Union warns of misery

PARENTS across Rochdale found out where their child has been offered a primary school place on Tuesday.

Across the borough 89 per cent of children got a place at their first choice school.

But it can be an stressful time for parents - especially for those who aren’t offered places at one of their preferred schools.

Union bosses warn a national of shortage school places is causing misery for some families who face long journeys to school or have to taxi siblings to separate schools.

Kevin Courtney, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “We are facing the worst shortage of school places for decades. It is resulting in overcrowded classrooms, often in makeshift buildings that are squeezing out space for playgrounds, for art rooms or music spaces.

“All children should have the right to go to a local school and to be taught by qualified teachers.

“Government policies are standing in the way of both of these fundamental rights.

“Local councils have had pupil place planning powers removed from them.

“They can’t open new schools; they can’t direct academies to expand.

“They don’t have sufficient capital funding to help other schools expand.”

Parents can appeal the decision if they think it is unfair.