Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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Local MP introduces bill to protect children in independent schools facing closure
Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker, will next Wednesday introduce a Bill in the House of Commons that would protect children from educational disruption similar to that suffered by pupils of Newlands School in Seaford, which closed suddenly earlier this month.
The Bill, which Mr Baker will introduce straight after Prime Minister’s Questions on 26th April, calls for the Government to establish a trust fund, paid into by independent schools, which would provide emergency financial assistance to independent schools to enable them to close in a timely manner in the event of their going into administration. The Bill would also place a duty of welfare on independent schools to draw up emergency plans to be implemented in such a situation.
Commenting on his Bill, Norman Baker says:
"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce this Bill in the Commons. While the final straw facing Newlands was undoubtedly the issue of renewing the lease, this case has nevertheless raised the issue of the lack of safeguards that are in place to protect the education of pupils in independent schools in the event that their school goes into administration.
"It is terrible that children can be left high and dry without a school place in the middle of the academic year, in some cases, only weeks away from their exams. This kind of situation should not be allowed to happen and this is why I have decided to introduce this Bill to push for better safeguards to be put in place to protect children’s vital education."