School campaigners say education boss won't be missed (From Stourbridge News)

School campaigners say education boss won't be missed

10:45am Friday 31st October 2008

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THE man responsible for school closures in Dudley is off to pastures new to help steer forward post-16 education in the UK.

Dudley’s director of children’s services John Freeman, the driving force behind the closure of Beauty Bank, Holt Farm, Sycamore Green and Cradley High Schools, is leaving Dudley Council in January next year to take up a new post with the Local Government Association (LGA).

And for many parents still angered at the way the council dealt with the closures of their children’s beloved schools - his departure “can’t come soon enough”.

Stourbridge mum Sam Wooldridge, who campaigned vociferously to try and keep Beauty Bank School open - before finally losing the battle in 2006, said: “It can’t come soon enough. He should have been sacked as far as I’m concerned - for the way he messed everybody around. Let’s hope they put someone in there who puts the kids first in the future.”

Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho, who slammed all long the council’s controversial school closures plans, said: “I don’t think we’ll miss him in Stourbridge.”

Councillor Dave Tyler, who together with parents and campaigner turned councillor Lynn Boleyn managed to save Maidensbridge School in Kingswinford from the axe, said: “For the sake of all the parents, children and staff still involved in education - we have got to get someone with education at the forefront of their wishes. We should look forward to make sure we appoint a top quality director of education to replace him.”

Mr Freeman joined the council in 2001 as director of education and lifelong learning following the council’s failed Ofsted inspection.

And after seven years at the helm, his directorate (now known as children’s services) is now ranked ‘good’ by Ofsted.

He said: “I am proud and privileged to have led children's services in Dudley. I have worked with a brilliant team and together we have made huge strides.

“I am moving on to a very exciting national role but I will really miss all the people I have worked with and got to know so well.”

Councillor Liz Walker, Dudley’s cabinet member for children's services, said: “I am sorry to see John go after all the excellent work he has done in Dudley in taking education forward.

“He has done a fantastic job for children and young people in the borough, and he is leaving the service in excellent shape."

John, who in 2005 became joint president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, will now take up a new role with the LGA to support local authorities across the country as they take on £7billion funding for post-16 education when the Learning and Skills Council is abolished in 2010.

Jane Porter, Dudley’s present children’s services assistant director for early years and education services, will be the interim director from January 1.

The council will advertise for a new director at a later date.

Mr Freeman’s sidekick Ray Watson, who was assistant director, quietly left the council a few months ago.

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