THE LEFT in the National Union of Teachers has campaigned for complete opposition to Education Action Zones (EAZs) while the Broad Left majority on the Executive has so far successfully counterpoised to this a policy of "constructive engagement".
This fails to recognise that EAZS are a Trojan horse, which in the name of tackling social disadvantage actually enshrine inequality while introducing business interests directly into the state education system.
Part of the balance sheet so far is that most bids for EAZs have been formulated in secrecy keeping parents and teachers as much in the dark as possible. This was demonstrated yet again at the end of last term in the London Borough of Islington where the proposed EAZ will affect 22 schools.
NUT teachers at Ashmount primary school unanimously voted against the proposal and won the support of more than 300 parents who signed a petition in opposition to the scheme, forcing the school's governors to call a parents meeting. Over 100 attended and the opposition was so strong that the school has now pulled out.
However at nearby Yerbury a push by parents for a similar meeting was ignored; they were outraged to be told there will be no further consultation with them.
Even more scandalously, just after the end of term the Council announced that three primary schools in the borough will close as part of the bid. Parents, teachTHE CARERS ing now to ensure maximum opposition when schools return in September.