February « 2010 « Charlotte Leslie

St. Ursula’s announces it is seeking academy status

Posted by mainuser on February 20, 2010 | Comments Off

St. Ursula's decision gives parents new hope and will help safeguard the school's education and ethos for the medium and long term - that's not just for years, but for decades to come.

Local parents have welcomed St. Ursula’s decision to take steps to seek academy status, saying that it gives “new hope” to the campaign for a local school for BS9, and will safeguard the school and the education it provides for not just years, but decades to come.

The announcement was made on behalf of the governors and head of the school, by the new Chair of Governors, Charlotte Leslie.

The Governors and head are currently talking to existing parents of the school, explaining why the decision has been taken, and what it will mean for their children.

An academy is an independent school, which accepts state-funding. The move follows two other independent schools in Bristol successfully moving to academy status.

This move provides new hope for the campaign to get a new community secondary school for North West Bristol. Over the summer, Charlotte worked with local parents to start the campaign group “Parents Voice”, and later put the group in contact with the national organisation “New Schools Network”, which helps parents take steps to trigger the set up of a new school.

Recently, Charlotte Leslie approached St. Ursula’s to understand the school’s plans for the future, and has helped the board of Governors in their decision to apply for academy status. She was recently elected Chair of Governors to lead the project.

Responding to existing parent’s questions and concerns, chair of Governors, Charlotte Leslie said,

” We understand the concerns of existing parents. We have been explaining to them that in these changing economic times, and in the uniquely competitive environment which faces Bristol independent schools, we have been looking at options which can best secure the kind of education and ethos that parents and children have previously enjoyed at St. Ursula’s.

The only responsible response to these changing times was to take action and make a decision to safeguard the education of pupils and the jobs of staff not only for the short term, but for the medium and long term. We wanted to avoid a situation where the school was focusing on its own viability for the next three of four years to come, which could distract from the focus on teaching and learning. So in many ways, this move can be seen as the best way of ‘ changing to stay the same’.”

Most independent schools which have become academies are making the transition with one year of new intake, so that existing pupils move through the school in their class set-up, while the first year intake is a new academy intake. The main change to existing pupils is that parents with children at the school stop paying fees.

It is hoped that if the process goes smoothly and quickly, the school might be able to open its doors as a new academy in September 2011, otherwise the likely date is 2012.

Commenting on the process ahead, Charlotte said,

” There are still a lot of hurdles to over-come, a lot of hard work to put in, and there is no guarantee our bid will be a success. However, I am working daily on this with the head and governors. If this bid is a success, I hope it will go some way to solving the school places crisis in North West Bristol, as well as securing the medium and long term future of this much loved school.

” I have always believed that actions speak louder than words; No amount of leaflets or rhetoric is going to make this happen – it’s going to take real, practical action. We need the support of the local council, central government and the wider community. So now the hard work begins to secure this superb school’s education and ethos in the future of Bristol education and to try to make the dream of so many parents into a reality. Wish us luck! “

Read how the Times Educational Supplement has reported the move HERE

If you would like to be kept in touch with developments, or have any questions or queries, email the school office: Office@St-Ursulas.Bristol.sch.uk marking your email ATTN: Charlotte Leslie.
Please specify if you would like to be kept on a mailing list for being informed of developments.

If you would like to add your name to the campaign for a new school for North West Bristol, sign the Parents Voice Petition HERE

Petition launched to help save the Lamplighters Pub

Posted by mainuser on February 15, 2010 | Comments Off

Local pubs are suffering under the Government's beer tax

A campaign and petition to help save a family-orientated community pub in Bristol from permanent closure has been launched.

The Lamplighters pub in Shirehampton has recently been closed by owners Enterprise Inns while moves are potentially in progress to find a new publican for the facility, after the previous tenant moved on.

However, fears are growing within the local community that the pub, which is in need of some renovation, may not reopen. Residents believe that, with increased taxation on beers by the Government coupled with the stiff competition offered by supermarkets offering discounted alcohol, there is the possibility that the company may instead decide that reopening the Lamplighters may no longer be a viable option.

In response, a campaign designed to save the community pub has been launched. It includes a petition designed to demonstrate community support for the Lamplighters Pub, as well as asking Enterprise Inns to reopen the pub, and calling on local residents to pledge their continued support for the business in the years to come.

The campaign in the brainchild of local campaigner Charlotte Leslie, who is also supporting a nationwide campaign against the Government’s assault on pubs at www.backthepub.com

Charlotte, who is also the Conservative Prospective MP for Bristol North West said:

“ Pubs like the Lamplighters are so much more than just a place to drink. They are right at the heart of the community. What is more, the Lamplighters Pub is an historic building, and has been a welcoming family venue for many years. It would be a tragedy if the current economic climate, and the Government’s beer tax, deprives future generations of a much-loved family institution.
” This petition is designed to demonstrate the level of public support and affection for the pub to Enterprise Inns, as they consider the pub’s future. But it is also a reminder to all of us that in supporting local amenities like this, the message is simple, ‘use it, or lose it’.”

The most recent Beer & Pub Association report highlighted that 52 pubs are closing every week, while research carried out by the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) showed 84% of people believe a pub is as essential to village life as a shop or post office.

Anyone wishing to sign the petition and back the campaign should visit www.savethelamplighterspub.charlotteleslie.com

Working for more green space for Shirehampton Primary School

Posted by mainuser on February 15, 2010 | Comments Off

Shirehampton Primary School suffers from a lack of green space where children can play games safely. However, local campaigner and Prospective MP, Charlotte Leslie has approached the Council on behalf of the school, and is working with the school and residents to secure a piece of neighbouring waste-land for school use, and at the same time improve the land for residents bordering the area.

Shirehampton Primary School has a need for green space so that its pupils can play games such as tag-rugby, and exercise without fear of injury from falling. Charlotte Leslie has approached the Council to enquire about the feasibility of the school using a derelict piece of near-land-locked green-space near the school.

Charlotte met with Shirehampton Primary School Council and governors to discuss whether and how pupils would like to use the land. From this meeting, Shirehampton Primary School pupils composed a letter to residents, explaining their thoughts, and seeking a meeting to discuss how the land could best be used. The children’s aim was to improve the land for residents’ use, while establishing it for school use for games lessons and sports day.

Several residents attended a meeting held by the school, with a council representative present, and negotiations are now taking place about the school taking use of the council-owned land next year.

Reporting back, Charlotte Leslie said,

” If we can find a use for this piece of waste-land that improves it for neighbouring residents, and also provides Shirehampton Primary School with some much-needed green-space, we can count this a great success.

I attended a school council meeting where the children told me about their hopes for a little school vegetable garden where they can learn about fresh produce and gardening. It certainly would greatly improve these children’s school experience and I’m hopeful we can find a plan for the land which will please everybody.”

Public meeting for a new secondary school for Bristol North West

Posted by mainuser on February 12, 2010 | Comments Off

Charlotte: Taking action to help parents

Charlotte Leslie is speaking at a meeting called by the campaign group “Parents Voice” to debate the need for a new secondary school to serve the BS9 area. The meeting is 7pm-9pm, at Westbury Methodist Church, February 15th.

Charlotte was approached by parents concerned that there was no school local to the community of BS9, and together they set up the campaign group “Parents Voice”.

Charlotte subsequently linked the “Parents Voice” group up with national body “The New Schools Network”, which is set up to help parents achieve a new school for their area, if Conservatives get into Government and legislation changes to help parents are passed.

The group now campaigns with and on behalf of parents for a new school for North West Bristol.

Charlotte, who is also now a Governor at St. Ursula’s School, an independent school at the top of Westbury Road, will be explaining to parents what she has been doing to get the debate ignited, and concrete steps for going forward.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Charlotte said:

” I was being approached by so many parents who wanted a solution to the lack of secondary school for the community of BS9. So I stepped up to the plate and helped them form the campaign group ‘Parents Voice’ and then linked it in with “The New Schools Network” – which is a national organisation which can provide real support.

“I am delighted that the group is going from strength to strength, with local parents in the driving seat. No amount of leaflets or statements of good intent or opinions will actually get a school for North West Bristol. It takes action, taking the initiative – and a lot of hard work. I’ve been putting in the work to galvanize parents, and explore real options for a new school for the area – in real, practical ways. Not just words.”

The meeting is 7-9pm at Westbury on Trym Methodist Church Hall, Monday February 15th.

Charlotte: “Why I won’t insult my opponents”

Posted by mainuser on February 8, 2010 | Comments Off

In the wake of the Westminster expenses scandal and a flurry of personal attacks in opposition leaflets, Charlotte Leslie has pledged to conduct a positive General Election campaign, free from personal attacks.

Charlotte says,

“After the scandal of MPs expenses, we must clean up our discredited political system – with honesty and positive action.

It is a shame that unwarranted personal smears have been levelled against me, but I refuse to respond in kind. Instead, I’m concentrating on action here in Bristol.”

“But it is utterly wrong to mislead electors about other candidates. The public deserve to decide how to vote based on truth. So it is only right that I put the record straight on allegations made about me.

Firstly, accusations about where I’m from – which are patently ridiculous. I’ve lived in the area since I was two, went to school here, represented City of Bristol Swimming Club and live in Westbury-on- Trym. Secondly, attacking my career path – although I currently work with the National Autistic Society.

“These kind of attacks are an insult to swimming teachers, children’s tutors and to the life-guards who patrol our dangerous coastline, working with emergency services – all jobs in which I have worked. That hands-on experience is invaluable to politics. But most valuable is honesty and positive action. And that is how I intend to campaign.”

If you want to find out more about the work Charlotte has done, where she is from and more about her life, listen to her interview with BCFM, HERE.

Blaise Primary presented with original artwork on ‘Rights’

Posted by mainuser on February 8, 2010 | Comments Off

Blaise Primary's rights respecting steering group dressed to raise money for children in Haiti and Mozambique

A BRISTOL primary school was presented with a unique piece of artwork, which highlights the issues of rights and responsibilities, as a special assembly this week.

Blaise Primary School, in Clavell Road, took possession of the original artwork at their UNICEF assembly, held on the morning of Friday, February 5th.

The artwork has been created by Charlotte Leslie following a previous visit to the school to give a talk on leadership to pupils, under a scheme operated by local charity Ablaze. The charity seeks to help raise aspiration amongst pupils and to link schools up with people in business and leadership roles.

Charlotte discussed the schools “Rights Respecting” school status with pupils and was so impressed with their interest in rights and responsibilities that she created a piece of art for them to discuss. The work comprises the word “Rights”, formed only by ‘shadow’. The appearance of real letters is an optical illusion. The shadow is made up entirely of the word “Responsibility”, written over and over again.

Speaking before the assembly, Charlotte said:

“I was really impressed with the children’s understanding of rights, and their curiosity about the relationship between rights and responsibility.

“Over the Christmas break, I tried to put that relationship in picture form. The picture suggests that rights are created by collective responsibility, but it would be great if the picture could provide a basis for class discussions.”

Deputy Head, Nicola Austin said:

“We are very proud of our rights respecting agenda, and we’re pleased that Charlotte was able to take an interest in our work. We will be asking the children what they think of rights and responsibilities, and hopefully they will come up with their own thoughts.”