Parents’ opinions divided over decision
PLANS to close Vale View primary school early every Friday afternoon to cope with budget cuts has divided opinion among parents.
Many parents and M.E.N. readers say it will create problems for working mums and dads.
Some argued it would cost families more money getting childcare while others were on the school’s side.
Lynn Powell, writing on Facebook, said: “What about the parents who will have to find extra money for childcare costs.”
Others criticised the chair of governor’s suggestion to use the early finish as an opportunity to spend quality time together.
Michael Prior added: “Sorry I can’t come in on Friday boss, my kid’s school says I need to have some quality family time. “Sure that will go down well.” But some parents said they understood why Vale View had taken the step to close early on a Friday.
Others urged people to stop ‘teacher bashing’.
Keziah Major said: “Vale View says its current costs are ‘not sustainable’ and despite making a number of redundancies from September, the timetable change – which will save £100k in staffing costs – is needed to keep those staff cuts to a minimum.
“Please read the article for all those teacher bashing. Does that look like a decision that teachers will be happy with? Off having a jolly long weekend? Or does it appear staff have been made redundant and will now be facing a decrease to salary.”
Jenny Johnson added: “Please don’t be angry with the teachers. Be angry with the government who have made this necessary.”
Manchester Central Labour MP Lucy Powell, who sits on the government’s education select committee, said it was ‘a tough decision for any school, particularly given the pressure it will put on parents already struggling to balance work and home life’.
She added: “It is a stark example of the pernicious choices facing headteachers due to school funding cuts on this government’s watch. We need to level up school funding to ensure our education system is fit for purpose, delivering for all children and families.”