Forum Topic

Waiting for Michael Gove.

Two weeks ago I wrote to Michael Gove, highlighting some very serious concerns I have about my profession and the education of children in Hounslow schools. I asked for very specific responses and expect some research will be needed to answer my questions even satisfactorily. I copied in Mary McLeod. I have not had a reply from either of them and find this quite unsettling. How long is it appropriate to await their response?

Lisa Mercer ● 5511d19 Comments

Thanks but no thanks - if Gove can't be arsed then sod him.

Vanessa Smith ● 5493d

Just a thought - possibly Councillor Paul Lynch could take it up.  Isn't he the Tory 'Shadow'  for education in this Borough or something like that?

Steve Taylor ● 5493d

"the response I got was appalling and he clearly had no grasp of his brief."Oh dear - that does not bode well for those involved in education in our Borough!

Steve Taylor ● 5494d

"or even the Council's Lead Member for Education?" Well, if Mr. Gove can actaully understand a reply from that gentleman he might - the response I got was appalling and he clearly had no grasp of his brief. Hey-ho we are not desperate for a visit - just thought we'd extend an invitation.

Vanessa Smith ● 5494d

That certainly does not look good for Mr Gove. My guess though (respectfully) is that the invitation may carry a bit more weight if it was channeled via Mary Macleod or even the Council's Lead Member for Education?

Steve Taylor ● 5494d

So that the Minister could see a high achieving state school and also see for himself the difficulties being faced regarding the amount of money that needs to be spent on the buildings in spite of a lot of work already being done.

Vanessa Smith ● 5494d

"the Head invited Mr. Gove to visit, needless to say he declined!"Thats quite interesting. What was the purpose of the invitation?

Steve Taylor ● 5494d

At the school where I am a governor - the Head invited Mr. Gove to visit, needless to say he declined!

Vanessa Smith ● 5494d

No definitely not interested in a free school! There isn`t enoug money as it is - without diverting more precious funds away to set them up. Lets spend on the ones we already have surely?

Lisa Mercer ● 5494d

I'm sure he'd be far more interested if you were proposing to open a free school.

Karen Adams ● 5495d

To Cllr John Todd - Thankyou in anticipation of your email - I am sure it is supportive!  I have just checked all my emails received up to a week ago, including those I have deleted and the junk - there is nothing there from you. Not sure why?

Lisa Mercer ● 5495d

Lisa  I emailed you some days ago.You didn't reply.Cllr John Todd

John Todd ● 5495d

Still waiting for Mr Gove. I assume he is very, very busy.

Lisa Mercer ● 5495d

Thanks for the replies. I think I will go to see Mary McLeod at a surgery. Are there other councillors who might be interested in or have a good understanding of the serious  issues surrounding education at the moment? To be more specific - the use of unqualified staff and the failings of schools to hire teachers who are trained and appropriate for the positions that need to be filled? The Education Act is not being adhered to and I would like to find out why. Of course it is financial - but how is it legally justified if an Act of Parliament has been passed that sets out exactly how education should be delivered?

Lisa Mercer ● 5509d

I wrote to Mary Macleod three  weeks ago about the fish discard and yesterday I received a two paged letter which was indeed a full response and was extremely positive and encouraging. Ms Macleod also holds regular surgeries to address your concerns unlike our last MP.

Steve Taylor ● 5509d

Mary Mcleod took over a couple of months to get back to me on something, but it was a properly researched answer to give her her due.

Karen Adams ● 5510d

I wrote to Hounslow's Executive member for Education for some advice on the future of local state schools and whether or not there would be an LEA retained. I got a reply in 24 hours, if only I could have understood any of it I'd have been delighted.

Vanessa Smith ● 5511d

Government Departments have either a 15 or 20 working day reply deadline.  You won't get a response from Michael Gove personally as you are not one of his constituents but you should get one from a DfE official.  It is possible Mary MacLeod won't reply as you only copied the letter to her - you need to write TO her to be sure of a response.

Jennifer Long ● 5511d

If McLeod is like Anne Kean, never

Neil Chippendale ● 5511d