Worker

Fair enough. Not sure what complications could arise though? Presume the DofE or their agent tells the owners they are interested in the site as a school? Or would neighbours object?

Yay, an easy target has posted an OTT post, let's get her!

Are you allowed to be more specific James? Thanks for the info thus far.

Blokes in pink, sparkly dresses maybe Otta, but pink is OK in a shirt. Got me thinking that most of the posts in this thread focus on the impact of these stories on girls, but as a bloke and father of a bloke, I think their impact on boys is also important i.e. that they're presented with strong female characters.

Going back to the OP's question, and as proved by almost every response, 'no, it's the PTA Mum that's out of sync, not you'.

By the way, anyone know what the SE24 site is? Thanks.

This from the JKPS website. So looks more SE24 than 22. Newsletter ? 13 March 2013 Posted on 13 March 2013 by Peter Johnson A short update about premises and the school?s location. We are acutely aware of how important it is to all of you, especially those who have applied for places this coming September. Unfortunately, along with many free schools, it has proved a longer job than we had hoped to convert options into reality. The Education Funding Agency ? part of the DfE ? is charged with securing us a site. They retain commercial agents, in this case DTZ, to assist in the negotiations. They are pursuing two live options on our behalf: the SE24 site we discussed at our consultation events, and a site in SE5 about which we recently emailed our applicant families. SE24. EFA are optimistic they can reach a deal on this site. They are in negotiations with the owners and tell us they are making progress. Given the distribution of our support and applicants, this continues to be our preferred location. SE5. EFA have told us they believe they could acquire this site in time for a September opening. It is further away from the core of our support, and thus is our second choice. However, as we are committed to opening in September, we have instructed the EFA to pursue it as our back up and potential temporary location, in case our SE24 option is available, but not in time for September. We remain embargoed about saying exactly where these sites are, since EFA want to minimise the risk of information leaking out that might affect their negotiations. Above all, we are totally committed to opening in September and are doing everything possible to achieve this. Our headteacher starts early next month and as well as currently recruiting teaching staff, we?re making progress across the board in order to be ready for the next school year.

Re. high staff turnover. I am a big supporter of state education but this is notwithstanding that the majority of my teachers were 8.30-3 box tickers. You shouldn't discount the possibility that improved results are to some extent a result of staff turnover i.e. rubbish teachers being replaced by good teachers.

I always wonder how they can make enough money to justify not selling up. Decent spot they've got there.

I'm sure this has already been noted, but people reading or texting while walking along a footpath, platform, etc. No, it's OK, I'll do the looking and dodging, you enjoy your book. Or on a bad day, I'll do the looking but not the dodging.

I've been impressed with the level tone of the debate on this thread given the potentially divisive subject - very interesting and educational. Hope it stays that way. I'm with Buggie, Pickle et al on this one.

WM, great work keeping this thread going, but who's the sucker client you're charging this time out to? Go on, you know everyone has a 'default' client!

James, you asked for ideas for programming the lights. Could we have 'Rasta Friday Evenings' please - green, yellow, red, dancing to a reggae beat across the arc of the lights. Good way to start the weekend.

I'm feeling your pain, but riddle me this: you're mid-aisle, there's some space, people are approaching from both directions, to which direction do you proceed? You pack tight left, but the person directly to the right of you doesn't follow, so the people on the left think you're a knob. Ditto to the right. It's tough. So I just leave at 7am and spread out over two or three seats.

I'm guessing the response 'it's just a children's cartoon story' isn't going to cut the mustard here. For mine, while I agree that many stories, books, films, etc need putting in context, I wouldn't want to take this to the point where these stories become nothing but cold, hard life lessons and lose any magic they had. This is an interesting thread, but. Could be a long one!