip
TRIBUTES have been paid to Roy Higginbotham who was made life president of Macclesfield Town for his dedicated service to the club after he passed away in Macclesfield Hospital on July 4 (July 30):
Laura Hancox: So many wonderful memories of match days and the usual post game drinks with Roy. A true gent and legend of MTFC. Very sad news, RIP Roy.
Neil D Hayes: We had some great times and laughs . R.I.P
Andy Brooks: Roy was a top bloke. Spent many years working alone with my dad. Will be missed. RIP old pal. Sandra Goodwin: R.I.P Roy had some lovely times with you at the football club and a good few drinks in the director’s bar .Thinking of all the family x.
Jane Hibbert: Sorely missed.. a great neighbour and friend.. a real character.. RIP Roy x Chris Edge: A gent of 1st class. Had a lot of fun working for Roy. Still never had him buy me a drink ha ha.