OPINION: "Unthinkable" challenges for ESC

Monday 04 December 2023

OPINION: "Unthinkable" challenges for ESC

Monday 04 December 2023

Dear Parents & Carers, I know that the Director of Education, Nick Hynes wrote recently updating you on progress towards the delivery of the Reorganisation of Secondary and Post 16 Education. I have further news to deliver, which I am so sorry to say is not positive.

Very sadly, the outcome of last week's States debate is that we are no further ahead in our efforts to secure the funding needed to proceed with: building the new post 16 campus at Les Ozouets; improvements to Les Varendes High School building; the creation of a Communication, Interaction and Autism Services base for students at Les Beaucamps High School; and digital integration and improvements for The Guernsey Institute.

The States have again affirmed their approval of the plans to deliver all post 16 education in a purpose-built campus at Les Ozouets (link), with some States Members who were previously opposed to these plans now confirming their acceptance of the direction of travel. Many have acknowledged how far advanced some of the changes are, such as the staffing reorganisation and the merger of La Mare de Carteret High and the former Grammar School into the new Les Varendes High which is now well under way.

Deputies were clear during the lengthy debate that they were keen to work with us to find a solution to the funding conundrum. This is necessary because the States recently rejected a number of funding options, including a package of measures comprising social security reform, reduced income tax and a 5% or 6% GST, which together would have been used to fund the States most important building programmes.

In the medium term, the lack of Government investment in new education infrastructure will impact our ability to attract teachers and lecturers to come and work here, which has implications for the quality of education we can deliver. In the long term, this lack of investment risks the future economic success of the island, because we need modern fit-for-purpose buildings from which to train, re-train and up-skill the island’s workforce.

I want to reassure you that I am working hard to address this situation and will be going back to the States at the earliest opportunity seeking some form of resolution, so that we can move forwards with certainty.

As a parent myself with school age children, I know how desperately disappointed many of you must feel. To have funds withdrawn at such a late stage is almost unthinkable, especially because the plans were approved for delivery in September 2021 and are already part-way through being implemented.

Please be reassured that staff continue to work extremely hard to make the all-important improvements in the delivery of education so that your children can reach their full potential, and this Committee is providing them with support every step of the way.

We know how very challenging it is to maintain the high morale of our hardworking staff in the face of so many setbacks. Their focus is your child's education and they are - we all are - determined to give the best of ourselves for the children we support every day.

The States debate ended last Friday and Committee will be discussing the steps it will take to find a solution. I will make sure you are kept up to date on our progress.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish, andrea.dudley-owen@deputies.gov.gg

Kindest regards
Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen
President
Committee for Education, Sport & Culture