Threat to Catholic Schools

You may be aware that Hartlepool Borough Council is currently consulting on a proposal to stop free transport to English Martyrs. I am urging you to express your opposition to this proposal which will have a detrimental impact upon English Martyrs and our Catholic primary schools. This proposal, in fact, has serious implications for the future of Catholic education in Hartlepool.
The principle of providing free transport to faith schools has been long established and it accords with current government policy:
          “We want all families to be able to choose the right school for their child”
          (Michael Gove, Education Secretary).

Whilst I acknowledge that the current financial climate means that the Council has some difficult choices to make, I cannot agree that the removal of free transport to and from school is a sensible step to take.
Please support us by:

• Completing the on-line survey. Please note that both parents can register their opinions.
• Contacting your local councillor, asking them to oppose the proposal. Please ensure that you get an answer from them. Please note that there are Council elections in May.
• Writing to Paul Robson at Passenger Transport Services, Integrated Transport Services, 1 Church Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7DS. (If you return your letters to school (for the attention of Lisa Foster) we will forward them)
• Encouraging other parents or residents of Hartlepool to register their protest.
• Emailing lfoster@ems.hartlepool.sch.uk to offer to help in a campaign

Please note that the consultation ends on Wednesday 29th February, so we need to move quickly.