The chance of a new Co-op Trust primary school for Hove

The Co-operative Party in Sussex and Labour's Councillor for Goldsmid Ward, Melanie Davis, are raising awareness of the opportunity of a Co-op Trust primary school for Hove.

At a local meeting on the Co-operative Trust Schools model, the Chair of Sussex Co-operative Party, Daniel Yates, called for the whole community—including local colleges, universities, businesses, charities, and voluntary sectors—to come together to support a proposal for such a model to be considered when Brighton & Hove City Council makes any decisions on a new Primary school for the City Centre.

Daniel added, "There is a great opportunity here to create a new school that puts real power in the hands of local parents within the Co-operative ethos. But to seriously achieve this we will need to have the support of wide sections of the community working alongside local families."

People heard from Sean Rogers, College Associate, who is leading the work on supporting schools who are adopting the Co-operative Trust model.

Councillor Melanie Davis from Goldsmid Ward said,"When I speak to families in Hove, the lack of primary schools places is a frequent problem. This is the time for action and a positive, inclusive solution such as that being offered by the Co-operative Trust Schools model which should be shared with the local community, giving them the chance to have a stronger say in the development of their children's education. "

Schools Secretary Ed Balls said:

"Co-operative school trusts put power in the hands of those who know best what is needed in their area, by allowing local communities to come together and have direct power over the running of their local schools. They mean that everybody with a stake in the school's success - parents, teachers, support staff, and even pupils - can all get involved in the running of their school. And most importantly, they can help to raise aspirations, improve standards and ensure that parents have more choice of good local schools."

You can read more in this story from the Argus.