A comment from HiP
In response to a number of comments on HiP's position on the Horizon School redevelopment many readers expressed various positions. We reproduce a comment posted by an Anonymous contributor assuming that they represent HiP. We would like to take this opportunity to invite HiP to contribute to this blog. This blog acknowledges the role of HiP in representing parents and carers of children with disabilities and gives particular importance in the opinions of both HiP and the families it represents.
We believe that readers will be interested to know what changes or reassurances have made their original reservations (of 14 December) redundant as all pertinent information from all possible sources at this moment should inform responses to the consultation.
Anonymous said...
HIP is an INDEPENDENT forum for parents and carers of children with disabilities in Hackney. Can anyone seriously have the audacity (evidenced in several postings) to suggest that this group of parents and trained and experienced carers can be "bought" or coerced at the expense of these children? See several comments and also posted by HiPS and http://www.hiphackney.org.uk/news.html. If there is one thing you can be certain it is that HiP is representing the interests of pupils and their parents and carers in supporting the project.
3 comments:
Without the reasons for the change of heart, people can and will assume whatever they want. You owe it to the parents to explain what happened between then and now.
The idea HiP was bought off in some shady back room deal is arrant nonsense. HiP is entirely independent of the council and its current position was reached based on we have been told by parents of current and prospective Horizon pupils.
For posters who question our independence and integrity, it’s worth explaining HiP's funding comes exclusively from central government via a national charity called Together for Disabled Children (TDC). This small TDC grant, which ceases in April, supports parent participation in Hackney. We have never received a penny from Hackney Council nor do we expect to in future. Our committee is run entirely by volunteers who are all parents of children with disabilities. We pay for a small amount administrative support from our TDC grant.
HiP’s primary purpose is to increase parent participation and influence over services for disabled children in Hackney. Therefore our only concern is that Horizon parents are properly consulted and their views heard. If the majority of parents opposed the plans, HiP's position would reflect that opposition. But all the feedback we have received is that parents want the school modernised as soon as possible and that they are happy with the drop off arrangements.
We would be delighted to hear directly from the two Horizon parents who posted their concerns on your site. Given the short time before the 28 March, we would urge them to call us on 07985739851 or email us at info@hiphackney.org.uk. as soon as possible. Perhaps, as your blog site holds their contact details, you could email them and let them know HiP members are keen to meet them to hear their concerns in more detail?
please post this rather than the first version
It is so sad. What is a little neighborhood school, on a couple of little roads - well liked by everyone - is being changed into some kind of monument. The plans have been drawn up 'with the intention' of giving the school a 'more positive identity' in order to remove its 'stigma', so it is no longer 'out of site, out of mind'.
Now the school is to become a 'public building', designed 'deliberately' on a 'larger scale' than the houses because this 'befits' its 'civic' nature. Although the architects said in November it needs to blend in 'in as unobtrusive manner as possible', now it's to be all white: white brick and white metal panels with a 'bespoke' pattern of holes (to cover vents). The style won't blend in but, hey, it will 'reference' our homes. To show off its stature, like the Buckingham Palace and a 24 hour Tesco, it will be lit up at night - when its empty.
This is going beyond cramming twice as many kids into a little space, beyond grant grubbing and cost cutting, contracts and bonuses, this is going into the delusions of grandeur.
(All quotes from the architect's Design and Access Statement in the Planning Application.)
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