View Full Version : Lybster Lightbeams Playgroup / Petition / Demonstration / Public Meeting
following on from the thread '10 days notice...' the online petition is now up & running please take the time to support our campaign http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/lightbeamsplaygroup (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/lightbeamsplaygroup)
please leave a comment on this to say youve signed so this thread is kept bumped to the top. thanks
myself and my partner have signed
please leave a comment on this to say youve signed so this thread is kept bumped to the top. thanksI am sure a mod could make it a sticky for you. You have ten days, print up some petition forms and get out and about in the lybster area as those are the ones most affected and get as many signatures as you can.
just to let you know i have just signed hope it works. goodluck
I am sure a mod could make it a sticky for you. You have ten days, print up some petition forms and get out and about in the lybster area as those are the ones most affected and get as many signatures as you can.
petition forms already doing the rounds in Lybster, would just like to thank Katrina McNabb, David Bremner & Jamie Stone for their support, any comments yet Bill??
Alice in Blunderland
06-Mar-08, 12:46
Is there anything to do with the nurseries going to be mentioned at the next meeting of the Joint Comittee for Young people on the 14th :confused could be the result of the report that they have been doing Im not sure.
Sapphire2803
06-Mar-08, 12:50
I've just signed and asked hubby to do the same :)
Good luck
Im not sure Alice in Blunderland all I know is theat the meeting is in Inverness on the 14th march with the recommendation of our nursery closure, & that there is only 2 local councillors that will be present, theyve obviously done this on the hope that they could do it quietly with no opposition sure if you speak to David Bremner when he gets back this afternoon he will be able to tell you.
Have signed your petition. Hope you are successful in saving the Playgroup.
I have signed your petition, because we were in the same situation 2 years ago!
Hibeechick
06-Mar-08, 13:32
Thats my name added!
Can you please clarify for me, is the playgroup being merged with nursery at primary school or is it being closed altogether?
their wanting to merge the playgroup with the nursery & relocate it to the school which will result in a crowded classroom with 20+ children aged 3-5 with only 2 nursery teachers & also the closure of the mother & toddler group.
come on people 100 views & only 19 signatures!!!!! you can sign it anonymously if your shy
Mister Squiggle
06-Mar-08, 14:24
I have signed, as our nursery was in the firing line a couple of years ago and I know how heart-breaking it is. My advice? Make as much blimmin' fuss as you possibly can, get the papers in, get the TV cameras out and be as visual and as noisy as possible.
There is so much literature out there to support the need for smaller class sizes (including nursery groups) and smaller, localised education that treats each child as a unique individual, and NOT as a statistic on an Education budget account sheet. Do your research - there are some Nursery Action Groups around who can help you and will be more than willing to add to your argument.
And by the way, if you want me to come with my placard, let me know! :)
That's my name down, good luck.
Is there anything to do with the nurseries going to be mentioned at the next meeting of the Joint Comittee for Young people on the 14th :confused could be the result of the report that they have been doing Im not sure.
YES!!! ive just been on highland. gov website to have a look at the minutes from the last meeting im gobsmacked! apparently meeting had been scheduled with playgroups in caithness to discuss a combined provision for 3-5 yr olds in other words closure of playgroups etc, & that recommendations would be made on friday at the meeting!
Funny that we havent had any such meeting.
Myself and a few friends have just signed up
the wife and daughter and i have signed it..good luck..
Saltire and I have both signed.
purplerain
06-Mar-08, 17:36
Have added my name, best of luck
Thats me signed...why try this stunt again? 2 years ago they said the would "save money" by merging these 2 together but when they were asked to show the parents where they would save it they said nothing. Any money saved will be spent on teachers taking regular trips to casualty because of overcrowded and understaffed classrooms!
ive added my x to it as well
Have signed, best of luck
Hi there.
We have all signed up.
Here's a letter I sent to JOG journal on Tuesday:
I was disappointed to hear today that the Highland Council have proposed that the Lybster Lightbeams Playgroup be merged with the Lybster School Nursery. My nearly 3 year old son will be due to begin attending the Playgroup in August, and his sister will be in the year behind him. A merger of these two groups will lead to an increased ratio of children to PlayLeader and a reduction in the amount of personal attention that my children will receive during their time at Playgroup. Not the best start to their education.
If we are to encourage the growth of rural communities and a sustainable future for outlying villages such as Lybster - this needs to begin with families being attracted to and choosing to live in the Lybster area with it's (currently fabulous) arrangements for children and families. As the Playgroup subsidises the Parents & Toddlers group - giving mums and dads reassurance, company and opportunity to engage in adult conversation while socialising their children and babies - another incredibly valuable community resource will disappear.
Surely it is absolutley essential - in order to keep rural areas vibrant and thriving with a community of well educated and engaged young people - to start with children receiving adequate attention and participation during their education even from a very early age? Although the more costly option - surely the only answer is to keep the Playgroup open and the community of Lybster alive? I would ask all in the community of Lybster to please write to your MP and back our calls that the Lybster Lightbeam Playgroup is kept open and the community of Lybster alive.
Tighsonas4
06-Mar-08, 20:55
myself and my partner have signed
and me and mine have done likewise tony
Kevin Milkins
07-Mar-08, 00:43
Thats me
I am in
alanatkie
07-Mar-08, 01:09
Have signed also & emailed to many - hope it helps
av signed an'all ;)
an il get floyed on 'e case.....
FLOYED.........................! :lol:
I'm confused here - I take it they intend to save £17.5K from this merger. Am I right in saying this would be the salaries of the two employees?
How can they justify this cut when the following amount have been budgeted for/spent:
£600K - Continuing the legacy of Highland 2007 – the year Scotland celebrated Highland culture (what was that all about?)
£300K - Fireworks display on the Inverness Bridge (disgusting waste)
£3.5M - New Council Building in Golspie (ridiculous)
£233K - Taken from the Caithness Fund and pooled at HOL (Oops)
The Highland Council should hang their head in shame - by merging this facility they will save only 0.3% of this mis-spend.
To make matters worse the proposed savings of £17.5K amounts to half the annual expenses claim of some of our more "senior" local Councillors.
STUDMUFFIN
07-Mar-08, 09:01
signed up. keep it going
Have signed and am going to tell my friends about this tonight, that'll get another good few signatures.
There are only 70 signatures so far, come on guys email friends and family with the link to sign, it will only take a minute! ;)
signed......Hope you manage to keep it open good luck....
Thats us signed, disgusted and outraged that i only found out about this yesterday, considering my son starts playgroup in August.
Bill Fernie
07-Mar-08, 21:41
I attended a meeting yesterday with other councillors - Katrina MacNab, David Bremner, Donnie Mackay, Children's Champion Linda Munro, Margaret Davidson and others. The meeting was called at very short notice after the Highland council main meeting on Thursday 6 March otherwise other councillors from Caithness might have been there. At the meeting also were council officials to update us and have a discussion on the way forward for the Lybster nursery and play group etc.
It was agreed that another meeting in Lybster was required and that this time the mothers from the Mothers and Toddlers group should be invited along with mothers from the nursery group. This meeting will be arranged as soon as possible as time is becoming imperative due to the enrolement dates for after the summer approaching.
The meeting of the Joint Committee For Children and Young People to be held on Firiday 14th March will have a change inserted to the papers to be issued for the meeting.
This will read -
Lybster Lightbeams Playgroup/Lybster Nursery
The parents using the playgroup have stated that they wish to retain the status quo, and are unhappy about the pace of consultation. This provision is fully managed by CALA and currently offers a service to 6 children. The Local Authority could accommodate both the 3 year and 4 year olds and has recently varied its certificate of registration with the Care Commission to allow the use of a larger room, which will allow access to a dedicated outdoor play area. The village hall could also accommodate both 3 and 4 year olds, but has inferior space. Either CALA or the local Authority, or a parent-led group, could run an amalgamated service. Amalgamation would result in a revenue saving of approximately £21,000.
Recommendation - 3 and 4 year old provision to be combined in one setting.
Linda Munro the Children's champion and Sutherland councillor will visit on Monday to see both facilities for herself.
Many of you will know that I advised three local groups including Thrumster and Keiss on how to go about making their views known two years ago. It is a numbers game and Thrumster was proved right that their numbers would go up and the recommendation in the current review of Highland Early Years is that it will stay open.
There is great deal more but I think it would be best to hear from officials at the meeting that will now be convened in Lybster for parents of the playgroup and toddlers group.
You can all be assured that all of the councillors present asked many questions about the way forward and also expressed our unhappiness at not being updated on the present situation before it had reached the present situation. However there was no intent by the staff to try to do anything untoward.
There is financial side to this and no one is denying that but we need to look at this right across Highland if the services are to survive in one form or another. The Early Years service has been propped up in the last two years by pumping in money from other funds but this cannot go on after the current financial year. There is no doubt at all that a service for all of the children can be provided and that this can be taken on by the council in the school or if preferred by the parents in the hall or with CALA if they agree to continue.
Issues surrounding the viability of the Mother and Toddlers group and or the hall can be looked at separately and council officials could be tasked to help come up with other funding possibilities to assist these if that is major sticking point.
Proabably there are many other details that could be discussed but I hope I have included the main points and that other factors can be taken up at the meeting when it is arranged.
Bill Fernie
I have posted my support but there is one thing that greatly bothers me... being asked to support American organisations by making a donation. Any donation I make will go straight to Caithness.
I attended a meeting yesterday with other councillors - Katrina MacNab, David Bremner, Donnie Mackay, Children's Champion Linda Munro, Margaret Davidson and others. The meeting was called at very short notice after the Highland council main meeting on Thursday 6 March otherwise other councillors from Caithness might have been there. At the meeting also were council officials to update us and have a discussion on the way forward for the Lybster nursery and play group etc.
It was agreed that another meeting in Lybster was required and that this time the mothers from the Mothers and Toddlers group should be invited along with mothers from the nursery group. This meeting will be arranged as soon as possible as time is becoming imperative due to the enrolement dates for after the summer approaching.
The meeting of the Joint Committee For Children and Young People to be held on Firiday 14th March will have a change inserted to the papers to be issued for the meeting.
This will read -
Lybster Lightbeams Playgroup/Lybster Nursery
The parents using the playgroup have stated that they wish to retain the status quo, and are unhappy about the pace of consultation. This provision is fully managed by CALA and currently offers a service to 6 children. The Local Authority could accommodate both the 3 year and 4 year olds and has recently varied its certificate of registration with the Care Commission to allow the use of a larger room, which will allow access to a dedicated outdoor play area. The village hall could also accommodate both 3 and 4 year olds, but has inferior space. Either CALA or the local Authority, or a parent-led group, could run an amalgamated service. Amalgamation would result in a revenue saving of approximately £21,000.
Recommendation - 3 and 4 year old provision to be combined in one setting.
Linda Munro the Children's champion and Sutherland councillor will visit on Monday to see both facilities for herself.
Many of you will know that I advised three local groups including Thrumster and Keiss on how to go about making their views known two years ago. It is a numbers game and Thrumster was proved right that their numbers would go up and the recommendation in the current review of Highland Early Years is that it will stay open.
There is great deal more but I think it would be best to hear from officials at the meeting that will now be convened in Lybster for parents of the playgroup and toddlers group.
You can all be assured that all of the councillors present asked many questions about the way forward and also expressed our unhappiness at not being updated on the present situation before it had reached the present situation. However there was no intent by the staff to try to do anything untoward.
There is financial side to this and no one is denying that but we need to look at this right across Highland if the services are to survive in one form or another. The Early Years service has been propped up in the last two years by pumping in money from other funds but this cannot go on after the current financial year. There is no doubt at all that a service for all of the children can be provided and that this can be taken on by the council in the school or if preferred by the parents in the hall or with CALA if they agree to continue.
Issues surrounding the viability of the Mother and Toddlers group and or the hall can be looked at separately and council officials could be tasked to help come up with other funding possibilities to assist these if that is major sticking point.
Proabably there are many other details that could be discussed but I hope I have included the main points and that other factors can be taken up at the meeting when it is arranged.
Bill Fernie
Am I right in saying Bill that our fate was already decided before the meeting?? Wasnt it already decided that we would merge with the nursery although it was only the parents of the children that are presently at the playgroup that were told about the meeting that was held & not for all parents that this move would effect!
isnt it also right that the meeting that is to be called will be held after the decision has already been made.
How many local councillors were against closing our playgroup? im I right in saying that the majority were for the closure.
It was also stated that there are bigger rooms available to accomodate the number of children once the merger goes ahead, have these rooms been risk assessed?? as one of the bigger rooms has a stage in it which would be classed as a danger!
It appears to me like cuts are been made in our playgroup before anyone has even bothered to see if it will work.
Your putting our children at risk to save a few pound!!
Bill Fernie
08-Mar-08, 17:52
Am I right in saying Bill that our fate was already decided before the meeting?? Wasnt it already decided that we would merge with the nursery although it was only the parents of the children that are presently at the playgroup that were told about the meeting that was held & not for all parents that this move would effect!
isnt it also right that the meeting that is to be called will be held after the decision has already been made.
How many local councillors were against closing our playgroup? im I right in saying that the majority were for the closure.
It was also stated that there are bigger rooms available to accomodate the number of children once the merger goes ahead, have these rooms been risk assessed?? as one of the bigger rooms has a stage in it which would be classed as a danger!
It appears to me like cuts are been made in our playgroup before anyone has even bothered to see if it will work.
Your putting our children at risk to save a few pound!!
No you are not correct as you must remember officials make recommendations to councillors. No decisions have been taken as yet. The meeting I was at yesterday agreed to go back to the nursery group and this time include the mothers and toddlers group as they are affected as well.
I do not understand your queastion about how many councillors were againsnt the closure as no meeting has been held to discuss the matter of the Lybster Lightbeams by councillors. That shows perhaps the level of misinformation that is going around. I understand that as it is an emotive issue if closure is spoken about. But what we are talking about is provision for 3 and 4 year ols in Lybster. The other places two years ago were taling about possible closure. The paper to the Joint Committee on Children on Young People sets out which places are no longer under threat etc as their numbers may have increased. The proposal for all provision is to merge 3 and 4 year olds. Whilst there may be arguments for and against this the fact is that to sustain provision at all of the Highland places is more likely to happen if the mergers take place.
As I say nothing has been decided and it will be up to parents if they want to have the three year olds over at the school with the four year olds. The alternative if parents wish will be to take it over themselves and run it as it was previously or with CALA. I would be very much inclined to support the provision in the village hall if there was no other provision.
We have been told we are moving now where provision will be reviewed annually and not piecemeal when there is a problem. This will mean that we will all have to get used to dealing with reducing numbers as and when they happen and not leave gaps of a couple of years to decide to close or open new places. Highland council will open new places where numbers are increasing. Just as places were opened when numbers were high it is inevitable that facilities must be reviewed as numbers decline but this needs to be with accurate information and as we saw two years ago it needs to be looked at very closely as things can change.
The numbers apparently will rise in Lybster but the point is the school is reckoned to have enough space to cope with that.
All of this and ore will be discussed at the next meeting being arranged with parents of both groups. No decisions will be takern before that. But we
must get it sorted out soon as enrolement dates for the next session are coming close affecting staffing and other matters.
Nothing is going to stay the same and it requires everyone to say what they want within the finance and the guidelines. The main thing I think from the officials is that merger of three and four year olds is essential whether it is run in the village hall or in the school. that is across Highland and not just in Lybster. It is not easy taking several different systems and coming up with a solution.
I hope that helps a bit.
Bill Fernie
No you are not correct as you must remember officials make recommendations to councillors. No decisions have been taken as yet. The meeting I was at yesterday agreed to go back to the nursery group and this time include the mothers and toddlers group as they are affected as well.
I do not understand your queastion about how many councillors were againsnt the closure as no meeting has been held to discuss the matter of the Lybster Lightbeams by councillors. That shows perhaps the level of misinformation that is going around. I understand that as it is an emotive issue if closure is spoken about. But what we are talking about is provision for 3 and 4 year ols in Lybster. The other places two years ago were taling about possible closure. The paper to the Joint Committee on Children on Young People sets out which places are no longer under threat etc as their numbers may have increased. The proposal for all provision is to merge 3 and 4 year olds. Whilst there may be arguments for and against this the fact is that to sustain provision at all of the Highland places is more likely to happen if the mergers take place.
As I say nothing has been decided and it will be up to parents if they want to have the three year olds over at the school with the four year olds. The alternative if parents wish will be to take it over themselves and run it as it was previously or with CALA. I would be very much inclined to support the provision in the village hall if there was no other provision.
We have been told we are moving now where provision will be reviewed annually and not piecemeal when there is a problem. This will mean that we will all have to get used to dealing with reducing numbers as and when they happen and not leave gaps of a couple of years to decide to close or open new places. Highland council will open new places where numbers are increasing. Just as places were opened when numbers were high it is inevitable that facilities must be reviewed as numbers decline but this needs to be with accurate information and as we saw two years ago it needs to be looked at very closely as things can change.
The numbers apparently will rise in Lybster but the point is the school is reckoned to have enough space to cope with that.
All of this and ore will be discussed at the next meeting being arranged with parents of both groups. No decisions will be takern before that. But we
must get it sorted out soon as enrolement dates for the next session are coming close affecting staffing and other matters.
Nothing is going to stay the same and it requires everyone to say what they want within the finance and the guidelines. The main thing I think from the officials is that merger of three and four year olds is essential whether it is run in the village hall or in the school. that is across Highland and not just in Lybster. It is not easy taking several different systems and coming up with a solution.
I hope that helps a bit.
Bill Fernie
Thank you for your response Bill. Can you tell us whether the meeting that is to be called is to be after the meeting on friday? & is there to be a decision made at fridays meeting to decide our fate or is that now to be posponed till after the meeting with the parents?
Surely the latter will be the case or it will be like shutting the door after the horse as bolted!
Why did the meeting on Thursday refuse to a request for a report on Lybster to come to either the Social work committee on Wednesday or Education on Thursday to allow a proper public debate that could take in a wider number of councillors given the very small number on the Joint committee who are deciding the lightbeams fate?
Alice in Blunderland
08-Mar-08, 19:18
We have been told we are moving now where provision will be reviewed annually and not piecemeal when there is a problem. This will mean that we will all have to get used to dealing with reducing numbers as and when they happen and not leave gaps of a couple of years to decide to close or open new places. Highland council will open new places where numbers are increasing. Just as places were opened when numbers were high it is inevitable that facilities must be reviewed as numbers decline but this needs to be with accurate information and as we saw two years ago it needs to be looked at very closely as things can change.
Bill Fernie
Oops
looks like we may have to nip out and buy one of those revolving open closed signs for our nursery as the numbers go up and down then up again...... :lol: sorry but I just had to see the funny side of this.
I've signed your petition because I'm just tired of the Highland Council failing to meet the needs of the people of Caithness.
It's not just nursery provision - the education department's really strapped for cash and social work can't afford to meet the needs of the vulnerable individuals in Caithness. And now we have unwanted Gaelic signposts on the way, too. The only thing Highland Council seems to do right for Caithness is emptying the bins!!
It's time we stopped trying to plug the many holes with our fingers and faced up to the need to build a new dam - Bill, will the Caithness councillors ever again be effective for the people of Caithness or is the new HC regime beyond that? How can we help you councillors to help us Caithnessians?
Very best of luck with keeping your nurseries open, Lybster.
The other places two years ago were taling about possible closure............. The proposal for all provision is to merge 3 and 4 year olds.
Wrong - The 2006 proposal was "Lybster Nursery and Light beams – Integrate into single 3 & 4 year old provision"
Integrate. Merge. Is it not the same thing?
Bill Fernie
08-Mar-08, 20:56
Thank you for your response Bill. Can you tell us whether the meeting that is to be called is to be after the meeting on friday? & is there to be a decision made at fridays meeting to decide our fate or is that now to be posponed till after the meeting with the parents?
Surely the latter will be the case or it will be like shutting the door after the horse as bolted!
Why did the meeting on Thursday refuse to a request for a report on Lybster to come to either the Social work committee on Wednesday or Education on Thursday to allow a proper public debate that could take in a wider number of councillors given the very small number on the Joint committee who are deciding the lightbeams fate?
The decison will not be taken until the meeting with parents has taken place.
any councillor is entitled to attend any Highland Council meeting. The Joint Committee is open to all councillors and indeed the public like any other main committee. All councillors are entitled to turn up and give their views although they are not entitled to vote if an issue goes to a vote. I do not think there have been many if indeed any votes taken at the Joint committee to date. Remember it is Joint committee with NHS Highland.
The reality is that if parents wish to take on running the services in the Village Hall and can show they are competent to do so with a committee, constitution and so on then they can probably with help do so. CALA who currently manage the service may also be willing to act for the parents. That is what parents must decide at the meeting or as soon as possible after it is held. The officers of the council will offer the school as the provision. This is totally different from the Thrumster etc situation two years ago. There is no loss of overall provision. The officials are trying to keep services in place where they are viable.
Everyone wants to retain the provision but it will not be exactly the same as it is now. Views may differ as to whether it is better in the village hall or in the school.
The status quo is not going to be an option as it is not sustainable across Highland. The report going to the Joint Committee is about many other places than just Lybster and about having a more unified and equitable system across the whole of the council area. That does not prevent parents groups doing somthing different if they want to and in some areas they already run their own groups and may continue to offer somthing different to the council.
Welcomefamily
09-Mar-08, 16:03
Yes I have signed, good luck.
THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF LYBSTER LIGHTBEAMS PLAYGROUP ON TUESDAY 11th MARCH AT 7.30pm IN LYBSTER COMMUNITY CENTRE
PLEASE ATTEND TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Bill Fernie
10-Mar-08, 00:25
Can you confirm the date. I assume Tuesday is correct but today Sunday is the 9th. Can you confrim you meant Tuesday 11th March.
Sorry I cannot be there as I am away this coming week.
sorry yes the date is tuesday the 11th of march at 7.30pm in lybster community centre
both me and hubbie have signed,having just got my increased council tax bill i see they have got the money for both to stay open!!
Alice in Blunderland
11-Mar-08, 22:09
Good turnout folks and lots of valid points made.:)
thank you to everyone who attended tonights meeting.For all the people who requested a list of the councillors who will be on the committee that will decide the fate of the playgroup on friday the list is below.
Joint Committee of Children & Young People.
The Highland Council Members
Mr S Park
Mrs J Urquhart
Mrs M C Davidson
Mr B Fernie
Mrs L MacDonald
Mr D Millar
Mrs B McAllister
Just signed on-line petition. Fingers crossed it will go some way to help at least delay a decision on the proposed almagamation.
would just like to thank everyone who took the time to sign the petition, heres hoping tomorrows meeting will go in our favour. STV will be at the meeting supporting us. we would like to thank David Bremner for fighting our corner for us & we wish him luck tomorrow putting our points across:D
following our meeting for parents last week a meeting has now been arranged for monday evening 17th march at 7.30pm which will be addressed by Bill Fernie & Bill alexander.everyone welcome.
we will also be staging a protest tomorrow friday at 2pm outside the lightbeams playgroup with grampian tv coverage.
hi,just to let everyone know that tomorrow friday 14th we will be holding a demo at 2 pm outside the community centre in lybster to protest about this proposed merger of the nursery and lightbeams.hopefully there will be both stv and john o groats journal attending so please please please can you come to help us and to stop the council riding rough shod over caithness people!!please tell all your friends and relatives we need as much support as possible to help our voices be heard.many thanks and see you tomorrow!!!!!:lol:
following our meeting for parents last week a meeting has now been arranged for monday evening 17th march at 7.30pm which will be addressed by Bill Fernie & Bill alexander.everyone welcome.
we will also be staging a protest tomorrow friday at 2pm outside the lightbeams playgroup with grampian tv coverage.
the time has yet to be confirmed for mondays meeting. i will confirm this as soon as possible sorry for the misunderstanding.
just incase anyone is unaware, the joint committee for children and young people decided today that the merger for provision of education for 3 and 4 year olds is to go ahead in one setting.
disgusted at this decision!! what happened Bill??? you reply on here stating NO decision would be made!
all I can say is what a corrupt council we have they dont go through proper procedures & dont inform parents or staff of intentions to close their services.Then refuse to hold a public meeting till after theyve made their decisions!
I hope the formal complaint we made is properly investigate & heads roll for this appauling act[evil]
disgusted at this decision!! what happened Bill??? you reply on here stating NO decision would be made!
all I can say is what a corrupt council we have they dont go through proper procedures & dont inform parents or staff of intentions to close their services.Then refuse to hold a public meeting till after theyve made their decisions!
I hope the formal complaint we made is properly investigate & heads roll for this appauling act[evil]
This is absolutely shocking. For a councillor to come on here and state that a decision wont be made until after the meeting with parents and then for you to find out this was not true is a disgrace. What is going on here?
If this is the case, then I also agree that it is shocking, and it does seem very unfair.
But, maybe we should wait for some official confirmation first, before we start accusing?
Let's wait and see if Bill can confirm that this decision has been made.
have we got a time confirmed for monday's meeting yet?
no time arranged yet but will let you know as soon as I get it sorted.
Bill Fernie
16-Mar-08, 09:16
disgusted at this decision!! what happened Bill??? you reply on here stating NO decision would be made!
all I can say is what a corrupt council we have they dont go through proper procedures & dont inform parents or staff of intentions to close their services.Then refuse to hold a public meeting till after theyve made their decisions!
I hope the formal complaint we made is properly investigate & heads roll for this appauling act[evil]
No decision has been made on the future of the group. The only decision that has been made is that across Highland all provision for 3 and 4 year olds will be amalgamated. The decision as to whether that provision is in the village hall run by parents or CALA or in the school run by the council has still to be made in consultation with parents.
.....The only decision that has been made is that across Highland all provision for 3 and 4 year olds will be amalgamated.....
:eek:!!!
OK here's hoping that I am misunderstanding your Post Cllr Fernie - are you saying that ALL Highland facilities that offer a pre-school (3 yr old) and Nursery (4 yr old) facility will be merged??
Bill Fernie
16-Mar-08, 11:10
:eek:!!!
OK here's hoping that I am misunderstanding your Post Cllr Fernie - are you saying that ALL Highland facilities that offer a pre-school (3 yr old) and Nursery (4 yr old) facility will be merged??
I see what you mean.
Perhaps it will be clearer if I quote the recommendations from the Joint committee report that we passed -
Recommendations
The Joint Committee is asked to agree:-
i. (i) that, other than where it is stated that it is not achievable
in 2008, all provisions now be commissioned and operate with both 3
and 4 year olds;
ii. (ii) where local capacity allows, local authority nurseries
accept 3 year olds from the week after the child’s 3rd birthday, involving
a charge that is comparable with childcare fees in the private and
voluntary sector;
iii. (iii) that in the Ross, Skye and Lochaber area
�� the status quo be retained at present at the Nevis Nippers
Playgroup/Caol Nursery, Upper Achintore Playgroup/Upper
Achintore Nursery and Inverlochy Playgroup/Inverlochy Nursery but
that these be reviewed in one year;
�� the status quo be retained at the Kilmallie Playgroup/Banavie
Nursery;
�� new provision be commissioned at Elgol
iv. (iv) that in the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross area
�� the status quo be retained at the Fearn Playgroup, Norlin
Playgroup/North Nursery, Brora Playgroup/Brora Nursery and the
Reay Playgroup/Melvich Nursery
v.
�� the Thrumster Nursery be retained
�� and 4 year old provision in Lybster is combined in one setting
vi. (v) that in the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
area the Peter Pan Playgroup be de-commissioned.
Those are the recommendations passed at the committee. to read the full Paper on Early Years go to -
http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/99C355A6-4F6D-4E8D-8202-58C37A18FBA3/0/Item4CYP0908.pdf
The full agenda and committee papers fof the JCCYP for that meeting are at -
http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/committees/jointcommittees/childrenandyoungpeople/2008-03-14-jccyp-ag.htm
No decision has been made on the future of the group. The only decision that has been made is that across Highland all provision for 3 and 4 year olds will be amalgamated. The decision as to whether that provision is in the village hall run by parents or CALA or in the school run by the council has still to be made in consultation with parents.
sorry Bill but how can you say no decision has been made, it was agreed that the playgroup would merge with the nursery exactly what we were fighting against!! so a decision was made, resulting in our playgroup closing & all provisions for children from birth to 3 years being lost!! & I also dont agree that paying £6 a session for your child to go to nursery is a reasonable fee! thats £30 a week who in the right mind is willing to pay that!
Brie, I totally agree with you. I think expecting parents to pay near on 120 pound a month is ridiculous! What about families on low income, does this now mean that there children are going to suffer as they cannot attend something that is not affordable. These children are our future and all I can say is what a start they are going to get in life.
Does Cllr Fernie have children??
Another thing thats annoys me is that MP`s can claim up to 22,000 pounds to help with the furnishings of there second home i.e. new kitchens, TV`s etc etc but our children cannot have simple enjoyment out of going to a playgroup with children there own age and have some fun whilst learning..............I have now figured out I`m definately in the wrong job!! Be a councillor, not only do you get ridilulous wages and expenses back (how much expenses will Cllr Fernie and Alexander be claiming back for Monday nights meeting???)but you get to make decisions on my childs future.....I THOUGHT MY CHILDS FUTURE WAS MY JOB!
is it just me but i'm confused :roll: decisions not been made but yet Bill u state that 3 + 4 year old provision in one setting!!
and yeah all future parents try and have your babys in between 1st march and 31st Aug if not u will be penalized when u put your kid to playgroup... because i had my 2nd daughter in sept I now (because of fridays decision)cant put her in to playgroup at the start of the new term i will have to wait till 1 week after her 3rd birthday then i would have to pay £6 a session up until the term after her birthday and no this isn't october as the council says this is only a half term i would have to pay till jan[evil]
Hi all...
Please could somebody confirm the time of the meeting tonight?
Thanks
Jen
cuddlepop
17-Mar-08, 19:19
As usual with all HC decisions its as clear as mud.:confused
Good luck Brie and all that want to continue having "local" provision for their kids.
You could use the mental health trauma to your child arguement, if the decision means that you have to move to primary school.
I'm not being funny,thats one of their pet programes just now.
if the council wants to save money by mergering the lightbeams with lybster nursery, they should look at some area managers, get rid off them and that would save money - I have noticed that no one has mentioned the Caithness Sutherland and Easter Ross Educ Culture Sport area manager, you should been asking questions about this. Or complaining to him. As for the councillors, I haven't voted them, as I was one of those who was affected by the shambles of the voting system.
Anyone have any information on how the meeting went last night.
meeting was just a waste of time the merge is final and they wanted us to decide if the 2 staff that work in nursery lose there jobs and we have the merged nursery in the village hall or if the 2 playgroup staff lose there jobs and we have the class in the school.
the whole reason for the merge is supposed to save the council £21000 this is rubbish they wont save a half of this amount the real reason is because this system suposedly works in the great city of Inverness so therefore us sheep in Caithness should follow suit and to hell with logic.[evil]
And forgot to say it is a pity there arn't a few more councillors like David Bremner who has a sensible head on his shoulders, isn't afraid to say what he thinks and doesn't sit on the fence!
last nights meeting was a complete waste of time alot of our questions remained unanswered as they couldnt or wouldnt answer them! Bill Fernie was asked why he posted on here that no decision would be made on friday his reply ' i was typing to quick!!' & them later he changed it excuse to 'I was referring to no decision being made as to where the merge would take place!'
They refused to meet us half way with anything & refused every idea we had. Their whole approach was our way or no way!
when asked what would happen in any new children moved into the area after august resulting in our nursery being over capacitated for the number of teachers they couldnt answer, when asked if they would open for 2 sessions to compensate for the extra children the answer was NO as this wouldnt be saving any money & wouldnt be of financial benefit!
so the result from the meeting was that at some point in the future children will be having to wait for nursery education why? because all these people are interested in is saving money!
my answer to all this is if they want to save £21,000 a year sack a councillor!! Bill Fernie is the ideal candidate as he isnt behind his community yes hard to believe but he did vote AGAINST us![evil]
cuddlepop
18-Mar-08, 17:38
last nights meeting was a complete waste of time alot of our questions remained unanswered as they couldnt or wouldnt answer them! Bill Fernie was asked why he posted on here that no decision would be made on friday his reply ' i was typing to quick!!' & them later he changed it excuse to 'I was referring to no decision being made as to where the merge would take place!'
They refused to meet us half way with anything & refused every idea we had. Their whole approach was our way or no way!
when asked what would happen in any new children moved into the area after august resulting in our nursery being over capacitated for the number of teachers they couldnt answer, when asked if they would open for 2 sessions to compensate for the extra children the answer was NO as this wouldnt be saving any money & wouldnt be of financial benefit!
so the result from the meeting was that at some point in the future children will be having to wait for nursery education why? because all these people are interested in is saving money!
my answer to all this is if they want to save £21,000 a year sack a councillor!! Bill Fernie is the ideal candidate as he isnt behind his community yes hard to believe but he did vote AGAINST us![evil]
Brie I'm so sorry this meeting was a waste of time but in all honesty did you expect them to listen.:~(
Big hughie
18-Mar-08, 18:09
Plenty of money for fireworks and stupid "City of Inverness" signs though I signed the petition in Erics cafe
Beeg Hugheeee
Poultney lad
18-Mar-08, 22:33
thats me signed it.
Poultney lad
18-Mar-08, 22:35
got wife to sign petition aswell good luck:lol:
Can anyone let me know what is happening with this now?
playgroup committee is having a meeting next week with David Bremner to decide what will happen next. we have a choice of moving the playgroup up to the nursery & losing the playleader or moving the nursery to the playgroup & lose the nursery teachers.
The council refuse to let us keep our playgroup even though our numbers will rise again next year & continue rising for the next 3 years.
Does anyone know what the outcome of the meeting was and also what is the situation with registrations for the year 08/09? and where?
Bill Fernie
11-Apr-08, 21:45
Councillor David Bremenr has asked me to add a message re the Lybster nursery situation.
David agreed to have meetings with the parents of the nursery to see if there was another way forward. Howver he has been unable to get contact with parents who attended the meeting a couple of weeks ago. Can anyone who wants to have input to any new suggestions please make contact with him over the wekend by telephoning him on 01955 603220.
It is important that this is dealt with immediately as registration for the new session after the summer must begin very soon. David need to report back to Children's Services by the end of next week so make contact right away.
Does anyone know what is happening regarding the play area promised to be in place for the 3-4 year old in the one setting? I am beginning to think this was just an incentive to soften the blow of the closure of lightbeams? Please let me know how everyone else feels about this and any info they may have? This whole situation makes me very angry
The play area is getting done in the holidays theyve promised it will be finished for the start of the new school year.
That great then, lets hope it does get done and finished - thanks for the reply
now that they have combined our playgroup and nursery, it seems our school number have fallen short of 4 pupils and they going to take a away a teacher so we will have probably have a p2 p3 & p4 class of about 20ish in one room! they may as well just put the entire school in the gym and that way they could save on the heating bill at the same time[evil] think it about time that the budgets for all the different areas was revised schools not got enough money yet the bloody roads department seem to be constantly ripping up the road for no reason[evil][evil]
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