Unfair school selection

Strange that the Adjudicator's report actually says " (NYCC) should review its selection arrangements achieving a more transparent and fair system across its selective schools".

I find such duplicitous use of words from our own council as shocking.

NYCC is making no change for next year, supported by the two Skipton grammar schools. We have a 10 per cent difference in pass marks between Ripon and Skipton and you have to get your child coached to pass the tests, costing over £3,000. It is obvious that the less well-off children miss out.

The two grammar schools and NYCC appear comfortable with the better-off children from Ilkley in their schools rather than less well-off local children. They can argue otherwise, but their inactivity contradicts them.

Parents who have just been turned down in their selection review may be wondering why the panel was unwilling to discuss the difference between Ripon and Skipton pass marks. Also, why the NYCC representative had new, and mysterious, evidence that coaching makes no difference to the marks. Or were they not told they have a further statutory appeal, something NYCC says little about in its paperwork?

I can provide advice about your next step. Please email me at schools@lindholme.org.uk for further details, but you need to act fast as your school allocation letters arrive on Monday.

For those parents who have a child in Year 5 or below and are concerned about Skipton's selective system and NYCC's refusal to do anything about it, there are parents who are making a third adjudicator's referral within weeks.

If you would like to join in that referral, again email me at schools@lindholme.org.uk if you want to add your name.

Please do so as NYCC relies on the timidity of the parents of Skipton to divide and rule.

You can visit my blog at skiptonschools.blogspot.com where there are links and explanations.

Graeme Hitchen, High Bank, Bradley

... not made clear ...

Sir - You quote a spokesperson for North Yorkshire County Council saying the council had made it quite clear in its current booklet for parents that grammar school selection was based on the highest performing 28 per cent of Year 6 children in the selective school area.

What NYCC doesn't make clear or attempt to explain is why the pass mark to gain entry to Ripon Grammar School (207) is considerably lower than it is for entry to Ermysted's Grammar School (222).

In respect of the Office of The Schools Adjudicators reports of 2006 and 2007 the spokesperson says neither determination states the North Yorkshire selection scheme is unfair.

In 2006, the Schools Adjudicator said: "It does seem that a system which says 204 marks makes a boy suitable for a grammar school place at Ripon Grammar School, but not at Ermysted's Grammar School, does not appear to be fair."

And: "I do not accept either that they justify the administrative perpetuation of double standards or that the problem has no solution."

In 2007, the adjudicator said: "The attempts of the council to respond to the concerns expressed in the 2006 adjudication that the notion that a definitive standard or particular score in a selection test represents suitability for a particular grammar school education is flawed and unsustainable."

And: "As long as the county adheres to the notion that there is, if not a standard, a measure of suitability for a particular grammar school which differs from one grammar school to another, it is presiding over a system which is at best ill-defined and at worst unfair."

Perhaps the NYCC spokesperson may like to comment upon the above and explain to the public that it has gone so far as to seek counsel's advice so as to not have to comply with the independent recommendations of a government body appointed to oversee fairness and transparency in the selection system.

Angus Rushton, Sutton-in-Craven (full address withheld on request)

... self-indulgent ...

Sir - Having tried and now failed to get my daughter into Skipton Girls' High School, I feel able to comment about the self-indulgent and complacent attitude of North Yorkshire County Council to the matter.

On two occasions the education authority has been warned by the Schools Adjudicator about the unfairness of the selection system in North Yorkshire. Its reaction has been to say that by supplying more information about the selection system to parents it has remedied the matter. This in no way addresses any of the issues brought up by the reports.

The difference between the two marks for Skipton and Ripon lies in the accessibility of good quality coaching in Skipton and the ability to pay for it.

NYCC also points to the improvements in primary school SATs scores in the Skipton area.

The North Yorkshire area as a whole reaches 23.6 per cent of its Year Six pupils achieving the "holy grail" of three level five scores in maths, English and science. The Skipton area achieves 30.27 per cent in the same subjects.

If North Yorkshire rates highly nationally and the Skipton area is a "shining light"' within that authority, why are we allowing only 28 per cent of local pupils in and bussing, admittedly bright, students from less well-performing parts of Lancashire and West Yorkshire?

If the Skipton primaries continue to improve an increasing number of academically talented local children are going to be denied a grammar school education afforded to others in North Yorkshire.

We need to increase the accessibility of the grammar schools in Skipton to local children without compromising standards and bring some fairness into a selection system that has been held to ridicule by the Schools Adjudicator and will be again.

Stephen Hanson, Crossbank, Skipton

... huge discrepancy

Sir - Please can someone, preferably from North Yorkshire County Council, explain to my son why, if we lived 20 miles east of here in Ripon, he would be deemed suitable for a grammar school education, yet because we live in Skipton he isn't.

Having just gone through the tremendous emotional stress of a "selection review", I know that NYCC themselves cannot explain the huge discrepancy that exists between Ripon and Skipton because we asked.

How can the same education authority have two different standards for grammar schools and see this as fair? After all, "Every Child Matters."

Gary Crompton, Park Avenue, Skipton

Herriots praise

Sir - I am writing to you regarding the Herriots Hotel article (Dining Out, February 22). I was amazed to read such a damning report of a recent experience eating in their restaurant.

I have personally eaten at Herriots many times over the past years with my family and I have been more than happy with both the service and quality of food. As chairman of Grassington United, I would also like to comment that, in the past year, we have held three sportsman's dinners at Herriots with more than 100 people attending each event.

The most recent event was attended by the great Nobby Stiles, which was a fantastic evening and the meal and service was excellent. We have already planned another for July this year.

Grassington Utd will continue to support Herriots and I will personally continue to eat at Herriots. I dine out regularly in the local area and would suggest people should form their own opinion as to the quality of food and service at Herriots and not be influenced otherwise.

Jonathan Bunney, Brook View, Carleton-in-Craven Sir - My wife and I were dismayed to read the review. We have eaten at Herriots on many occasions. We have always received excellent service and excellent choice of menu and superbly prepared food. The staff and management have always been courteous and friendly. The service we have experienced has been the same consistently high level each time.

John Manley, Skipton town councillor, Burnside Avenue, Skipton

Islamic guests

Sir - Last Saturday two young men from the mosque in Skipton came to Settle's Victoria Hall for an Islamic Awareness Day. They had been asked in order to try to break down some of the appalling "them and us" feeling that seems to be growing in Britain.

They brought a small exhibition to explain Islam to those of us who knew little about it. This described, for example, the Islamic attitude to women, something of the huge contribution that Muslims have made to the worlds of science and exploration over the centuries and a map showing the current extent of Islam in the world.

We were able to ask questions and were impressed with the patience and good humour with which these were answered. After a chance to sample the food our Muslim friends had brought, there was a question-and-answer session. There were so many questions - all of which were answered with an obviously deep knowledge of Islam - that the session lasted for nearly two hours instead of the one hour which was scheduled.

Those of us who came would like to send our sincerest thanks to our guests for the time and care they took to give us a fascinating day. They will, I think, have sensed our appreciation in that several questioners asked them to come again. We hope to cement and increase the friendships begun on Saturday.

Valerie Potter, Bridge Cottage, Clapham

Building fashions

Sir - I agree with David Handley (Letters, February 22) that HML and CDC would far better serve Skipton if their proposed development on Gargrave Road were to be the subject of an architectural competition.

In this way a building of the calibre he suggests should be achieved. One must remember, however, that truly avant-gard buildings, which all too infrequently receive planning consent, are rarely liked at the time of erection, generally having to wait many decades before they are acclaimed. As a student of architecture in the late 50s I was trained to dislike all Victorian buildings as being eclectic monstrosities. Now these buildings are highly regarded - indeed I live in one!

The two existing buildings in Skipton - the Health Centre and the Building Society "skyscraper" - are both of the mid 20th century and the former is truly representative of good architecture of the time. It was designed by the West Riding County Council Architects' Department under the expert direction of Hubert Bennett and was considered at the time to be a first rate example of good architecture, an accolade which resulted in publication in the architectural press.

It is a disaster that the ill-considered Renaissance exercise suggests its demolition.

Barry Rawson, Park Street, Skipton

Flash, bang ...

Sir - In reply to David Whipp's comments (Craven Herald, February 15) regarding firework displays in Barnoldswick, I would like to re-confirm my opinion that the town should have an organised firework display, but not one that loses over £40,000 each time it is held.

I am prepared to accept his challenge to put the event on any cheaper, if I could, on the understanding that I have access to £60,000, the same as he does. The money I save can be spent in Barnoldswick on items that people are concerned about, for example, our public toilets are disgusting, the pavements are in a dangerous state of disrepair and our war cenotaph is a disgrace with lack of cleaning and maintenance. And the final condition - I get his £42,000 a year allowances.

On Coun Whipp's comments that accidents have fallen since the fireworks event has been held, could he please explain where he gets his statistics from?

He also states that, if the razzmatazz was reduced, safety and security would be compromised. Well, at the 2006 event a donation of £50 was made to the first aiders and £1,000 in 2007 - not exactly a big sum compared to the overall expenditure of £60,000. Adding up security, safety and the actual fireworks, it makes a total of £9,500 and this still leaves the event with over £53,300. Plenty of scope to reduce the extensive extra entertainment and still keep it safe and secure.

Perhaps the councillors that think it is an event they will hold in the future under its present format should consider using their own money to subsidise the event, but for some strange reason I think they will decide it is not such a worthwhile cause then.

I suspect that some people might think that certain councillors are using the firework fantasia for their own political ego, but I would like it to be known, I do not think that at all. Do you?

Glenn Whittaker, Park Street, Barnoldswick

... wallop!

Sir - I read with interest the amount of money spent on the Fireworks Fantasia. I was not very surprised that Glen Whittaker got no real answers to any of his questions. I believe Councillor Whipp will shout anyone down that does not agree with him.

He also wastes a lot of money that could be spent on things such as the pavements in Barnoldswick which are very dangerous, and I for one walk in the road most of the time.

Mr Whipp says this "Firework Display" has the overwhelming support of the people of Barnoldswick and puts it on the "map".

He wouldn't agree to a "St George''s Day" celebration which I tried very hard to get and gave up in the end.

The good news is Jennifer Purcell (Independent) is hopefully going to organise this and that should put Barnoldswick on the "map".

Mr Whipp does not like anything patriotic and blames this on the ethnic population, who actually don't mind at all.

Marilyn Shawcroft, Ethel Street, Barnoldswick

Net expense

Sir - I nearly fell off my chair when I read that Silsden Town Hall (Craven Herald, February 22) has been connected to the internet for £17,000 and that this does not include any computers! £17,000 of taxpayers' money! For an internet connection?

The equipment to do this, known as a wifi router, is £80 to buy and £20 a month, known as broadband, to run.

I would seriously suggest somebody in Silsden calls this to the Ombudsman's attention. The answer will probably come back: "Oh, it's free money from Yorkshire Forward or the EU or etc."

Let's not forget that this "free money from Europe" started off as a whopping deduction in our pay packets or as VAT on our purchases or inheritance tax or some other tax. There is no such thing as free money.

I would suggest that spending £17,000 of hard-earned taxpayers' money on something most people pay £80 for is a serious dereliction of public office. What could £16,920 buy in Silsden that is badly needed? And wifi.

Simon Maufe, Beck Hall, Malham

Not a standstill

Sir - Councillor Carl Lis, leader of Craven District Council (and some of his supporters), made great play of freezing the council tax precept for Craven in 2008/2009.

This standstill is to be welcomed, but before anyone runs away with the idea that spending will be frozen, they should think again.

The net spend by Craven District Council will rise to £8,100,000 in 2008/9 from £7,100,000 in this current year, 2007/8. The difference is largely made up of over £1,000,000 being taken from reserves (your money and mine, under-spent in previous years).

In 1999/2000 the net spend was £5,200,000.

So, while welcome (and not before time), the freeze on council tax will not mean a standstill on expenditure.

Councillor David Crawford, Mill Bridge, Bell Busk

Help us publish

Sir - I feel sure that many people in Barnoldswick, particularly those of an older generation, were saddened to learn of the death of Ken Wilson a short time ago (Craven Herald, February 1).

He will certainly be remembered for the two books he wrote that had a direct relationship to the town; My Days Are Swifter Than A Weaver's Shuttle and that about the loss of the hospital ship Rohilla. His last book, completed just a few months before he died, A Year Of Three Kings - Barnoldswick in 1936, a proof copy of which I have seen, tells of day-to-day life in the town during that eventful year. It also contains fine illustrations that were a feature of all Ken's work.

In order to have it published he asked the History Society and the Heritage Trust for the North West if we would support a bid for lottery funding, which we were pleased to do, since all the proceeds would be donated to the Bancroft Mill Trust. Sadly, our applications were refused.

Now, and with the full co-operation of the Heritage Trust, the History Society is appealing for sponsorship to help raise £3,000 required to launch this book. We feel certain contributions, however great or small, from individuals, local groups or business would enable it to be on sale within the next few months.

Should you feel able to help please contact either Fay Oldland at Pendle Heritage Centre on (01282) 661556 or myself, Dennis Cairns (01282) 812956.

Dennis Cairns (chairman, Barnoldswick History Society), Pen-y-Ghent Way, Barnoldswick