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now on to the contentious issue of the future of Holt Hall and outdoor learning
one paper is 'confidential' which means it has not been published in the public papers
one paper is 'confidential' which means it has not been published in the public papers
Cabinet member Cllr Fisher now making a statement to say how definitely absolutely not pre-determined he is, and that previous comments as reported in the media are not indicative of pre-determination.
Oh dear, not a good look for Cllr Fisher. Trying to blame people who have raised their concerns about closure for not promoting Holt Hall outdoor learning enough. A bizarre tactic and pathetically petty.
Cllr Fisher says that both schools in his division use Holt Hall but they haven't written to him. That's ok then! They probably thought they didn't need to as he said in a public meeting to Cllr Walker that it would not be closing!
Oh dear, Cllr Fisher says that Holt Hall is not a unique facility in Norfolk. All outdoor learning providers offer something slightly different. Holt Hall is broad & comprehensive & allows study of rivers for GCSE curriculum. I'd argue it is unique.
Cllr Fisher argues there is no statutory duty to consult and feels that they have gone 'above and beyond'. I'd argue that a significant change in the way a service is proposed to be provided is so substantial that it should be subject to proper consultation.
Cllr Plant quoting from data that is not being presented fairly, in context or I'd argue in good faith. The data should be presented based on available capacity of visits. There is a huge potential to increase participation of schools in Norfolk.
Cllr Plant also makes no reference to what the impact was on the children and young people in Great Yarmouth who were able to learn at Holt Hall. Numbers do not tell a story, impact and outcomes do.
Hmmm, Cllr Plant says that there are access issues at Holt Hall. We should address and improve those access issues as part of an investment in the service. we are spending £££ on improving access in the council chamber that none of us will use for months. 
oh, and here comes Cllr Fitzpatrick with the same tactic they used against oponents of children's centre closures - dismissing it as sentimentality about 'bricks and mortar'. disengenuous and offensive to those who have put together evidence-based arguments against
Cllr Fitzpatrick says schools prefer to go on trips abroad. Hmmmm, I wonder how soon that will resume because of covid. even if travel restrictions are reduced the cost of travel insurance likely to be prohibitive. this is a business opportunity for norfolk county council
he says it's not right that the council is in competition with commercial outdoor learning providers. where is the thorough analysis on the state of that 'market'? so many businesses struggling because of covid.
Fear not everyone. Cllr Borret enthusing about what a great opportunity this is to expand outdoor learning. Norfolk will "support partners and policy makers". I'm sure that will be of great reassurance to children and young people in Norfolk
Cllr Jamieson says it's "not a financial decision".
In which case I'm very interested to hear who has expressed an interest in purchasing, when that expression of interest was received and how that fits in the timeline of events.
In which case I'm very interested to hear who has expressed an interest in purchasing, when that expression of interest was received and how that fits in the timeline of events.
I'll have to disagree with Cllr Proctor that all alternative options have been thoroughly considered.
Experienced outdoor learning practitioners were willing to work in partnership with the council to get Holt Hall services ready to play a key role in the post-covid world
Experienced outdoor learning practitioners were willing to work in partnership with the council to get Holt Hall services ready to play a key role in the post-covid world
in "definitely not pre-determined" news..... the next item on the agenda is....... THE DISPOSAL OF HOLT HALL (ie agreeing to flog it off).
Thankfully the Friends of Holt Hall have an application in for an Asset of Community Value. which is exactly what it is!
Thankfully the Friends of Holt Hall have an application in for an Asset of Community Value. which is exactly what it is!
Cllr Peck says that "contrary to what was claimed at Full Council" Holt Hall is not currently up for sale.
The question that needs answering though, is have there been any offers to buy it? if so: from who, when and who was the approach made to?
The question that needs answering though, is have there been any offers to buy it? if so: from who, when and who was the approach made to?
