Classroom furniture call

A LACK of essential classroom furniture has sparked outrage at Kirkgunzeon Primary School.

The Parent Council has criticised Dumfries and Galloway Council for not providing four tables and eight chairs for the school’s new Primary 1 pupils.

The group believes providing and delivering classroom furniture is a basic council responsibility.

Spokesperson Dr Franziska Weir said: “This is not simply about four tables and eight chairs. It is about whether children in our rural communities are afforded the same standard of educational support as children elsewhere in Dumfries and Galloway.

“Decisions such as these risk making it increasingly difficult for small rural schools to thrive. Whether intentional or not, withdrawing or failing to provide basic support services creates additional barriers for rural education rather than strengthening it.”

Responding, a council spokesperson said they are “committed to providing the best possible educational offer to all our learners, regardless of geography or ruralness, in line with relevant policies and procedures.”

They added: “School furniture is a school responsibility in terms of budget and resource, but what the central team does is assist with sustainability and re-using, by holding a small supply of surplus furniture. The central ‘stock’ of surplus furniture can be accessed by any school in the region, but clearly if what is required by the individual school is not available from these stocks, then the school itself is responsible for the purchasing of school furniture.”

“The School Estates Team continues to correspond with the school to assist them with the furniture they require in line with this current practice.” 

*Library pic above*