It’s too late to turn this ship around

Many children across the island will be returning to, or starting at, schools which have been earmarked for closure – that is assuming the Education Committee’s £157m. funding proposals are approved by States members this week.

With the two-school model of secondary education having already been agreed last October, the committee now needs the States to give the thumbs up to the associated expenditure so they can go ahead and deliver what they promised.

That should, and still could, be the end of the matter.

However, with a raft of delaying motions and amendments having been placed, as well as Scrutiny’s request for a tribunal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the appointment of the head of curriculum and standards, it is looking increasingly possible that the new school system will hit the rocks before it’s even had a chance to set sail. Or at least it could end up sailing with a new captain and crew in charge of the vessel.

It is true that not everyone agrees with the direction of travel that has been chosen, but now that a destination is finally within sight, it is surely too late to change course.

After years of indecision and seemingly endless debates, it is time to end this shilly-shallying once and for all.

Those still grieving over the 11-plus must accept that it is dead and let it go. Squabbling over buildings will not change that.

It is the quality of teaching that is key to our children’s education, not whether they are taught in two schools or three, and further delays will only make it increasingly difficult for teachers to deliver that.

Which is why Policy & Resources has felt the need to lodge its own amendments to Education’s proposals in an attempt to unite deputies, soothe concerns and find a way forward.

If States members reject that attempt, it is likely to be the island’s children who will suffer.