Manifesto review #3

In lesser organisations than our own highly respected local authority, constant reorganisations are usually a displacement activity to divert attention from the fact that the leadership hasn't a clue how to run, never mind improve, the services provided. I wouldn't have thought that could possibly be the case on the Isle of Wight, but as we embark on the fourth phase of Children's Services restructuring since 2005, I thought I'd better make sure school standards were on target.

"A Conservative Council will transform the council's LEA to an organisation with an excellent track record of improving school attainment levels for our children." 11th April 2005 (A. Sutton)

Well we all know that when we hand our dear little kiddies over to the tender care of Pugh's education service they score collectively about 10% above the national average in ability. Just how much added value do we see reflected at the end of the process through GCSE A-C scores? OK, so it's not upper quartile performance, or indeed second or third quartile. But at 119 out of 150 we are right up there in the upper quartile of the bottom quartile (although admittedly only just). There are 31 inner city education authorities out there that would be proud to have that sort of performance, and we should count our blessings!

Incidentally, on the same IW Conservatives web page is a further promise from our esteemed former leader:

"A Conservative Council will maintain local village schools as vital centres of the community.."

Doesn't say all village schools, does it, suckers?

Manifesto score 0/10