John Penrose
Campaigns - Education
The government allocations for primary and secondary pupils within the North Somerset LEA have left local pupils within one of the 40 worst funded LEAS in the country.
John is backing the f40 campaign for fairness in education funding model being proposed as an alternative to the existing funding arrangements for education.
A detailed submission was made to Jacqui Smith MP, Minister for School Standards on 16th June 2005. We believe that the submission demonstrates that the existing funding formula is inadequate and discriminatory. The f40 alternative would help to end the education funding formula ‘postcode lottery’ and give every pupil, no matter where they live, a basic entitlement.
Updates
State-of-the-art learning centreStatus awarded at lastSchool is getting down to businessBroadoak joins exclusive 'improved schools' clubProtestLecturers protest at funding cutsMP puts pressure on school sprinklersSprinklers in schools bid makes progressSprinklersHow to get more lootMP gives everyone a sporting chanceSchool arson attacks bring call to install sprinkler systemsSprinklersGrantsGrants can give schools more sportPoliticians backing MPSchools sprinkler bid wins backingOur kids' education is going up in smokeMP bid to tackle arson in schoolsIf schools are not fitted with sprinklers then one day soon a child will dieBeating the bulliesMP's bid to beat arson threatAll schools should have sprinklersStars back anti-bullying projectSchools admissions policy could changeBlair urged to tackle bullyingConcern over split families in schoolsGet priorities right at schools, says MPConference turns the spotlight on bullyingChildren take part in anti-bullying talksMP Opens New Junior SchoolMP Starts New Chapter In Reading ChallengeMP Given New Role On Learning GroupSite VisitQuestion TimeSchool's Bid As Specialist In Business Is RejectedSchool Misses Out On Specialist StatusTeam Over The MoonCollege cash cut will hit special needs studentsMP's Concern Over 'Happy Slapping'West MPs Line Up To Have Their Say On New BillNO 10 Visit Calls For Fair FundingParents Warned That Gcse Hype Is Hiding The TruthSports Hall Construction To StartMP Champions Fair Education FundingBoys Buck Exam TrendHeads’ Fears Over Schools Shake-Up
State-of-the-art learning centre
4 October 2007 Cheddar Valley Gazette
Students at Churchill Community School now have access to new state-of-the-art computers, a huge selection of new books and all manner of other learning resources within a single building.
The school's Learning Resource Centre (LRC) has been extended so that it is now twice its original size, introducing a ground floor reference and fiction library, a new reading room environment and a state-of-the-art computer-stacked reference information centre - and the £150,000 extension has been officially opened by Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose.
Much of the funding for the extension came from the Government in the form of a developed capital grant, allocated for the enhancement and development of existing state school buildings.
Churchill Community School's Parent-Teacher Association also raised more than £7,000 to pay for furniture and fittings.
After unveiling a special plaque at the centre, Mr Penrose said: "I am delighted that Churchill School has expanded its Learning Resource Centre so magnificently.
"Books and on-line information can be inspiring, challenging and essential tools to educate everybody in or out of school."
Gareth Jones
Status awarded at last
12 July 2007 Weston & Worle News
A weston school has been awarded specialist status - at the third time of asking.
Westhaven Special School, in Ellesmere Road, Uphill, had its first two bids rejected, meaning it lost out on 100,000 to improve business-themed education and enterprise schemes.
However, head teacher Jenny Moss' determination to get the status has finally been rewarded.
It means Westhaven is the first school of its kind to gain specialist status in this discipline in North Somerset, and it will now receive extra funding per pupil and the 100,000 capital funding towards new facilities and equipment.
Ms Moss said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the specialist status and feel it will be a great benefit to our pupils and pupils in our partner schools.
"I would like to thank all the community supporters and parents, who have been fantastic and at one stage raised 7,000 in three weeks.
"We are fortunate to have lots of local supporters, there are too many to name them all but I would like to thank them for their help.
"We have won the Healthy School Award, the South West Young Enterprise Team Programme regional finals and the deputy head Bernie Richardson has won the national teaching awards for enterprise teacher of the year.
"All these awards have happened in the past 10 days, so to get specialist status on top is the icing on the cake."
Weston MP John Penrose has described the successful bid as "a tribute to the hard work of the staff, pupils and parents".
He said: "It is great news that Westhaven's bid for specialist status in business and enterprise has now been approved.
"Their Ofsted report in 2003 concluded that this was a good and improving school with excellent leadership from the head and staff.
"The work of the school, friends and the local community in putting the specialist status application together is a tribute to their dedication and commitment.
"I was lucky enough to see them in action when I visited Westhaven to hand out prizes for some excellent Christmas card designs earlier this year.
"I met staff, pupils and parents and was struck by how everyone was clearly working together. They're quite a team.
"Following last year's disappointment, I have now been contacted by the under secretary of state for schools, Andrew Adonis, to pass on the good news that the school's bid has been approved.
"It is thoroughly well deserved."
All schools that have been successful will start operating as specialist schools from September.
Schools can become specialist in several areas such as sport, language, art, business and enterprise, engineering, humanities, maths and computing, music, science, technology or have combined specialisms.
Westhaven has 75 pupils on its roll, aged from seven to 16 years, with complex learning difficulties.
School is getting down to business
5 July 2007 Bristol Evening Post
A School in Weston-super-Mare has been awarded specialist status.
Westhaven Special School in Ellesmere Road, Uphill, had three times applied to the Government to become a specialist in business and enterprise.
However, its first bid was rejected and saw the school lose out on £100,000 in funding to improve business-themed education and enterprise schemes.
The school's head teacher was determined to gain the status and after reapplying this year, was successful.
It means Westhaven is the first school of its kind to gain specialist status in this discipline in North Somerset.
The school will now receive extra funding per pupil and the £100,000 capital funding towards new facilities and equipment.
Head teacher Jenny Moss said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the specialist status and feel it will be a great benefit to our pupils and pupils in our partner schools.
"I would like to thank all the community supporters and parents who have been fantastic and at one stage raised £7,000 in three weeks.
"We are fortunate to have lots of local supporters - there are too many to name them all but I would like to thank them for their help.
"We have won the Healthy School Award, the South West Young Enterprise Team Programme regional finals and the deputy head Bernie Richardson has won the national teaching awards for enterprise teacher of the year.
"All these awards have happened in the last 10 days, so to get specialist status on top is the icing on the cake."
Weston MP John Penrose has described the successful bid as "a tribute to the hard work of the staff, pupils and parents."
Mr Penrose said: "It is great news that Westhaven's bid for specialist status in business and enterprise has now been approved.
"Their Ofsted report in 2003 concluded that this was a good and improving school with excellent leadership from the head and staff.
"The work of the school, friends and the local community in putting the specialist status application together is a tribute to their dedication and commitment.
"I was lucky enough to see them in action when I visited Westhaven to hand out prizes for some excellent Christmas card designs earlier this year. I met staff, pupils and parents and was struck by how everyone was clearly working together. They're quite a team.
"Following last year's disappointment, I have now been contacted by the Under Secretary of State for Schools, Andrew Adonis, to pass on the good news that the school's bid has been approved.
"It is thoroughly well deserved."
All schools that have been successful will start operating as specialist schools from September.
Schools can become specialist in several areas such as sport, language; art; business and enterprise; engineering; humanities; maths and computing; music; science, technology or have combined specialisms.
Westhaven has 75 pupils on its roll, aged from seven to 16 years, with complex learning difficulties.
Broadoak joins exclusive 'improved schools' club
15 March 2007 Weston & Worle News
Broadoak Mathematics and Computing College has been admitted to membership of the Specialist Schools & Academies Trust's most improved schools club.
This prestigious recognition is awarded to specialist schools that have significantly improved exam results and have high value added.
Weston MP John Penrose visited the school on Friday to congratulate all involved in achieving the improvements, which led to Broadoak being ranked the 12th most improved school.
About 30 students asked questions of Mr Penrose under the guidance of the head teacher Linda Heaven-Woolley.
She said: "His answers were very encouraging about the importance of qualifications and working hard."
Paul Jacobs, senior secondary school adviser for North Somerset, was also present, along with the chairman and vice-chairman of the governors.
Chairman John Brock said: "I am proud of the students and staff, who have worked so hard to achieve this accolade."
Protest
9 March 2007 Weston Mercury
Lecturers went to Westminster to ask MPs not to stop free English lessons
Lesley Byron and Mel Hammer, from Weston College, traveled to London to protest against cuts to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
ESOL is an organisation funded under Skills for Life, which is supported by organisations including the Government Office for the South West and the regional development Agency, to help teach English to people who do not speak the language.
Lecturers protest at funding cuts
8 March 2007 Weston & Worle News
Lecturers from Weston College travelled to Westminster last week to protest against cuts in funding for some English lessons.
Currently, people who move to the area from abroad, without English as their first language, are entitled to free lessons from the college.
But changes in Government funding for the English For Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme means they could now be charged up to £4 an hour. This is because ESOL could be withdrawn from under the Skill For Life umbrella.
College staff joined forces with lecturers and students from across the country for the protest.
Lecturer Mel Hamer, who attended, said: "There has been such a massive influx of new students, and the Government is now panicking about how to fund it.
"They are saying people will have to pay about £4 per hour for what was previously free. This is for people who intend to live here and contribute to our economy, so we think it's unfair for them to have to pay."
Weston MP John Penrose welcomed the lecturers to Westminster, signed their petition and listened to their concerns.
He said: "English skills are vital for people looking for work, and they are essential for anyone trying to integrate into their local communities.
"As a governor of Weston College, which provides a lot of high quality English training, I'm very concerned that access is available to the people who need it most."
Mr Penrose raised the point with the leader of the House of Commons, Jack Straw, last Thursday.
Mr Straw said everyone was aware of the pressures on the English as a second language service, and would ask chancellor Gordon Brown to write to Mr Penrose.
What do you think about the cut in funding? E-mail www.dodsdata.com/pages/mpwebsites/mpwebsitepage/mpsite/john-penrose/mppage/campaigns-education/?no_cache=1 with your views.
MP puts pressure on school sprinklers
8 March 2007 Weston & Worle News
A campaign to install sprinkler systems in North Somerset schools has taken a giant leap forward.
The motion, tabled by Weston MP John Penrose, calls on the Government to install sprinklers into all new and refurbished schools in North Somerset and across the country.
The motion attracted nearly 100 signatures of support, including senior politicians Michael Howard, Ann Widdecombe and Diane Abbott.
Now, schools minister Jim Knight has indicated the Government will agree to issue new guidance on sprinklers in schools.
Mr Penrose said: "I am hugely encouraged by these comments, although I still want to see an official statement before I start celebrating.
"Although this wouldn't make sprinklers compulsory in all new schools, it is clearly a major step in the right direction.
"New schools would be much safer.
"We need more details to make sure the Government hasn't got any wriggle room.
"We need to know whether the risk assessments will be compulsory and whether, if it says that a school needs sprinklers, it will be a requirement or only a recommendation."
Wyvern School suffered more than £100,000 of damage from a fire in February 2006.
Sprinklers in schools bid makes progress
2 March 2007 Bristol Evening Post
Calls for school sprinkler systems to combat the problem of arson attacks have moved a step closer to becoming reality.
Weston MP John Penrose tabled a motion in Parliament back in November.
It asks the Government to review current policy to promote sprinkler provision in all new schools, and wherever possible, in those undergoing refurbishment.
Mr Penrose said the review is needed following increasing arson attacks on schools, such as Wyvern in Weston, which was attacked last February.
His motion attracted nearly 100 signatures of support including those of senior politicians Michael Howard, Ann Widdecombe and Diane Abbott.
Now Schools Minister Jim Knight MP has indicated that the Government would agree to issue new guidance on the provision of sprinklers in schools.
Mr Penrose said: "I am hugely encouraged by these comments, although I still want to see an official statement before I start celebrating.
"Although this wouldn't make sprinklers compulsory in all new schools, it is clearly a major step in the right direction.
"New schools would be much safer.
"We need more details to make sure the Government hasn't got any wriggle room.
"We need to know whether the risk assessments will be compulsory and whether, if it says that a school needs sprinklers, it will be a requirement or just a recommendation.
Sprinklers
2 March 2007 Weston Mercury
Schools across North Somerset could benefit from compulsory sprinkler systems if a campaign fronted by John Penrose MP for Weston gets the go-ahead.
At present the Government recommends sprinklers only for new schools and those undergoing major refurbishments.
Almost 100 MPs have supported Mr Penrose’s efforts for new guidance on sprinklers to be accepted by the government, acknowledged last week in comments from school minister Jim Knight MP.
Mr Penrose said: “I am hugely encouraged by these comments, although I still want to see an official statement before I start celebrating.
How to get more loot
8 February 2007 Western Daily Press
MP John Penrose has been writing to schools and sports clubs with tips about how to get cash for equipment.
Schools or clubs can contact his constituency office on 01934 613841 for advice or log on to www.dodsdata.com/pages/mpwebsites/mpwebsitepage/mpsite/john-penrose/mppage/campaigns-education/?no_cache=1 for further information.
MP gives everyone a sporting chance
8 February 2007 Weston & Worle News
Schools and sports clubs in Weston are being urged to apply for sports grants.
MP John Penrose is providing them with details on the grants available.
They include the Junior Kit Scheme - a kit grant of £400 for every club or school in the age group seven to 18 - and Small Grants Scheme, which offers funding of up to £9,000 to increase participation in football.
Two further grants are the Barclays Spaces For Sport scheme - a £30m fund, over three years, to improve sports facilities across the UK - and the Capital Projects scheme offering larger grants for improving facilities such as pitches, clubhouses and drainage.
Mr Penrose said: "Any schools who think they might be eligible should contact me at my constituency office, on 01934 613841, or go online for details on how to apply at www.dodsdata.com/pages/mpwebsites/mpwebsitepage/mpsite/john-penrose/mppage/campaigns-education/?no_cache=1 .
School arson attacks bring call to install sprinkler systems
8 February 2007 Weston & Worle News
A campaign to install sprinkler systems in North Somerset schools is being backed by several political heavyweights.
Former Tory party leader Michael Howard, outspoken MP Ann Widdecombe and regular BBC1 This Week guest Diane Abbott have all signed up to Weston MP John Penrose's Parliamentary motion to improve fire safety in schools.
The motion, which calls on the Government to put sprinklers into all new and refurbished schools in North Somerset and across the country, has also been supported by potential new Labour Party leader John McDonnell.
Mr Penrose said: "I'm delighted by the level of support from Parliamentary heavyweights."
Mr Penrose estimates that arson attacks cost the Government £67 million a year and that the installation of the systems would save just as much.
He said: "In the past five years there have been nearly 150 arson attacks on schools in the old Avon area. Across the country, more than 2,000 schools a year suffer school fires - the majority of which are set off deliberately.
"I want the Government to consider installing sprinklers and better fire alarms in all new school buildings and in those being redeveloped.
"The financial savings alone, particularly regarding insurance premiums, could make this approach cost neutral. More importantly, it would save lives."
Wyvern School suffered more than £100,000 of damage from a fire in February, 2006. Two 14-year-olds were arrested in connection with the incident.
Sprinklers
2nd February 2007 Weston Mercury
Weston MP John Penrose is appealing for sprinkler systems to be installed in schools to save millions of pounds worth of fire damage.
More than 90 MPs are backing the motion including Michael Howard, Ann Widdecombe and Diane Abbott, and calling for the government to review its current policy.
Mr Penrose said: "In the past five years there have been nearly 150 arson attacks on schools in the old Avon area.
"In the first six months of 2006 alone the cost of school fires in the UK reached £52 million.
"I want the Government to consider installing sprinklers and better fire alarms in all new school buildings and in those being redeveloped. The financial savings alone, particularly regarding insurance premiums, could make this approach cost-neutral and more importantly, sprinklers save lives.
Grants
2nd February 2007 Weston Mercury
Weston MP John Penrose has written to schools and sports clubs across Weston with details of how to obtain grants and funding
A number of organizations offer grants, including the Football Foundation, which hands out between £400 and £30m.
Mr Penrose said: “The schemes don’t seem to be well publicized.
“There will be many clubs and schools that simply don’t know what they can get.”
If you think you might be eligible for a grant, call Mr Penrose on 01934 613841, or visit the website www.dodsdata.com/pages/mpwebsites/mpwebsitepage/mpsite/john-penrose/mppage/campaigns-education/?no_cache=1.
Grants can give schools more sport
1 February 2007 Bristol Evening Post
Schools in North Somerset are being urged to apply for sports grants.
Weston MP John Penrose is writing to local schools and sports clubs providing them with details on the grants available to them.
He said: "I was recently talking with my colleague Hugh Robertson MP, the Shadow Minister for Sport, about how we might obtain more investment for local sport in Weston and the villages.
"One avenue that he recommended was the Football Foundation's schemes, which includes several grants."
The grants available are the Junior Kit Scheme - a kit grant of £400 for every club or school in the age group 7-18 - and Small Grants Scheme, which offers funding of up to £9,000 to increase participation in football.
Two further grants are the Barclays Spaces for Sport scheme - a £30m pool, over three years, to improve sports facilities across the UK - and the Capital Projects scheme offering larger grants for improving facilities such as pitches, clubhouses and drainage.
Mr Penrose added: "There are a large number of local sports clubs, charity teams and schools who could benefit from these Football Foundation awards. I'm sure that some of our schools and clubs will have applied, but the schemes don't seem to be particularly well publicised.
"There will be many clubs and schools that simply don't know what they can get.
"Most of the schemes have very simple qualifying criteria and I understand a very high proportion of applications are successful.
"The Junior Kit Scheme, for example, is available for every school or club that hasn't already received an award.
"Any schools who think they might be eligible should contact me at my constituency office, on 01934 613841, or go online for details on how to apply at the website www.dodsdata.com/pages/mpwebsites/mpwebsitepage/mpsite/john-penrose/mppage/campaigns-education/?no_cache=1.
Politicians backing MP
30 January 2007 Western Daily Press
Weston-super-Mare: Top politicians are backing an MP's campaign to install sprinklers in schools. Former Tory leader Michael Howard, Ann Widdicombe and Diane Abbott have backed Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose's bid to get the life-saving devices into schools.
Schools sprinkler bid wins backing
31 January 2007 Bristol Evening Post.
Calls for a review of school sprinkler systems to combat the problem of arson attacks have received strong support.
Weston MP John Penrose tabled a motion in Parliament in November.
It asks the Government to review current policy to promote sprinkler provision in all new schools and, wherever possible, in those undergoing refurbishment.
Mr Penrose said the review is needed following increasing arson attacks on schools such as Wyvern in Weston, which was attacked last February.
He said because the school's dance studio did not have sprinklers, serious damage was caused which put the studio out of action for seven months.
Mr Penrose launched his parliamentary motion saying that if sprinklers were installed in UK schools it would save millions of pounds.
His motion has already attracted 91 signatures of support including those of senior politicians Michael Howard, Ann Widdecombe and Diane Abbott.
Sprinklers are installed in just five of the 79 schools in North Somerset.
Mr Penrose said: "I'm delighted by the level of support from parliamentary heavyweights such as Michael Howard.
"I was pleased to see that John McDonnell, who has announced he will stand against Gordon Brown to be the next leader of the Labour Party, has also given his backing.
"I'm not sure what chance he has of beating Gordon Brown but it would be great to think that the sprinkler campaign has friends in such potentially high places.
"In the past five years there have been nearly 150 arson attacks on schools in the old Avon area.
"Across the whole country, more than 2,000 schools a year suffer school fires.
"The majority of these are set deliberately.
"School fires cost an estimated £67 million in 2005.
"In the first six months of 2006 alone the cost of school fires in the UK reached £52 million.
"I want the Government to consider installing sprinklers and better fire alarms in all new school buildings and in those being redeveloped.
"The financial savings alone, particularly regarding insurance premiums, could make this approach cost-neutral.
"More importantly, they save lives."
Our kids' education is going up in smoke
22 January 2007
Western Daily Press
School fires have cost taxpayers in the South West £40 million in a decade. New statistics showed there were 913 blazes at schools in the region between 1994 and 2004 and two-thirds were the result of arson.
The figures show there were more than three school fires a day in England during the period, more than 13,000, causing £562 million damage.
Almost 8,000 were started by arsonists, but the Government was unable to say how many culprits had been caught.
Meanwhile council tax payers were left to pick up the bill, which could have paid for 22,500 teachers or 37.5 million text books.
Lib Dem local government spokeswoman Sarah Teather said: "Millions of pounds that should be spent on providing kids with a better education is being lost in arson attacks and accidental fires.
"Money that could provide thousands of extra teachers and millions of text books is going on repairs and to replace damaged equipment and buildings. Better security and fire safety measures like smoke alarms sprinklers are needed to stop all this cash going up in smoke.
"The number of arson attacks on schools is deeply worrying, there needs to be more respect for school buildings and property. Schools are paid for with taxpayers' money and benefit the whole community.
"The Government must make it clear that arsonists will be caught and prosecuted."
Weston-super-Mare Tory MP John Penrose has also been campaigning for a review of sprinkler systems in schools to combat arson attacks.
He took action after an arson attack caused serious damage to Wyvern Community School, and urged Ministers to consider installing sprinklers and better fire alarms in all new school buildings and those being redeveloped.
Mr Penrose said insurance company figures suggested school fires cost an estimated £67 million in 2005, and £52m in the first six months of 2006.
A few months ago, Mr Penrose tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament to try to put pressure on the Government to install sprinklers in new schools. This has received widespread report.
He said: "There has been strong positive response from MPs of all parties and across the country. So far, the number of signatures has reached 87.
"We are hopeful this is showing the Government there is a broad base of support. I will be looking for indications from Ministers that they are listening to this increasingly loud and clear message."
Graham Blight, community safety officer for Avon Fire and Rescue, said: "When a fire breaks out in a school, sprinklers work without a shadow of a doubt. Some day we will lose a child because of the number of fires in schools. If the buildings are sprinkler protected, we say 100 per cent that we will not lose a child. Sprinklers save lives, buildings and disruption to children."
MP bid to tackle arson in schools
14 December 2006
Weston & Worle News
Weston mp John Penrose is calling for a review of sprinkler systems in schools to combat arson attacks.
Mr Penrose has tabled a motion in Parliament calling on the Government to review the current policy to promote sprinklers in all new schools and, wherever possible, in those undergoing major refurbishment.
Mr Penrose said: "Earlier this year an arson attack resulted in serious damage to Wyvern Community School.
"Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt or killed, but it caused major upheaval to the students and staff at the school.
"Unfortunately, cases of this kind are not uncommon.
"More than 2,000 schools a year suffer fires of varying degrees, the majority of which are set deliberately by pupils, past and present.
"Figures from Zurich Municipal show that school fires cost an estimated £67 million in 2005 and in the first six months of this year alone the cost of school fires in the UK reached £52 million.
"I want the Government to consider installing sprinklers and better fire alarms in all new school buildings and in those being redeveloped.
"The financial savings alone, particularly regarding insurance premiums, could make this approach cost neutral and more importantly, it would save lives."
Wyvern School suffered more than £100,000 of damage when a fire was started in February.
Two 14-year-olds were arrested in connection with the incident."
If schools are not fitted with sprinklers then one day soon a child will die
11 December 2006
Western Daily Press
A lifesaving campaign to have vital sprinkler systems fitted in British schools to combat the huge number of costly arson attacks is being spearheaded by a West MP.
John Penrose, MP for Weston-super-Mare, said installing the devices that automatically shower water on to a fire could also save hundreds of million of pounds in damage done by antisocial yobs who are increasingly targeting West primary and secondary schools.
Reckless thugs who start blazes in thousands of schools every year across the UK have caused more than £100 million of devastation in the past 18 months alone, with £6 million of this occurring in the West and Wales.
The urgent call has also been backed by a leading fire safety expert who has slammed West councils who won't fit sprinklers in school buildings as "short- sighted".
Almost no West schools have sprinklers because cash-strapped councils say they are either too costly or current safety measures are adequate.
Graham Blight, of Avon Fire and Rescue, yesterday issued a stark warning that unless sprinklers were fitted a child would one day die because of the rising numbers of school blazes.
In the past five years, there have been nearly 150 arson attacks on schools in the old Avon area alone. The bill after the 2003 fire at Kingshill Primary School in Nailsea came to almost £1 million, although most were much less serious.
Figures from Zurich Mutual show that 75 per cent of school fires are started deliberately, with the majority of arsonists aged between 10 and 19.
The damage done to the welfare of hundreds of thousands of children due to the distress and upheaval in the aftermath of a fire is almost as serious a consequence, warned Mr Penrose.
The Conservative MP has called on the Government to install sprinklers and better fire alarms into all newly built academies and those being refurbished as part of its new review on fire safety in schools due to be completed early in the New Year.
He claimed the savings on things like building costs and lower insurance policies for councils could mean the sprinklers would pay for themselves immediately.
Mr Penrose is trying to raise the matter in Parliament and has called on fellow MPs to sign an Early Day Motion to put pressure on the Government to include sprinklers in the report called Designing and Managing the Risks of Fires in Schools.
The petition, which he intends to present to education ministers once it has gained enough support, highlights that schools are 50 per cent more likely to fall victim to arson than other occupied buildings.
It also notes that the destruction of coursework and teaching aids leads to major disruption for students.
His grave concern follows the serious fire at Wyvern Community School in Weston-super-Mare in February. The blaze, which was started deliberately, gutted a dance studio, notching up more than £100,000 of damage.
The move has been welcomed by Wyvern head teacher Andy Russell who said: "It's an excellent idea. Schools are vulnerable to arson and, where there is a fire, it is much more than just the building that is damaged. The loss of student work and teacher resources has a huge impact."
Mr Penrose said: "Unfortunately, cases of this kind are not uncommon. Over 2,000 schools a year suffer fires of varying degrees, the majority of which are set deliberately by pupils, past and present.
"Figures from Zurich Mutual show that school fires cost an estimated £67 million in 2005. In the first six months of this year alone, the cost of school fires in the UK reached £52 million.
"As a first stage, I want the Government to consider installing sprinklers and better fire alarms in all new school buildings and in those being redeveloped. Most importantly, they save lives."
Mr Blight, a community fire safety officer, said: "I have been pushing for sprinklers in schools for the past five years and it has been like banging my head against a brick wall.
"Fires are increasingly started during the day when children are in schools and at most risk, with the biggest increase coming between 1-2pm when kids are on lunch breaks.
"Sprinklers have proved their worth as a lifesaver in places like America and Australia for over 100 years. Not a single person has been lost in a sprinkler-maintained building.
"Someday we will lose a child because of the numbers of fires in schools. If the buildings are sprinkler-protected, we say 100 per cent that we will not lose a child.
"I do get frustrated with councils that question why sprinklers should be fitted. Councils who do not fit sprinklers in all new schools are being short-sighted.
"Sprinklers save lives, buildings and disruption to children.
"I absolutely back John Penrose's campaign for sprinklers which are a top priority for us."
However, education chiefs in the vast majority local authorities, including Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset County Council, have not fitted sprinklers in any schools they manage as current building regulations do not compel them to do this.
A Bristol City Council spokeswoman said: "Risk assessments in schools have demonstrated the fitting of sprinklers would come at a very high cost with a minimal reduction in risk compared to the current arrangements." Somerset County Council said sprinklers would be fitted into new schools with the qualification this would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Of Gloucestershire's 304 schools, only one is fitted with sprinklers.
In North Somerset, sprinklers are installed in five of its 79 schools, while just two of the 116 schools in South Gloucestershire Council has them. Both these councils have committed to putting the devices in all new school buildings.
IN Bath and North-East Somerset, Gloucestershire and Dorset, officials said any future fitting of sprinklers in new build schools would be based on individual risk assessments to see if this was the best option.
But all councils insisted their schools met current fire safety standards.
Officials across all West local authorities stressed that fire safety was a priority and said a raft of safety measures such as the fitting of smoke and fire alarms as well as heat detectors, fire evacuation procedures and fire extinguishers meant the buildings and the children in them were safe.
Many councils admitted that fitting sprinklers into all schools would prohibitively expensive as the cost would have to be met by the local authorities themselves."
Beating the bullies
7th December 2007
Weston Mercury
WESTON MP John Penrose took to the streets to help spread the anti-bullying message.
Mr Penrose joined delegates from the I Power I national anti-bullying conference, Actionwork and other youngsters for a parade through Weston town centre with a giant petition in full view.
The campaigners met outside the Town Hall, walked down the High Street and arrived outside the Grand Pier, where they climbed aboard a miniature train. They were then whizzed to the end of pier with the petition flying above their heads.
Zak Chowdry, aged 17, the I Power I young management group director, presented the anti-bullying petition to 10 Downing Street last Monday.
*A budding young musician from Weston picked up a £250 first prize in a national competition aimed at combating bullying.
Karl Griffiths, aged 13, of Summerlands Road, performed his winning entry, Picked On, in a final held at Barcode Youth Cafe in South Parade.
The song writing competition, on the theme of bullying, was part of a two-day anti-bullying conference held in the town which attracted over 750 delegates.
Karl, a pupil at Westhaven School in Uphill, submitted his entry to North Somerset Council, which arranged for the song to be recorded at Worle Community School.
Shortly afterwards the 13-year-old found out he was a finalist. After his victory at Barcode the talented youngster performed his song at the I Power I anti-bullying conference.
Picked On is the first song that Karl, who has only been playing guitar since January, has written.
Karl's mum, Sally, said: "I'm very proud of him. What makes it even better is Karl was completely unaware of the £250 prize money. He just wanted to write a song on the issue of bullying."
Chantelle Williams, a year nine pupil at Broadoak, won the North Somerset slogan competition with 'A cut heals bullying scars'. Her slogan will appear on anti-bullying posters all over North Somerset.
A contest to design a poster for the event was won by Jacqueline McDonald, a pupil at Wyvern Community School, and three pupils from St Martin's Junior School in Worle - George Cullard, Dani Stone and Louise Doe."
MP's bid to beat arson threat
11 December 2006
Western Daily Press
Schools must fit sprinkler systems to foil arsonists who are putting young lives at risk, a West MP has warned.
John Penrose, MP for Weston-super-Mare, has launched a campaign to have the safety devices installed as the bill for school fires has topped £100 million in the past 18 months.
Avon Fire safety expert Graham Blight has slammed councils who refuse to fit sprinklers as "short-sighted."
All schools should have sprinklers
2 December 2006
Bristol Evening Post
Every school should be fitted with sprinkler systems to protect pupils in the event of a fire, claims Weston-super- Mare MP John Penrose.
The MP has tabled a motion in Parliament calling on the Government to review its current policy and to promote the installation of sprinklers in all new schools, and wherever possible, in those undergoing major refurbishment.
Earlier this year an arson attack at Wyvern Community School in Weston caused serious damage.
Mr Penrose said: "Thankfully no one was seriously hurt or killed, but it caused major upheaval to the students and staff at the school.
"Unfortunately, cases of this kind are not uncommon.
"More than 2,000 schools a year suffer school fires of varying degrees, the majority of which are set deliberately by pupils, past and present.
"Figures show that school fires cost an estimated £67 million in 2005.
"In the first six months of this year alone the cost of school fires in the UK reached £52 million.
"As a first stage, I want the Government to consider installing sprinklers and better fire alarms in all new school buildings and in those being redeveloped.
"The financial savings alone, particularly regarding insurance premiums, could make this approach cost neutral.
"More importantly, they save lives."
Calls for sprinklers to be fitted in all new buildings have been supported by Avon Fire and Rescue.
The move has been credited with saving lives in the upmarket Scottsdale area of Phoenix, Arizona in America.
Mr Penrose said that a current government review of ways to prevent school fires was a good opportunity to make sure all were installed with sprinklers.
The fire at Wyvern School was started in February and left the dance studio, which was less than two years old, out of action for several months.
Nearly 900 pupils and about 60 staff were evacuated when the fire broke out.
Head teacher Andy Russell said he welcomed the calls by Mr Penrose for sprinklers.
Mr Russell said: "It's an excellent idea. Schools are vulnerable to arson and, where there is a fire, it is much more than just the building that is damaged. The loss of student work and teacher resources has a huge impact."
Stars back anti-bullying project
30 November 2006
Weston & Worle News
A 40ft-long anti-bullying petition made of fabric was paraded through the streets and the Grand Pier of Weston on Friday, backed by the town's MP, John Penrose, and North Somerset Council chairman Roz Willis.
The petition was organised by Weston organisation Actionwork and anti-bullying charity I Power I, and was taken to 10 Downing Street on Monday.
Actionwork and a teenage management crew from I Power I have been campaigning for the past two years for the government to do more to tackle bullying.
After constantly writing to the Prime Minister but only getting replies saying he feels the government is doing enough, they then involved Mr Penrose.
The MP tabled an early-day motion to 'provide intensive anti-bullying training for all new teachers as part of their teacher training, and to current teachers through intensive short programmes'.
The petition, which he took to the Houses of Parliament earlier this year, was signed by 57 MPs and was also signed by celebrities, other delegates and visitors to the National Anti-Bullying Conference at the Winter Gardens last week.
Celebrities including the founder of Childline, Esther Rantzen, world kickboxing champ Lance Lewis and actors from Hollyoaks and Grange Hill, helped to put across the anti-bullying message to hundreds of young people at the two-day conference, held in association with North Somerset Council.
It was the first time the annual conference, which started in 2003, has been held in the town and 700 people heard presentations, plays and songs from schools, young performers, youth groups, drama groups and other organisations.
Some came from as far afield as South Korea, California and Europe.
There were also anti-bullying experts, researchers and practitioners informing delegates about their work as well as sportsmen and celebrities talking about their experiences of bullying.
A drama group and dance company from Worle School performed, as well as a drama group from Wyvern School.
Westhaven School Year 9 pupil, Karl Griffiths, won the final of the I Power I national song-writing competition held at Barcode on the Monday of the conference, with his song Picked On.
And Broadoak School year nine pupil, Chantelle Williams won the North Somerset slogan competition with A Cut Heals, Bullying Scars, which will appear on posters and information about anti-bullying.
A competition to design a poster for the event was won by Jacqueline McDonald of Wyvern School, along with three pupils from St Martin's Primary School, in Worle, George Cullard, Dani Stone and Louise Doe.
The South West Grid for Learning enabled the event to be webstreamed for schools unable to attend.
North Somerset Council's teaching and learning adviser, Sue Walker, said: "I am so pleased that we were able to stage this national event.
"The young people were brilliant, performances were fantastic and the whole event was a tremendous success.
"There were lots of positive comments about the conference and we got really good media coverage nationally and we even had pupils from Sandford school interviewed by Al Jazeera television."
The father of schoolboy Damilola Taylor, who was killed by bullies, presented a special award in memory of his son.
Richard Taylor presented The Damilola Taylor Young Achiever Of The Year Award to two people from Somerset and Devon who had successfully overcome bullying.
Conference director Andy Hickson, of Actionwork, said the event had been fantastic.
He said: "A lot of it was very emotional.
"Richard Taylor talked about how the death of his son still affects him today and pleaded with people to learn from the tragedy.
"It was also very uplifting that he could turn it into something positive.
"The conference remains the only national platform for young people to discuss and share issues of violence and bullying, organised by young people, for young people.
"But the anti-bullying work doesn't stop here. We have to work on it every day, of every week, of every year."
Schools admissions policy could change
30 November 2006
Cheddar Valley Gazette
Changes are being considered to the school admissions policy in North Somerset.
The council is looking into changing the "sibling rule" which gives priority to children who have an older brother or sister already attending a primary school which is not the nearest one to their parental home.
The council is concerned that in some rural areas children cannot get into their nearest school because places are taken up by pupils from out of the area.
If approved, the changes would come into effect in 2008/9 and would be phased in so that parents' existing arrangements and expectations would not be affected.
Local MP John Penrose has written to North Somerset District Council outlining his concerns at the proposed changes.
Mr Penrose said: "This is setting a few alarm bells ringing. I have concerns about the splitting of siblings into different primary schools for a variety of reasons.
"The school day can be long and tiring for youngsters going to school for the first time. If the council place siblings in different schools, it will undoubtedly extend their travel time both morning and evening. That makes for a very long day for a five-year-old.
"There are safety issues at the end of the school day, particularly in the dark winter months. No matter how good the after-school security, there are always going to be concerns when one sibling has to wait to be collected from the school gate or bus stop while their parents are busy with the first.
"There may be extra demands on teachers and teaching assistants to act as supervisors after school hours."
A spokesman for North Somerset Council said: "We are in the first stages of consultation over possible changes to our admission policy. No decisions have been made. We are currently seeking the views of our schools, governing bodies, councillors and MPs.
"Further consultation will then be held in the new year and a final decision will be made in April.
"The possible changes are the result of pressure on school places which often means that local children, particularly in village and rural areas, cannot get into their nearest school because of the sibling rule."
Blair urged to tackle bullying
30th November 2006
Weston Mercury
TV STAR Esther Rantzen experienced aggressive behaviour first hand as she travelled to the high profile anti-bullying conference held in Weston last week.
The popular presenter was the star speaker at a national conference held at the Winter Gardens which aimed to tackle bullying in all its forms.
Youths hurled abuse at Esther during her train journey from London to Weston after she confronted them regarding their noise, trouble making, foul language and 'offensive' behaviour. She asked them: "Have you ever heard of Childline?"
After the incident she spoke of the "total lack of sensitivity, discipline and understanding among some young people."
When asked about the cause and effect of bullying in society, Ms Rantzen said: "It is terribly important that it is recognised as a problem. The conference has allowed people to network and tackle bullying by various means, such as peer mentoring, assertiveness training and friendship development. I believe many schools are in denial and blame the children or families, and part of the problem is that there are too few school representatives at this event. We need to stop bullying by whatever is the most effective way and also ask why some children become aggressive and hostile, and the answers may not be politically correct."
Esther also supported the new Government plans, designed to force the parents of bullies to deal with the problem or face a £1,000 fine or parenting classes.
She added: "We have to teach parents and children courtesy and care to others and create a safe framework to live within. Again, it may be un-PC, but I am in favour of zero tolerance for bullying and, if that is un-PC that is fine."
The conference, which was held over two days, attracted about 700 people and included presentations on anti bullying strategies put forward in song, dance and drama and speeches from bullying victims, child and youth workers, delegates and former bullies.
Staged by I Power I, Actionwork and North Somerset Council, a giant petition, signed by all those attending, is due to be given to the Prime Minister. Weston MP John Penrose, who spoke at the event, will present the petition to 10 Downing Street on Monday.
Asked what he felt the answer to bullying was, Mr Penrose said: "All of society needs to take responsibility, children and teachers, but not just in schools, in all areas of life. Children are 20 per cent of our population, but 100 per cent of our future, and even stars such as David Beckham, Tom Cruise and Sarah Cox have been victims of bullying, but they have shown it can be overcome."
Hollyoaks actor Gemma Bissix was also a speaker at the event. Gemma's screen character, Clare Cunningham, is portrayed as a manipulating bully, but the 23-year-old actress is nothing like her.
She said: "I felt compelled to come and speak as I feel very strongly about the issues being discussed here today. Hollyoaks has always supported these campaigns. I think raising awareness of bullying ensures the problem is tackled at the core. The more people that get involved the better."
The Weston & Somerset Mercury has already received a letter in praise of the event from a man who was the victim of bullying many years ago. The letter, written by Shaun Whiffen stated; "I am so pleased that there was a conference on anti bullying. There should be more events like this nationwide and TV adverts to stop it happening. I was bullied at school 25 years ago and it has had a negative effect on my life. I self harmed, attempted suicide and ended up needing mental health care. So bullying must be stopped."
Youngsters' anti-bullying message reaches no 10
28 November 2006
Bristol Evening Post
Weston Mp John Penrose visited Downing Street yesterday to hand in an anti-bullying petition - in the form of a huge cloth banner covered in signatures.
The banner was rolled up and handed to 10 Downing Street door staff. Mr Penrose presented it with representatives from the I-Power-I team, who held an anti-bullying conference in Weston- super-Mare last week.
The petition called for anti-bullying training to be provided for all new teachers as part of their teacher training, and to put existing teachers through intensive programmes.
Mr Penrose was handed the petition on Friday when he joined youngsters to parade through Weston town centre. He had already taken the petition forward earlier this year when he gained 57 other MPs' signatures of support.
Mr Penrose said: "It's important that we build on the tremendous success of this year's national anti- bullying conference. I think their voice deserves to be heard in Westminster.
"That's why we presented a petition to 10 Downing Street. After all, who better for politicians to listen to than those most directly affected by the bullying problem?
"Young people suffer thousands of incidents of bullying every week. Bullying can blight or even destroy people's childhoods. But it's not just about young people and schools. Bullying occurs in every environment and at every age."
Concern over split families in schools
Weston & Worle News: 23 November 2006
Proposed changes to schools admission arrangements for 2008-09 have 'set alarm bells ringing', according to a North Somerset MP.
The changes include removing the current priority given to children whose older sibling already attends a primary school which is not the nearest one to their parental home.
That, according to Weston MP John Penrose, could mean siblings going to different schools, and he has written to North Somerset Council expressing his concerns.
"This is setting a few alarm bells ringing," he said.
"If the council places siblings in different schools, it will undoubtedly extend their travel time both morning and evening.
"That makes for a very long day for a five-year-old.
"There are safety issues at the end of the school day, particularly in the dark winter months, and no matter how good the after-school security, there are always going to be concerns when one sibling has to wait to be collected from the school gate or bus stop while their parents are busy with the first."
In his letter to the council, Mr Penrose also highlights the problems of extra vehicle pollution and increased school run congestion if primary school age families were split between schools, and the additional costs the changes might put on parents.
"This does seem to be a potentially dangerous and environmentally unsustainable approach," he said.
"I don't yet know whether the council is having to introduce these changes because of Government policy with the new School Admissions Code of Practice, or if it is a local initiative.
"If it is as a result of Government policy, then I will be taking the matter further with the Education Secretary, Alan Johnson."
GET PRIORITIES RIGHT AT SCHOOLS, SAYS MP
Bristol Evening Post 23rd November 2006
Plans to stop North Somerset children with older siblings getting priority school places could harm families, claims Weston- super-Mare MP John Penrose.North Somerset Council has set out a number of proposed changes to the admission arrangements for the school year 2008-09.
These include removing the priority given to children whose older sibling already attends a primary school which is not the nearest one to home.
Mr Penrose said he was concerned families could be split up and children put at risk. He said one child could be left waiting outside school gates while a parent had to collect the other.
Mr Penrose said: "This is setting a few alarm bells ringing. I have concerns about the splitting of siblings into different primary schools.
"If the council places siblings in different schools, it will undoubtedly extend their travel time both morning and evening. That makes for a very long day for a five year old.
"There are safety issues at the end of the school day, particularly in the dark winter months.
"No matter how good the after- school security, there are always going to be concerns when one sibling has to wait to be collected from the school gate or bus stop.
"Nor should the council ignore the additional costs these changes might place on our parents.
"This does seem to be a potentially dangerous and environmentally unsustainable approach."
Mr Penrose said he would be taking the matter further with the Education Secretary Alan Johnson MP.
But North Somerset Council said no decisions had yet been made. Spokeswoman Zoe Briffit said: "We are currently in the first stages of consultation over possible changes to our admission policy. No decisions have been made. We are currently seeking the views of our schools, governing bodies, councillors and MPs.
"Further consultation will then be held in the new year and a final decision will be made in April.
"The possible changes are the result of pressure on school places which often mean local children, particularly in village and rural areas, cannot get into their nearest school because of the sibling rule."”
CONFERENCE TURNS THE SPOTLIGHT ON BULLYING
Bristol Evening Post 21st November 2006
A National anti-bullying conference was launched in Weston-super-Mare yesterday.The two-day event, which continues at the Winter Gardens today, has been organised by Actionwork and North Somerset Council.
The organisation runs anti-bullying events throughout the year and works with local schools.
More than 500 youngsters and specialists attended the conference from all over Britain, as well as a number of international groups.
During the event, the group shared anti-bullying strategies and resources.
Those attending also signed a petition, which was taken up by Weston MP John Penrose earlier this year and signed by 57 other MPs. It calls for parliament to provide intensive anti-bullying training for all new teachers, and to put existing teachers through short programmes.
Actionwork spokesman Andy Hickson said: "We are proud to be working with North Somerset Council on this event.
"It makes a real difference when a local authority not only puts in funding but also puts in their heart.
"The council has a real focus on helping young people."
Sandford Primary School pupils attended the conference yesterday to give a talk about their work on peer mediation.
A boys' dance and drama group from Worle School performed and pupils from Wyvern also presented a drama. Young people who deserve recognition were also awarded yesterday.
Pupils from St Nicholas Chantry Primary, in Clevedon, received a Diana Princess of Wales Award for their anti-bullying stance.
Richard Taylor, father of Damilola Taylor - who was killed in Peckham, London, in 2000 - also attended to present the Damilola Taylor Young Achiever of the Year Award. The award is given to a child who has been bullied and done something to overcome the problem, to send out positive messages to bullying victims.
A host of celebrities are also making appearances at the conference including Esther Rantzen, one of the founders of Childline, actor Kevin Sacre, who plays Jake Dean in Hollyoaks, and world kick-boxing champion Lance Lewis. North Somerset Council's executive member for children and young people, Councillor Peter Kehoe, said: "This event sees people coming together to share strategies for promoting positive behaviour that help tackle the problem of bullying.
"Many of the ideas come from the young people themselves and I have no doubt that the conference will be an uplifting experience for all involved."
North Somerset Council's teaching and learning adviser, Sue Walker, said: "We work closely with schools to help them with anti-bullying strategies and this conference will provide ideas which young people can take away and develop."
CHILDREN TAKE PART IN ANTI-BULLYING TALKS
Bristol Evening Post 18th November 2006
An anti-bullying conference is being held in Weston-super-Mare next week.Actionwork is staging the IPowerI conference in association with North Somerset Council at the Winter Gardens on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The organisation runs anti-bullying events throughout the year and works with local schools on the subject.
More than 500 youngsters and specialists are expected to attend the conference from all over Britain, as well as a few international groups.
During the event bullying will be discussed and the group will share anti-bullying strategies and resources.
Those attending will also be signing a petition, which was taken forward by Weston MP John Penrose earlier this year and signed by 57 other MPs.
It calls for Parliament to provide intensive anti-bullying training for all new teachers as part of their teacher training and to put existing teachers through intensive short programmes.
Pupils from Sandford Primary will be giving a talk about their work on peer mediation.
A boys' dance and drama group from Worle School will perform and pupils from Wyvern will present a drama.
Young people who deserve recognition will also be recognised during the event.
Pupils from St Nicholas Chantry C of E Primary in Clevedon will receive a Diana Princess of Wales Award for their Buddying project.
Richard Taylor, the father of manslaughter victim Damilola, will be attending to present the Damilola Taylor Young Achiever of the Year Award.
It will be given to a child who has been bullied and done something to overcome the problem which sends out positive messages to bullying victims.”
MP OPENS NEW JUNIOR SCHOOL
Cheddar Valley News 28th September 2006
Sidcot Junior School was opened officially on Friday by MP John Penrose.
The proceedings got under way at the private junior school with cream teas for all in the school refectory, followed by the school orchestra playing in the airy Junior school hall and the junior choir singing five songs with great feeling, including the World Peace Day song.
Present were the whole school, Rosie Craig, the head of the Junior School, together with staff and parents, as well as the architect Rob Barnes of HBS Architecture Ltd with members of the Committee of Management and local residents and friends.
A letter read out from Jefferson Horsley, chairman of the Committee of Management, started the more formal part of the event.
He said: “This building demonstrates that Sidcot is determined to meet the challenge of providing the most up-to-date facilities in an ever-changing world.”
John Walmsley, the head teacher of Sidcot School, reminded everyone that children are our future, deserving the best that we can possibly give them.
He said: “This is a lovely learning environment, and provides secure surroundings for our younger pupils.”
Mr Penrose described the new extension as a dream of a building, and went on to say: “The whole school, staff, parents and pupils, must be tremendously proud of this new facility which is the start of the learning process that continues at Sidcot from the age of three to 18.”
MP STARTS NEW CHAPTER IN READING CHALLENGE
5th September 2006
Weston MP John Penrose is backing the North Somerset Summer Reading Challenge after arranging a donation of new children’s books.
The books, for The Campus Library in Locking Castle, will also be available across all libraries in the district.
Every year a Reading Challenge is held at libraries across the UK in association with The Reading Agency to inspire more children to read.
It is undertaken in partnership with public libraries and supported by children’s publishers.
The books Mr Penrose has obtained were donated by The Reading Agency’s publishing partners.
Mr Penrose, who has a background as a schools and educational software publisher, said: “It’s encouraging to see that children’s book borrowing from public libraries is increasing.
“This is, in no small part, thanks to the hard work of librarians and partner organisations.
“The North Somerset library team is doing great work in the community getting the message across.
“I am keen to harness and develop the power of public libraries. The range and quality of children’s books is better than ever,” he said.
“They help children get the reading habit early and make it possible for parents and carers to introduce children to a huge variety of books.
“Anything that promotes the fun of reading for children and adults should be encouraged. Too many of our children are leaving school without key literacy skills.”
Children’s librarian at the Campus Library, Maura Coleman, said: “All of North Somerset’s libraries take part in the reading game and have had an enthusiastic response from children.
“Last year 4,206 children took part in the game and more than 1,900 children finished, and we are looking forward to even more of them enjoying this year’s exciting game.”
Mr Penrose is pictured with Campus Library manager Paul Hillman and young readers Grace Sims, four, and Jasmine Burge, eight.
MP GIVEN NEW ROLE ON LEARNING GROUP
27th July 2006
Weston-super-mare MP John Penrose has been appointed joint chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Further Education and Lifelong Learning.
Mr Penrose, who is a governor of Weston College, was appointed to the post by the cross-party membership of the group at its annual general meeting earlier this week.
Mr Penrose said: "I am delighted that my colleagues have given me this responsibility.
"Colleges like Weston face an uncertain time with national funding changes and revised guidelines. They are a real community asset and a vital lifeline for many local people.
"The APPG will be working with the Government to make sure that our concerns about the future of further education and lifelong learning are being heard loud and clear."
SITE VISIT
21st July 2006
The first official site visit has taken place at a new school.
MP John Penrose put on his hard hat and joined construction workers and head teacher Sandra Medley at St George’s Primary School.
Chair of governors Ian Peddlesdon and vice chair Reverend Kent also popped down to see how the building work is coming along.
St George’s Primary School is due to open on September 11.
QUESTION TIME
13th July 2006
Children from Castle Batch Primary School grilled the town’s MP in their own version of Question Time.
John Penrose visited the Year 5 pupils at the school in Rawlins Avenue, Worle, last Friday. He said: “I was asked a lot of questions about the work and role of an MP, what Tony Blair was really like and even whether I had met the Queen.
“It was great to hear their views and concerns, which ranged across the spectrum, from very local issues like traffic calming to national and international affairs.”
SCHOOL'S BID AS SPECIALIST IN BUSINESS IS REJECTED
11th July 2006
Teachers in Weston-super-Mare have been told their school will not be granted specialist status. Westhaven Special School in Ellesmere Road, Uphill, had applied to the Government to become a specialist in business and enterprise.
The move would have seen the school receive £100,000 in funding to improve business-themed education and young enterprise schemes.
This would have helped local pupils to gain skills needed to progress into employment, self-employment or further training.
It would have also meant Westhaven would have been the first school of its kind to gain specialist status in this discipline in North Somerset.
However, the Government rejected the bid on Monday
, saying one of the reasons was that the school does not offer a business related subject.
However, the school is going to implement the subject before a second bid is resumbitted in October
Deputy headteacher Bernie Richardson, who was South West Enterprise Teacher of the Year 2004 for his work in this area, said: "We are very disappointed by the news.
"A lot of hard work went into the bid.
"We had to raise £20,000 in only three months, and we managed to do so with the help of parents and local businesses."
Weston MP John Penrose
said: "I have been contacted by the Under Secretary of State for Schools, Andrew Adonis MP to explain his decision.
"He accepts that 'much hard work is involved in drawing up school development plans and raising sponsorship and understands they will be very disappointed'."
"The school has now been contacted by his officials to explain their decision in more detail."
SCHOOL MISSES OUT ON SPECIALIST STATUS
6th July
Staff at a special school in Uphill are shocked they have lost out on their bid to become a specialist school for business and enterprise. If successful, Westhaven School would have received £100,000 of development funding to improve business-themed education and young enterprise schemes.
This would have helped local pupils to gain the skills needed to progress into employment, self-employment or further training. Westhaven would have been the first school of its kind to gain specialist status in this area in North Somerset.
The application was made earlier this year and was supported by £20,000 in sponsorship and donations from the local community.
The bid was put together by head teacher Jenny Moss, along with her deputy heads Carole Wistow and Bernie Richardson, but it was rejected by the Government on Tuesday.
The school has 75 pupils aged from seven to 16, who all have complex learning difficulties.
Deputy head teacher Mr Richardson said: "To say we were disappointed is an understatement.
"We thought we had put in an extremely strong bid with a lot of help from parents, colleagues, local businesses and the Weston Federation of Schools.
"When the bid came through and we found out we had been unsuccessful we were shocked, we thought it was very nit-picky.
"We have been asked to resubmit the bid in October, which we will do, but we will have to rewrite it completely, which will take a lot of work."
Weston MP John Penrose was also disappointed that the school missed out.
He said: "Their Ofsted report in 2003 concluded that this was a good and improving school with excellent leadership from the head and staff.
"The work of the school, friends and the local community in putting the specialist status application together is a tribute to their dedication and commitment."
TEAM OVER THE MOON
6th July
Brainy teenagers who have won a two-week trip to meet Nasa astronauts in the US have received a pat on the back from Weston MP John Penrose.
Amber Hartley Watts, Rebecca Voisey, Joseph Plumb and Thomas Watson-Follett, all aged 15, from Churchill Community School, won the south west section of the Edge Into Space competition.
In the contest, organised by vocational and practical-learning foundation Edge and the International Space School Education Trust, teams of students aged from 13 to 17 were asked to submit ideas that could be developed in space to improve life on earth or vice-versa.
The Churchill science pupils, known as Team Gravity, designed the Res-Suit, a space suit with a muscle-resisting fabric that would force astronauts to exercise their muscles, combating the wasting effects of zero gravity.
Their ideas were judged by British-born astronaut Michael Foale, George Abbey, the renowned Nasa Johnson Space Centre director, Professor Colin Pillinger, the Bristol scientist behind the Beagle II Mars mission, and Kate Bellingham, of TV's Tomorrow's World.
In July the teenagers, along with nine other teams from across the UK, will travel to the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, where US space missions are launched and Johnson Space Centre in Houston, where mission control and astronaut training takes place.
They will meet rocket scientists and astronauts, participate in simulations and explore hardware at the forefront of today's space exploration.
Mr Penrose met the team to congratulate them and find out more about their winning design.
Edge chief executive Andy Powell said: "With more than 4,000 children entering the competition, it's clear that their enthusiasm for learning in science is stimulated by adventure and discovery, not just reading from text books.
"There is a whole generation of school leavers who are turned off by science according to a recent government survey, but 60 per cent say more hands-on activity would inspire them to learn.
"Edge Into Space has been about giving young people the chance to participate and experience the fun side of science and vocational and practical learning."
College cash cut will hit special needs students
9th June 2006
Special needs and adult pupils at Weston College will be hit after £1million was slashed from course budgets for the next academic year, according to Weston MP John Penrose.
Mr Penrose, who has been a college governor for two years, is concerned the employment chances of many of the 744 special needs students at the Knightstone Road site will be damaged by the cuts.
The £1m is made up of a £700,000 reduction in cash compared to last year, plus extra funding the college should have received because of inflation and a growth in the number of students.
Money for colleges in the area is handed out by the Learning Skills Council (LSC) South West on behalf of the Government.
Mr Penrose said the Additional Learning Support Grant to Weston, which funds courses for students with special needs, has been cut by £650,000. Cash for adult courses has also been chopped by £350,000, said Mr Penrose.
College principal Dr Paul Phillips has vowed not to reduce the number of courses for special needs pupils, but he said the length of these will have to be reduced by 20 per cent to around 600 hours a year.
He said this is still more than the average length of similar courses in other colleges.
The LSC had originally proposed to grant the college £14.7m but increased this to £15.4m after negotiations with Mr Penrose and college chiefs.
Mr Penrose said: "I am pleased we have improved the overall financial settlement, but it is still bad news because the Additional Learning Support grant, which has been increased in the South West, has been cut in Weston.
"This is particularly bad news for special needs students who need extra support to get the qualifications they need for employment in later life."
Dr Phillips said: "Every college in the country has had cuts and I do not think Weston College is worse off than others. The college will have to be more selective about what it runs in the future.
"We have worked very closely with the LSC which has supported the college throughout the process.
MP's Concern Over 'Happy Slapping'
30th March 2006
Weston MP John Penrose has tabled questions in Parliament about 'happy slapping'.
He asked Education Secretary Ruth Kelly whether she has any plans to issue guidelines on the craze, where people commit acts of violence then film them on their mobile phones for fun.
Mr Penrose said: "Happy slapping is a relatively new and dangerous craze which needs a proper review, it is causing considerable distress and often results in serious injury.
"Using the latest mobile phone technology, a tiny number of thugs are carrying out and recording random and unprovoked assaults.
"I am particularly concerned about the growing rate of children on children violence.
"It is important that we try and counter this in the early years before it can escalate into something truly dangerous."
West MPs Line Up To Have Their Say On New Bill
Bristol Evening Post 28rd February 2006
Kingswood Mp Roger Berry, one of about 100 Labour MPs with major concerns about some of the Bill's proposals, was meeting the Prime Minister this morning. He said yesterday: "I have been invited to Number 10, and I guess we'll be talking about the Education Bill.
"My hope is that the Bill reflects the second half of the White Paper, not the first half.
"The second half is giving support to individualised learning and giving local authorities a strategic role. My concerns have always been with the first half which talks about setting up a range of new independent schools at a time when there are already falling school rolls.
"Local authorities will not be in the driving seat. I am concerned that it seems that local authorities will not be allowed to open up their own school without the permission of the Secretary of State."
Fellow Labour MP Dan Norris said: "This Bill will give head teachers with dynamic leadership the power to put their good ideas in to practice and improve standards at the school," said Mr Norris, MP for Wansdyke.
"It will make a difference, particularly to those children who are disadvantaged."
John Penrose, Weston-super-Mare Conservative MP, said: "The thing I would have liked to see in this Bill, but I'm sure wont be, is a change to the funding mechanism which currently leaves schools in and around Weston with the 12th worst funding allocation in the whole country.
"On a national basis, I would like to see Tony Blair having the courage of his convictions.
"I want to see him properly devolving power down to schools."
Steve Webb, Liberal Democrat MP for Northavon, said: "You must always ask if you need another Education Bill.
"We need to remember there is cost to having constant upheaval and reform in education.
"We need a period of stability. Any reform has to be about increasing quality local provision across the board - not just in some areas."
NO 10 Visit Calls For Fair Funding
Bristol Evening Post 3rd November 2005
Weston-super-Mare student Jenny Gribble has handed over a petition at 10 Downing street calling for more money for the country’s colleges.
Jenyy, 17, who is studying for a diploma in care at Weston College, was one of six students chosen to hand over the document containing more than 55,000 signatures yesterday.
She was joined by Weston’s Tory MP, John Penrose, who is a governor of her college.
Weston College collected more than1,500 names for the petition demanding improved funding.
Colleges say they are missing out on hundreds of thousands of pounds a year compared with schools that have sixth forms.
A college like Weston would gain around £600,000 annually if it received a similar level of funding for each student as a sixth form.
The petition also calls for more funding for adult education. Without it, the number of adult places nationally is expected to fall by as many as 700,000 next year.
Jenny said: “the diversity of people studying at my college is greater than in an school sixth form.
“There is a wide range of ages, disabilities and learning capabilities, which requires more staff to support these students as well as resources to aid them in their learning.”
Mr Penrose said; “Weston College has been a leading light in this campaign. I’m pleased that Jenny has got the chance to speak up for all our students and staff.
“It’s time that the Government showed their appreciation of further education by breaching the funding gap between schools and colleges – and bringing the resources and funding for Weston College, and others, up to the same level as sixth forms.”
Parents Warned That Gcse Hype Is Hiding The Truth
Western Daily Press 21st October 2005
The Government was yesterday accused of misleading West parents by claiming that GCSE results had shown their biggest improvement for a decade. Education Secretary Ruth Kelly hailed a rise in the West scoring five good GCSEs or more to 54.2 per cent as a "tremendous achievement".
But business leaders and opposition politicians warned the figures masked a dramatic decline in the core subjects, as only 44 per cent of youngsters achieved five good GCSEs in subjects which included English and maths.
John Penrose, Conservative MP for Weston-super-Mare, said: "Government figures are being fiddled and don't reflect what's happening in our classrooms.
"Pupils need the best possible skills to equip themselves for later life, and English and maths are fundamental to that.
"The Government is misleading the country with artificially inflated results."
In 2007, the Government will be changing league tables so they have to include English and maths GCSE results, which will cause some schools to tumble down league tables.
At present, vocational qualifications like Intermediate GNVQs - which are often criticised as "soft" options - count as the equivalent of four good GCSEs.
But figures obtained for 2004 suggest results across the region would have plummeted by more than 10 per cent had English and maths been taken into account. At many schools, the drop would have been even higher. At Bristol's City Academy, 33 per cent of pupils achieved good GCSEs last year, but with English and maths included it would have been just 16 per cent.
This year under the current system, headteacher Ray Priest was delighted to see 52 per cent of pupils come out with five top GCSEs. But he admitted that English grades would need to improve significantly before the new league table system is introduced in 2007.
He said: "At the end of the day we see English and maths as being of prime importance. There is no way that either myself or the staff are satisfied with the performance we have had with maths."
The biggest loser in the West under the new league table system would be schools in Bath and North East Somerset, which in 2004 would have seen a 13.4 per cent drop.
But Ms Kelly stressed that the English and maths figures were a huge improvement on 1997 when just 35.6 per cent of pupils scored five good GCSEs including these core subjects.
John Dunford, general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, said: "League tables have assumed far too much importance in judging schools' performance. It is time they were ended and an obligation placed on schools to publish their results locally against national benchmarks."
Bristol schools recorded the worst GCSE results in the country, with just 36 per cent of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades, compared with a national average of 55.7 per cent.
Sports Hall Construction To Start
CHEDDAR VALLEY GAZETTE 6TH OCTOBER 2005
Building work on a new £800,000 sports and community hall in Banwell will begin this month. John Penrose, the recently elected MP for this area, visited Banwell Primary School and got a look at the site which is being prepared for the scheme.
Mr Penrose met new headteacher Harry Cadwallader, who has been in the post for three weeks.
The meeting started with an informative discussion on the present position of the school which included its academic achievement, value-added activities and the present state of the fabric of the buildings.
Mr Penrose said: "It was great to look around the school with Mr Cadwallader and Paul Bateman, the chairman of the governors, and hear about their plans for the future, including the sports and community hall.
"This is an urgently-needed investment for the local Banwell community and I am delighted that it is finally coming their way.
"It will certainly make a real difference for the children when the scheme is completed."
Mr Penrose said that his visit to the school and the opportunity to hear about the work of the pupils has made him all the more determined to get a fair deal for North Somerset's pupils.
"Our school children are some of the worst funded in the country, " Mr Penrose said.
The Government allocations for primary and secondary pupils within North Somerset Local Education Authority are currently some of the lowest in England. Mr Cadwallader expressed his delight at the prospect of the new sports and community hall which would enable the school to host a variety of events and, outside school hours, will prove a great asset locally.
He said: "We are extremely grateful to the school community who had worked so hard during the initial stages of the project and to the Friends of Banwell Primary School who continue to raise funds for sports equipment."
Work on the new sports and community hall is due to commence in the next few weeks and to be completed next year.
MP Champions Fair Education Funding
Cheddar Valley Gazette 15th Sept 2005
Weston-super-mare MP John Penrose visited Churchill Community School and Sixth Form College on Monday at the invitation of headteacher Dr Barry Wratten.
John Penrose said: "It was a good opportunity to sit down with Dr Wratten and his team to discuss the challenges facing the school. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the specialist performing arts facilities at the centre.
"Churchill Community School do a tremendous job on a very tight budget. Their pupils perform above both the Local Education Authority (LEA) and national average. Their success is even more praiseworthy because North Somerset's school pupils are some of the worst-funded in the country.
"The government allocations for primary and secondary pupils within the North Somerset LEA are currently some of the lowest in the country. Another school year has started and our children are still losing out.
"I am championing the f40 campaign (the Fair Education Funding Forum group). It represents the worst funded LEAs in England. The group's aim is to influence a change in the way the government allocates funding to local authorities for education purposes.
"We believe that the government's existing funding formula is inadequate and discriminatory. We have presented an alternative which would help to end the education funding formula 'postcode lottery'.
It would give every pupil, no matter where they live, a basic entitlement and would mean a significant improvement in North Somerset's position.
"I want the government to recognise our concerns about the existing funding arrangements. I have asked the Education Secretary, Ruth Kelly MP, to examine the f40 model as a basis for setting future needs-based budgets for LEAs and schools. It may be too late for this year's North Somerset pupils, but it doesn't have to be the same next year."
Boys Buck Exam Trend
Weston & Worle News 25th August 2005
Students in Weston are celebrating after picking up top grades in their A-level exams. Weston College achieved an overall pass rate of more than 98 per cent, and saw the boys buck the national trend by knocking the girls off the top spot - of the top four students at the college, three were boys.
The science results were also above the national average, with more than half the students who took those subjects achieving an A or B grade.
Principal Paul Phillips said: "High standards have been maintained across all subject areas and we were particularly pleased this year with our science results and the overall achievements of our boys.