Unpopular proposals to introduce a joint head teacher to oversee nearly 2000 primary and secondary pupils at two schools in Chryston are being dropped by North Lanarkshire Council.
The authority is no longer proceeding with the controversial multi-establishment leadership model (MELM) at Chryston Primary and High Schools after determining that “significant” projected roll growth for both schools in the next five years means each needs its own dedicated leader.
Families who have been campaigning against the plans say they are “absolutely delighted” by the U-turn and say: “Common sense has prevailed.”
Parents Against MELM action group member Levi White, who has two children at Chryston Primary, said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear our children will now get a dedicated head teacher.
“This has been so emotional for everyone involved – we’ve always only wanted the best for our children, and we cannot thank the staff at the primary school enough for all their hard work throughout this difficult period.
“Common sense has prevailed and we’re delighted the council has listened to the views of everyone involved. The community in Chryston is strong and we can’t wait to welcome our new head teacher.”
Figures in a report for councillors indicate that the primary and secondary rolls are set to rise by a further 50 per cent in the next five years to 509 and 1422 respectively, with the building of the new increased-capacity primary school and its move away from the schools’ shared campus.
The report: “With increased housebuilding planned in the area there is a risk of a negative impact on access to services and ultimately, learning and teaching.
“A report setting out options to deal with this increase will be submitted to a future meeting of the education committee; however, it is considered inappropriate to implement a MELM in Chryston while the school rolls are projected to grow to such an extent."
New SNP council leader Jordan Linden says he “ensured officers ended the trial of the MELM at Chryston following representation from parents and councillors".
He said: “This was a key issue in the election as well as the months before; the SNP in opposition were never convinced about this model, and with the full facts before me it is clear that, for Chryston, it won’t work.
“Local people want leadership in their schools, and my administration is delivering that – I will be asking all members of the council to support [ending] this trial and to reintroduce head teachers for both schools as quickly as possible.”
The post-consultation report states that 84 per cent of participating staff from the two schools “did not agree the model was beneficial for all pupils” and that only eight per cent of parents “agreed they could see any advantages of the proposal”.
Chryston parents had staged demonstrations in their community and at the council’s Civic Centre headquarters and submitted a 1500-signature petition opposing the plans, while there were also objections from the wider community and from neighbouring cluster primaries Auchinloch, Gartcosh, Glenmanor and Stepps.
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