The Ridgeway debate rumbles on...

In fact Labour councillor Tony Smith withdrew his motion demanding minutes of last week's ill-fated scrutiny committee meeting be amended last night, during the latest meeting of the Children and Young Peple Committee.

To the surprise of many there, Cllr Smith accepted reassurance from the chair (Cllr Sheila Clarke) that the Labour and Lib-Dem supported motion - which lost after they claimed the votes had been miscounted - would still be considered by the cabinet. See the Daily Post story here.

But it will be interesting to see if the rumours that the cabinet may take on board some of the issues raised by the scrutiny committee and widen consultation have any truth.

Indeed, this has been the crux of the issue for many - including cabinet member Stuart Kelly who spoke out about the academies plan and set in train much of what followed. The consultation being planned by the council has been on just one option - close the three schools (Ridgeway, Rock Ferry and Park) and replace them with two academies, one of which is to be all-boys.

The take it or leave it approach - where the council suddenly springs a plan on people and says (pretty much) it's this or nothing, has riled many, and not for the first time a public meeting has ended up looking like a battle between those who want the council to listen to their point of view, but feel a decision has already been made, and those representing the council who have already run through the options and arguments behind the scenes. This is then reported and the councillors (and others) end up looking foolish, or uncaring, or disinterested in the public's views.

So it's not surprising that at last night's scrutiny committee the councillors all seemed in agreement that meetings should be better organised in future to prevent the chaos which ensued last week. They can't do much about the overall policies, but I can't imagine many of them would want to go through many more meetings like that.

It's probably a wise move. Many of those I spoke to at - and after - the meeting last week were atstonished that their elected representatives had been unable to successfully carry out a vote on the motions before them without it turning into a farce.

Now both the Tory motion - which despite probably having fewer people supporting it won the day - will go forward to cabinet along with the Labour motion, which is detailed in the official council minutes of the meeting.

The Tory motion, as proposed by Councillor Hayes and seconded by Councillor Povall, is,

"Committee resolves that as no credible evidence has been presented this evening to support the closure of Ridgeway High School, an outstanding school; committee therefore refers this matter back to Cabinet to examine further options, excluding the closure of Ridgeway High School."

The motion was put to the vote and carried (7:6) by virtue of the Chair's casting vote.

But also going to cabinet is the Labour motion, moved by Councillor Doyle and seconded by Councillor Taylor that,

"Scrutiny Committee thanks witnesses for their evidence and submissions.
"Scrutiny considers that it has no 'in principle' objection to the concept of Academy Schools status.
"Scrutiny further notes the investment opportunity presently available in the region of £30m for establishing two new academies in Birkenhead.
"Scrutiny notes the problem of surplus places in schools and affirms its support for the policy of review to ensure that as much money as possible is spent on educating children rather than maintaining empty spaces.
"Scrutiny further affirms its view that educational attainment remains a key priority for the Council and schools not meeting target attainment should be subject to review.
"Scrutiny notes the recent rise in attainment results for Ridgeway and Park High Schools.
"Scrutiny believes that consultation on reorganisation of schools which may result in the closure or change of status of a school should be open and transparent, and consultees furnished with sufficient robust information and options to make an informed response for consideration.
"Scrutiny Committee therefore requests Cabinet to carry out the following additional work prior to proceeding to consultation:
"1. A further review of the Expressions of Interest. This review should:-
(i) Establish parental demand for a boys-only academy
(ii) Re-evaluate the proposed attainment targets for both academies in light of the significant improvement made at the current schools
"2. Ensure any consultation includes options for change rather than one 'take it or leave it' package. For example:-
(i) Closure of Ridgeway, Park High and Rock Ferry, and their replacement with the two academies as set out in the Expressions of Interest of the two sets of sponsors
(ii) Retention of Ridgeway as a Foundation Trust School, with a new academy replacing Park High School and Rock Ferry High School on the current Park High School site
(iii) Closure of one of the Birkenhead schools as a response to falling rolls."

The minutes record that the motion was put to the vote but not carried (5:5)