when funding arrangements leave kids at risk...

A parent from a local PPP school visits to tell me parents are up in arms. The grounds are not being maintained, the grass is long and local junkies are discarding their paraphernalia in the grounds. Children go there to play and are at risk from the hidden danger.

I phone the school: the headteacher confirms the facts: indeed one child has been pricked and sent for urgent treatment: the school, following procedures, has reported (several times) to both Amey (PPP company) and C+F department requesting urgent action...without success.

I phone Mike Rosendale who understands the implications immediately, kicks arses and the grass is cut this morning along with a series of other management actions... the picture is complicated though: the grass is Amey's responsibility, the shrubbery is the school's and I imagine there will be future arguments as to who is responsible for what...I'm not in principle against PPP schools but when a convenient funding arrangement leaves kids at risk then serious questions have to be asked...