Be Heard: Email your councillors
Your voice matters! As part of our "Don't Cut Our Time to Shine" campaign, we're encouraging all parents and guardians of students at Harlow Fields School & College to reach out to the local county councillors, both in Harlow and Essex.
Ensure this discrimination against SEND children is not allowed to go ahead.
Tips for Writing Your Email
- Be Respectful and Constructive: While we're advocating for change, it's essential to maintain a respectful tone.
- Personalize Your Message: Share your child's experiences and how the proposed changes could impact them. Personal stories are powerful.
- Be Clear and Concise: Clearly state that you are writing concerning the proposed reduction in school hours and why you oppose it.
- Ask for a Response: Request a reply or an opportunity to discuss the issue further with elected officials.
Harlow Office - all constituency related correspondence
Harlow Enterprise Hub, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2NQ
halfon4harlow@roberthalfon.com
Only Harlow residents can contact directly.
So far we have had NO response from MP Robert Halfon or his office
Template Letter to MP Robert Halfon
Subject: Urgent: Proposed Reduction in School Hours at Harlow Fields School & College
Dear Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP,
I am writing to you as a concerned parent and resident regarding the proposed reduction in school hours at Harlow Fields School & College, which directly impacts children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including my own child.
This proposal, under the pretext of allocating more preparation time for Learning Support Assistants, discriminates against SEND children by compromising their educational and developmental opportunities. Education for children with special needs requires more, not less, time and attention.
I fear this is the beginning of further cuts and compromises to SEND provisions, all under the guise of administrative and budgetary adjustments. This cannot stand unchallenged, as it sets a dangerous precedent for the value placed on SEND education within our community and beyond.
I urge you to:
- Engage with Essex County Council to scrutinise and reconsider this proposal.
- Advocate for the rights and needs of SEND children at both local and national levels to ensure they receive the full extent of educational opportunities they deserve.
I also request a meeting with you [or a designated caseworker from your office] to discuss this matter further and explore how we can work together to oppose these changes and promote the welfare of SEND children in Harlow and across Essex.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your support and response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
Both below are the County Councillors responsible for the schools ward of Harlow west and the Leader of the Opposition at Essex
You can contact all of them and don’t have to be Harlow residents.
County CLLR Michael Hardware
Members' Suite
Essex County Council
PO Box 11
County Hall
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1LX
Email cllr.michael.hardware@essex.gov.uk
Cllr Hardware responded promptly and is following up on our enquiry.
County CLLR Clive Souter
Members' Suite
Essex County Council
PO Box 11
County Hall
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1LX
Email: cllr.clive.souter@essex.gov.uk
So far we have had NO response from Cllr Souter or his office
County CLLR Ivan Henderson
Leader of the labour group at Essex County Council ( Special interest in education provision)
Members' Suite
Essex County Council
PO Box 11
County Hall
Essex
CM1 1LX
Email cllr.ivan.henderson@essex.gov.uk
We have had contact from Cllr Henderson.
Below are the Harlow District councillors.
You can contact all of them and don’t have to be Harlow residents.
District CLLR Chris Vince
Labour Candidate for parliament and Leader of the opposition at Harlow Council
Correspondence address:
c/o Harlow Council
Civic Centre
The Water Gardens
Harlow
CM20 1WG
Email: chris.vince@harlow.gov.uk
Cllr Chris Vince has replied, identified that the issue is budget related. He does not wish to back the campaign and has sided with the school.
District CLLR Dan Swords
Leader of Harlow council (Conservative) Correspondence address:
c/o Harlow Council
Civic Centre
The Water Gardens
Harlow
CM20 1WG
Email: dan.swords@harlow.gov.uk
Cllr Swords responded promptly has responded and is following up on our communication.
District CLLR Ash Malik
Correspondence address:
c/o Harlow Council
Civic Centre
The Water Gardens
Harlow
CM20 1WG
Email: ash.malik@harlow.gov.uk
So far we have had NO response from Cllr Malik or his office
District CLLR Daniella Pritchard
Correspondence address:
c/o Harlow Council
Civic Centre
The Water Gardens
Harlow
CM20 1WG
Email: daniella.pritchard@harlow.gov.uk
So far we have had NO response from Cllr Prichard or her office
District CLLR Tony Edwards
Correspondence address:
c/o Harlow Council
The Civic Centre
The Water Gardens
Harlow, Essex
CM20 1WG
Email: tony.edwards@harlow.gov.uk
So far we have had NO response from Cllr Edwards or his office
Template Letter to County and District Councillors
Subject: Opposition to Proposed School Hour Reductions at Harlow Fields School & College
Dear Councillor [Last Name],
As a parent of a child attending Harlow Fields School & College, I am deeply troubled by the proposed reduction in school hours for students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This decision, ostensibly made to provide additional planning time for staff, directly undermines the educational foundation of our most vulnerable children.
The proposition not only reflects a misalignment of priorities but also a disturbing willingness to compromise on the quality of education provided to SEND students. The reduction in school hours will deprive students of invaluable learning time, exacerbating existing challenges and limiting their potential for growth and development.
I implore you to consider the following actions:
- Publicly oppose the proposed reduction in school hours for SEND students at Harlow Fields School & College.
- Advocate within Essex County Council for alternative solutions that do not compromise student learning time.
- Support initiatives that enhance, rather than diminish, educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their needs.
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this issue further and explore how we can collectively ensure the protection and advancement of SEND education within our community.
Your support in safeguarding the rights and future of SEND children in Harlow is crucial. I look forward to your response and commitment to addressing this matter urgently.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]