Page 3 - HGS Suburb News 135 - Summer 2018

Stormy start to Henrietta Barnett School expansion plan

Henrietta Barnett School’s main
hall was the scene of an Open
Meeting on the evening of July 12
to start the debate on the proposal
to construct additional buildings PHOTOS: PETER McCLUSKIE
to increase pupil numbers. The
meeting was opened by the vice-
chairman of the school, Peter
Cosmetatos, who explained there
would be brief presentations by
Del Cooke, the school head, and
Richard Paynter, architect partner
at Barker Associates, before a
short Q & A session.
The meeting would be an Peter Cosmetatos and Richard Paynter
opportunity to hear some area and a demand from parents continuation of these trends seemed to be a prisoner of the
questions and opinions from for more selective places; and means that the present size strict criteria laid down in the
residents and parents. There • schools have ambitious and school is not sustainable. We admissions policy, apparently
was a consultation using an realistic plans for increasing access were later told that a soon to be in stone.
online survey for those who for disadvantaged pupils (by announced rise in teachers’ pay, Another point was the effect
wished to have their opinion which we mean pupils eligible if substantial and unfunded, the increased numbers would
taken into account. The school for the pupil premium), and would mean the school, at its have on the already difficult
wanted to stress that it was still • they have plans to work with present size, going broke within traffic situation around the
undertaking a feasibility study other local schools to increase two years. school. We were told it is hoped
on a possible application. access for disadvantaged pupils Richard Paynter explained that with the help of Barnet, the
The background is a DfE and to raise attainment.” that any design would respect RA’s Roads & Traffic Committee
initiative, the Selective Schools If the bid for some money the original, take account of the and an increased use of buses
Expansion Fund (SSEF), which from the SSEF is successful and heritage status, have a minimal the problem could be mitigated.
was announced in May and asks the school can find the additional impact and be complementary to There was no indication of how
for applications from grammar funds needed, it intends to what already exists. Some feasible this would help.
schools for a part of a £50 increase the size of the school options had been considered The questions for the architect
million fund. Bids have to be by 35% from its present 779 and he shared them with those were focused on the processes
submitted by August 2, and the pupils to 1050. To accommodate present for some initial comments of planning and building. The
results will be announced in this increase in numbers the and observations. building work should be complete
the autumn. school anticipates building two He showed a plan to build within a year of starting and there
The introduction to the science labs, one technology on the two undeveloped corners would be a plan for managing
government guidelines states, lab, one general classroom, an of the site by Bigwood House, the disturbance caused.
“The purpose of the SSEF is to expanded canteen, 22 more and a preferred alternative, Residents were worried about
support the expansion of selective toilets and, if possible, additional which created extensions at the openness and consultation in
schools where: sports space. side of Bigwood House leaving the planning phase. Although
• there is a need for additional The recent constraints on the corners open. there were details of the
places, both in terms of a short- school funding, the increase in Then there was a plan which proposals posted on the RA’s The low point of the evening meetings should the feasibility
fall of secondary places in the local costs and the predicted developed the two courtyards at e-mail forum, the HGS List, this was the heckling, to the point study result in a successful
the back of Bigwood House, is still limited to its subscribers, of shouting down, the views application to the fund being
and a more innovative design and a number of people were expressed by a young former made, and a planning application
which created a sunken building angry at the lack of publicity. pupil of the school, who wished eventually materialise.
in the centre of the HBS site The School would do well to to praise the education she and RA Council will be following
with a grass roof so as not to consider using a mail drop of her fellows had received. The events, and its Conservation &
lose the open space. the Suburb before each step to strength of feeling in the audience Amenities Committee will be
Time then for questions and avoid further bad feeling. was evident and the way it was keeping a very close eye on the
it was very clear that for many of The architect said they were expressed demonstrated how situation as it changes. The RA
those present the lack of places not responsible for the previous divisive grammar schools can be. will hold Open Meetings on the
for Suburb (2%), or even Barnet expansion and wanted to try a The arguments over how the subject when it feels it is
(31%), girls was the main source different approach – being broad- school selects its pupils and the appropriate.
of concern. It was a concern based, collaborative, open and legacy of feeling from the Suburb News will, as always,
clearly understood by Del Cooke transparent. They were committed controversial Hopkins extensions attempt to keep residents fully
but one she showed little sign to taking into account the results 10 years ago persist. These themes informed as developments occur.
of being able to address; she of their survey. will doubtless echo through future TERRY BROOKS

Hedgehogs on Hampstead Heath

In early June this hedgehog was in partnership with the City of as to develop a programme to at night. From this data the further work with London Zoo
spotted on the Heath Extension London Corporation, have been help conserve them. An initial population can be estimated. The and other local authorities to
near the play area one afternoon. carrying out a study of the hedge- survey in 2016 revealed that trial was a success and London improve the scope for hedgehogs
It is unusual to see hedgehogs hog population on Hampstead hedgehogs were quite widespread Zoo concluded that the area to move around.
during the daytime, so perhaps Heath. Hedgehogs have declined across the Heath and a more appears to be a significant refuge A key element of this PHOTOS: GEORGE JENKINS
this was a female going out to by about 30% over the last ten detailed study was carried out for hedgehogs in North London. involves homeowners ensuring
find food – becoming scarce in years, particularly in rural areas. last year in Golders Hill Park. They are carrying out that their gardens allow the
the drought – for her young. London Zoo are keen to This involved setting up cameras another survey this year across easy passage of hedgehogs: a
GAD_Suburb_News_137mm x 120mm_Layout 1 12/07/2018 13:00 Page 1 the whole of the Heath, 13cm x 13cm gap is sufficient.
Readers may remember that
and recording encounters with
increase their knowledge of the
the Zoological Society of London, urban hedgehog population so hedgehogs and other mammals including the Heath Extension. And do put out water for them.
So far hedgehogs have been Suburb News know (see SN129
If you spot one, please let
sighted at seven of the thirteen
Property locations on the Extension. A winter 2017 for previous
report will be produced towards
hedgehog news).
the end of the year.
COLIN GREGORY
The City would be very
interested in any hedgehog
Lawyers sightings on Hampstead Heath G Cohen
or in neighbouring gardens. They
would like to see how well
connected the Heath is with other
larger open spaces or indeed the
wider area and will be doing ANTIQUE SILVER
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