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Two sisters plan to open a community school in west London after struggling to find suitable primary places for their daughters.
Emily Phillips and Claudia Fein are among parents backing the introduction of a Swedish-style system of independent state schools, which concentrate on dropping exams, homework and the national curriculum in favour of imaginative play.
The pair, from Shepherd's Bush, have formed a group which aims to push Hammersmith and Fulham council into supporting the initiative, backed by the New Schools Network, a charity designed to promote the concept to dissatisfied parents.
Mrs Fein, 42, mother of Tatiana, five, said: "It is about time parents took the bull by the horns and told education bosses, 'This is what we want - now make it happen.'"
She said she felt like there was no other option than to educate her older children Ish, 20, and Cecilia, 14, privately after failing to find a state school which was not over-subscribed or under-achieving.
"London lives in pockets which have a lovely sense of community but the same spirit is not applied to schooling," she said. "There are mothers near me who aren't happy with state choices, with the class sizes or the entrance criteria."
Mrs Fein's sister suggested they try to set up their own primary school. Mrs Phillips, 37, mother of three-year-old Scarlett, said: "The concept seems entirely possible."
She wants her daughter to go to school locally, but added: "The local private primary schools are very privileged. It doesn't reflect the local demographic."
Reader views (5)
Unfortunatly if Ofstead does not approve. Its Ofsted which needs to change. These ladies should be supported by their local council who should offer them premises at a nominal rent.
- Nosmo King, Brighton, 22/10/2009 09:27
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Steve's comment is completely pointless and unconstructive! I think it's an exciting opportunity to promote change in a system that seems very prohibitive.
- Martha Butterfield, London, England., 21/10/2009 21:16
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Good luck to them, however with this bunch of corrupt idiots in government, there will be little hope for them.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 21/10/2009 13:50
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Steve
You need to re-read your statement as it does not make any sense. Do you mean all people who live in London are stupid and selfish or that people who live in London and have kids are stupid and shelfish? Confused!
- Dc, London, 21/10/2009 10:58
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There's really only one solution.Don't have kids if you're stupid and selfish enough to live in London.
- Steve, London, 21/10/2009 09:16
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