Carlton Primary School

• CARLTON Primary was a “two-form entry” school. Due to falling pupil numbers it underwent a successful restructure, for this academic year, while still protecting the standard of education it provides.

Last November, parents and carers at Carlton Primary were devastated by news the school might close.

Despite the reservations of the council, our headteacher, Jacquie, felt parents should be told by the school before we read about it in the papers. The news had already been leaked to the press.

For most, it was utter shock! The uncertainty around threat of closure has caused much turmoil, stress, and anxiety for all concerned.

We formed the Parent Action Group and keeping the parent body informed has mainly fallen to us.

We hear daily about their worries. Many feel Camden Council had done nothing to give relief. No letters. No meetings. No information. No impact assessment.

We invited cabinet member Angela Mason and council leader, Georgia Gould, to meet us. They came and listened to what parents had to say and responded accordingly.

Cllr Gould has agreed to return at some point. We hope soon, with answers to two particular questions.

Why was Carlton singled out for closure, despite other schools having similar falls in pupil numbers? And, why hasn’t an impact assessment been carried out yet?

Our school, being in Gospel Oak near to Queen’s Crescent, is in one of the most socially and economically disadvantaged areas of the country.

Despite this, there is a definite sense of community here. It has served generations of many families and its presence in this vulnerable area is much needed. Carlton should not close. Just ask anyone locally.

Even if pupils are relocated to other schools and staff do find jobs elsewhere, in reality, the emotional, educational, and economic disruption to families and staff would be catastrophic.

We learned that, at a local Labour Party meeting on January 14, there was unanimous agreement that Carlton should not close.

We hope that, the Labour-led council will echo this sentiment, when the formal proposal is made on April 1, and decide not to close our precious and unique school.

SHANA BIBI, NOELLA BELLO CASTRO, SALLY KELLNER, SHODA RACKAL, MONIKA REGO
Parents at Carlton Action Group