The problem with secondary schools being too hot or too cold was again debated at the Health & Safety sub-committee and at the full Education Committee this week.   The Education Department tends to produce masses of detailed statistics showing there is little or no problem.   But teachers unions and school boards hear a different story from teachers, pupils, and parents.   Neither the Council nor 3ED/Amey seem to have got on top of the problem.

John Mason said, "All this stems from the Council handing control of its secondary schools to a private contractor.   It proves how flawed the PPP/PFI scheme has been.   While the Department and the Company squabble over the fine print in the contract, youngsters' education continues to suffer.   If the Council had not handed the schools over to a private company, I bet the problem would have been sorted by now."