I REFER to Mr Mackie's comments that 'schools can do better'. I have to say that, like most Tories, he lives in a fantasy world.

He says that £500 per pupil could be raised if the local education authority was abolished.

But he conveniently forgets to inform readers who will then pay for transport of children, special educational needs provision, advisory services, admission arrangements, appeals, 11-plus testing and many more services - all of them vital and all provided by the local education authority.

Who would also sort out the disputes between parents and schools which occur frequently?

Trafford education authority recently received a good Ofsted report. It is one of the lowest funded in the country and provides an excellent service to schools and parents alike.

Regarding the closure of Ortonbrook School in Partington, it has been agreed to amalgamate this school with Oakwood due to the significant fall in pupil numbers in Partington. Once school numbers drop below a certain level schools become no longer educationally viable.

However, Mr Mackie does not mention in his letter that his Conservative colleagues in Trafford recommended not one school closure in Partington but two school closures - this of course is typical Tory hypocrisy.

I think his last statement sums up the Tories - he aspires for more elitist private schools in the system which cater for the few and not for the many.

My Labour colleagues and I are opposed to such a view, that is why we have improved and enhanced all school budgets in Trafford over the last few years. This has resulted in standards in our schools rising significantly and our intention is to continue to strive for improved standards for all our children.

Cllr David Acton, Leader, Trafford MB Council.

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