Labours secondary school plan "basically about privatising education in Sheffield"

4.28.36pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 12th Feb 2007

Lib Dems outside a Sheffield school

Sheffield's secondary schools could soon be run by banks, universities and major corporations as part of a major shake up being encouraged by the Government. HSBC, Microsoft, Cadbury's and Kier are among the companies waiting in the wings to get involved with city schools, along with Sheffield's two universities and organisations like Sheffield International Venues.

Cllr Sylvia Anginotti, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Young People, said: -

"From what we can see Labours plan is basically about privatising education in Sheffield. So it seems bizarre that so-called 'fire-brand' socialist Labour councillors are putting forward these proposals. Labour politicians need to ask themselves do they really believe that local people want schools like 'Kentucky Fried Chicken High' or good local schools accountable to local people within the Local Education Authority family"

"We believe that local people would prefer to see their local school run by their local council rather than big businesses and corporations. Schools operating within an LEA family can work together rather than competing with each other, therefore avoiding the worse off schools and pupils being left behind. Also, unlike Trust and Academy Schools they are accountable to local people through their local councillors"

"Its clear that many local people have real concerns about Trust and Academy Schools in Sheffield. I believe that Labour should be listening to these concerns rather than ploughing ahead following their national party line on this important issue"