I have just read all the way through the middle school thread and it is clear that we have some difficult decisions ahead of us in Bury St Edmunds. From Hoffy's comments it would seem that the residents are going to have a big say on what replaces the existing primary, middle and upper schools. So what do people want to see?

It is my view that St James and King Edward must remain in some form and become part of the new system. Could St James become a primary school?

The problem is we really don't know enough about what the council want to do. Will there be one big secondary school in Bury St Edmunds or two Until we know things like that how can we say what should happen.

MiddleSchoolMum wrote:The problem is we really don't know enough about what the council want to do. Will there be one big secondary school in Bury St Edmunds or two Until we know things like that how can we say what should happen.

MSM - You really don't seem to have read my posts or Richard's. I personally cannot explain it any clearer. Can anyone else? Basically, it's not up to "The Council". It's Up to the stakeholders including you MSM. Go to the meetings and be part of the decision making process. That's all you need to do.

I think parents feel that after the inital 'consultations' where their feeling were completely ignored that decisions have already been made and there is nothing they can do to change it now. This may not be the case but it is how people are feeling.

PM - See above.

Hoffy - DITTO!

I just get the impression that when I do contribute (like I have done in this discussion) people don't want to hear what I have to say. It is like the decisions have been made and all this consultation is just hoops we get to jump through for the entertainment of councillors who have already made up their mind It is even worse when I misunderstand something or ask for it to be explained and get treated like a naughty child.

Sorry chaps this thread is as clear as MUD to me a adult withpout school age children. Please dont say you have explained it again Paul, because you have clouded the issues a touch with some politics, but I am sure you tried which is more than the council has done.

If I grasp it correctly some people think the council are making the decisions, and the councils seem to suggest the voting public are making the decisions. There is no communication from the faceless officials WHO are this very minute are making up the PLAN. No communication. Do we have another cattle market here. The decision is "made "and outlined by the paid officials ( who are accountable to no one) the council via the whips give it the nod, and some one thinks we better explain this to the voting public at large....and then does nothing. While we the rate payers continue to fund this excess, and in some peoples view poor management and poor communication, and those unlucky to have children in the system, ( be they at a school of their choice or not) have to cope.

Here is a hint paul, ( or who ever is elected to speak on this issue) put it in terms a 10 year old can under stand, after all its their future you are changing.

2 sensible replies on this topic in a row? That's a first! Thanks MSM and BB. I thought I was talking Martian from some of the replies here.

OK - In 10 year old's language for BB:-

1) Speak to my wife Beccy. 01284 756444 (Mon - Friday 10am - 6pm) or rebecca@hopfensperger.co.uk and ask when the next meeting is (YOU HAVE MISSED THE LAST ONE DURING ALL THE DISCUSSIONS OVER THE PAST WEEK!).

2) Then ask - "Can I please come along to the next meeting and be part of the decision making process for the education system in Suffolk?". Beccy will hopefully be able to help you by telling you when the next stakeholders meeting is and get you along to the meeting.

3) You will become part of the decision making process.

Now how complicated was that? Could It possibly be any clearer?