Present, Archie Pacey(Gorebridge),Robert Hogg(Mayfield), Rena Cameron and Peter Cameron (Polton), Adrian Fitzgerald
(Howgate), Ron Weir (Moorfoot), Bob Jarmson (Penicuik), Anne Stewart-Kmicha (Dalkeith), Pat Kenny (Loanhead), John Ritchie(Gorebridge)
Apologies, Christine Cummings (Newtongrange), Martin Johnson (Tynewater) Christine Ireland (Damhead)
Minutes of February as correct, Proposed by Ron Weir, seconded by Anne Stewart-Kmicha.
Midlothian Schools Strategic Asset Management, Primary and Nursery report.
The proposed closure of rural primary schools, in Midlothian has provoked wide spread condemnation from all of the
Midlothian Community Councils represented at tonight' s MFCC meeting. This included areas not directly affected by the
proposed closures, indeed one member, representing one of the areas not affected stated that his community was more
concerned with the proposed rural closures, than they were about their own primary school reorganisation. The M.F.C.C.
considered this to be a Midlothian wide problem, which resulted in the unanimous adoption of all of the following resolutions.
Resolution 1
Midlothian Federation of Community Councils protests at the failure of Midlothian Council to consult Community Councils
on the programme of primary school reorganisation as detailed in the Report entitled "Midlothian Schools Strategic Asset
Management Primary and Nursery" presented to Cabinet on Thursday 26 February 2004. By this omission Midlothian Council is
preventing Community Councils from performing their statutory duties to: "ascertain and express the views of the communities
which they represent, and to take in the interests of their communities such action as appears to be expedient or practicable."
This Federation demands that Midlothian Council remedy this error by immediately extending its published programme of
consultation on the above-mentioned Report, so as to include a full and meaningful consultation with all Community Councils
in whose wards schools would be affected were the Report to be implemented.
Resolution 2
Midlothian Federation of Community Councils urges Midlothian Council to give the highest priority to the expressed wishes of
parents and communities in respect of all schools scheduled for closure or amalgamation in the current review of Primary and
nursery schools in Midlothian.
Resolution 3
Midlothian Federation of Community Councils supports the aim of Midlothian Council to overcome years of neglect of the fabric
of many of its primary schools. We do not, however, believe that the only means of replacing or refurbishing urban schools is by
sacrificing five rural primary schools. We therefore urge Midlothian Council to review its plan in order to devise a strategy
that will facilitate the desired improvements in the urban sector whilst at the same time safeguarding the ability of rural
schools, in accordance with the wishes of parents and community members, to continue to provide a service that is valued and
recognised to be of high quality.
Resolution 4
Midlothian Federation of Community Councils urges Midlothian Councillors to listen with an open mind to the voice of the
rural communities intent on retaining their schools as a key element of rural life. The rights of parents to have their children
educated in accordance with their wishes, as enshrined in the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, confirmed and extended in various
UK and European statutes, must be respected as a general principle. The real needs of individuals and communities are best understood
by those individuals and communities themselves.
Next meetings
- 21 April 2004 Executive
- 19 May 2004 Executive
- 16 June 2004 Federation
- 21 July 2004 Reserved*
- 18 August 2004 Reserved*
John Ritchie, Secretary Midlothian Federation of Community Councils
