Flagship Hindu primary school planned for Evington takes step closer
A Hindu education charity is hoping to set up one of the Government's flagship free schools.
The I-Foundation was named yesterday as one of 16 organisations to go forward to the next stage of the Government approval process.
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Vi Dempster
If the charity gets the go-ahead, its primary school in Evington would open in September 2011.
In its first year it would take in 60 pupils in two classes – but would eventually take up to 420 children aged four to 11.
The school would take 50 per cent of pupils from the Hindu faith and the rest from the community regardless of religion or background.
Pradip Gajjar, project director for the school, said: "There's a huge demand for a state Hindu school locally – one which offers outstanding academic opportunities as well as providing a spiritual and moral framework which reflects Hindu values. The I-Foundation has a proven track record of success of delivering on our promises.
"Discussions to date with the Government's agent give us real cause for optimism."
The school, which would be the second set up by the charity, would draw on a Hindu ethos for its curriculum, teaching and learning.
The first school, Krishna-Avanti Primary, in Edgware, London, opened in 2008 and was judged "good" with outstanding features by Ofsted inspectors in March.
Councillor Vi Dempster, city council spokesman for children and schools, said: "Leicester has a diverse community and, as with any new school, it can have an impact on others.
"We have a rapidly-growing population which would be quickly absorbed.
"We'll be consulted as part of the next phase when I-Foundation puts forward its business case and look forward to carefully considering the proposal."
Vajubhai Madlani, from Shri Ram Mandir temple, in Hildyard Road, in Leicester, said: "We welcome this news. There are thousands of Hindus in the city and to be able to come together in a school to teach using our ethos is good.
"We were told of the intention and are happy about it."
But Peter Flack, secretary of the Leicester branch of the National Union of Teachers, said: "Free schools from our point of view are private schools paid for by the state. They will create surplus places when Evington has no shortage of primary schools.
"This will take cash away from others. We believe state education should be paid for by the local authority."
The I-Foundation will now have to develop a business case and plan.
Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove said: "Free schools form an integral part of the Government's education policy to improve choice for parents and raise standards for all young people.
"All of these proposals have been driven by demand from local people. I'm delighted at so many promising proposals."
FACTFILE: Rules governing free schools
Free schools can be set up by parents, businesses, charities, faith groups, universities and teachers, where demand has been established.
The schools are usually new and are outside local authority control.
They do not have to follow the national curriculum but must provide an education that is “broad and balanced”.
They are bound by the same admissions code that governs all publicly funded schools.
The policy must be transparent and provide places for pupils of different abilities who are wholly or mainly drawn from the area in which the school is situated.
It is up to each proposer to look into possible sites. Permission is required from the Secretary of State but not the local authority.
The school are inspected by Ofsted as normal.
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by Kishore Suchak, Leicester
Thursday, September 09 2010, 1:22AM
“The Hindu community is not for isolation. We have integrated well into British society and have have done well to contribute to this country. This school is a vehicle for us to pass on our work ethich, culture and spirituality to a future generation of Hindus that will be proud to be British and continue to contribute to society in the ways their parents and grandparents have done. Hindus are open. Hindus are tolerant. Hindus are welcoming You won't have to worry too much about the Hindu school. It will add great value to the City in the same way the Hindu businesses and community centres have.”
by Billy Napier, Leicester
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 7:07PM
“Fear not, good people of Leicester, I have plans to set up the first Free Atheist School. No morning assemblies, no hymns, no utter nonsense about how God / Allah / Yarweh / Bruce Willis created the world, just plain old fashioned love thy neighbour.”
by Richard, Leicester
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 4:15PM
“Daniel
Is it not though this kind of school that will be a major barrier to a childs future understaning of all religious beliefs and indeed their choice not to believe at all?”
by Daniel, Leicester
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 3:18PM
“"So called 'Free' schools for the mainly well-off are just a way of enabling a private school education to be paid for by the majority who are less well off"
Peter, Wigston, Leicestershire
So this is not about religion at all, merely a class war again....
Where in the world does it say that everyone should integrate with each other. In Leicester we have a huge divide still between cultures and religions and the current schools don't seem to have solved that issue, everyone still sticks with their own kind. If people feel the need to set up their own schools and feel they can provide a better education for children then they should be entitled too, not be forced to just except what is currently available. Maybe religion doesnt have a place in modern education, but if as previously mentioned all religions are taught in every school then maybe a better understanding will prevail for future generations...personally I still cant see the problem in wanting the best for your children.”
by Sue, Oadby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 2:23PM
“G leicester. Adult education can be very good and your friend should ask in the adult education places. There is also a self help group that meets in Wigston magna library on the second wednesday of every month from 4pm - 5pm. Awareness week is also the first week in November when local media may even start to report events. last year Leicestershire libraries put on displays and there were other things happening as well but the dyslexics were FORGOTTEN. BDA theme this year is HIdden dyslexia so i guess that gives them a good excuse to keep it hidden.”
by Sue, Oadby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 2:17PM
“Martin le3 I don't think ANY schools in Leicester or Leicestershire are dyslexia friendly with the possible exception of some privately run schools that DO INCLUDE dyslexics.”
by Peter, Wigston, Leicestershire
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 2:05PM
“The current schools in Evington are already giving children a great education.
But a good start in life? No way. That should be achieved by the parents long before their children ever reach school age. And as for driving children to success - they should be led, not driven!
Faith schools divide the community and should be outlawed. This country requires people who can integrate and work together for the common good.
But learning about the major religions should be compulsory in all schools.
So called 'Free' schools for the mainly well-off are just a way of enabling a private school education to be paid for by the majority who are less well off.”
by martin, le3
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 1:59PM
“Sue, Oadby - indeed. So is your point that faith based schools are all dyslexia friendly?
I know little about dyslexia and wouldnt pretend that i did - is secular education and dyslexia-friendly education mutually exclusive?
But my original point was a general one: its good for children to mix with others from different backgrounds and religions. And parents have plenty of time to teach their children about their religion outside of school.”
by G, Leicester
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 1:47PM
“I would be very interested to see if it were at all possible to open a school for dislexic people not just children, I for one went to school many years ago when this was never picked up on. I have a very close friend who struggles everyday with basic reading & writing , she is one of the forgotten few”
by Sue, Oadby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 1:15PM
“Martin le3 you state schools should all be of a high standard and I would agree with that. Unfortunately many schools are not inclusive and even outstanding, secular schools are NOT dyslexia friendly and this 10% of children really DO NOT have access to the basic curriculum.”