We, the undersigned, are a collective of community members in London who comply with Jewish law and are actively involved in observant, communal Jewish life. This statement expresses our utmost support for the leader of the S&P Sephardi Community, Rabbi Joseph Dweck, both as a senior minister and educator. Contrary to accusations made, we do not feel that our honour has been slighted or that we have been insulted in any way. We are also of the opinion that Rabbi Dweck has been bold in addressing an issue which is often neglected, and that there are rare if any educational forums on this subject matter. Similarly, we have been inspired by his lectures on topics relating to Jewish law for both Sephardim and Ashkenazim. While we would welcome a communal debate about the halakhic parameters of the lecture/shiur in question and educational endeavours to debate the content, we are of the strong opinion that any calls to involve alternative Batei Din and Rabbinic panels in this matter, both local and those in America, Israel or other, or calls to strip him of his title, be ignored and this matter remain local. We also call upon all parties to retain dignity and an appropriate level of discourse. At no time should any further insults be made, lest this result in more desecration of God’s name and negative view of observant Jews both internal and external to the community. We are stronger as a community if we are able to facilitate civil debate l’shem Shamayim.

The students of RWBA have already stated there feelings about the new colour and are disgusted by it

We, the undersigned, urge the management at St Mary’s University not to close its Philosophy Programme, and to continue to offer students the opportunity to take a BA degree in Philosophy. St Mary’s offers single-honours degrees in Philosophy, as well as some joint-honours degrees with other subjects. It is known locally for its annual series of public lectures sponsored by the Royal Institute of Philosophy, which are well-attended by members of the community. Students and graduates value the discussion and innovative, dialogue-led teaching, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary engagement. These methods promote independence of thought and encourage intellectual curiosity both within and outside the academy. St Mary’s University has a long-standing tradition of inclusivity, and cites core values such as inclusiveness, generosity of spirit, respect and excellence. The diversity and creativity exemplified in teaching and research by the Philosophy team epitomise these values. Diversity is also reflected in the composition of the team itself (for instance, surpassing the 2011 UK average of just 24% of permanent posts held by women in philosophy). [1] By keeping the programme open, the institution have the opportunity to make a statement of intent: St Mary’s upholds the values of inquiry, scholarship and independence of thought; it upholds the value of the arts and humanities for everyone, especially in difficult times; and its support will not waver. We encourage St Mary’s to take this opportunity. [1] Beebee, H. and Saul, J., 2011. Women in Philosophy in the UK: A Report by the British Philosophical Association and the Society for Women in Philosophy UK. Joint BPA/SWIP Committee for Women in Philosophy. http://bpa.ac.uk/uploads/2011/02/BPA_Report_Women_In_Philosophy.pdf

Since the announcement I have spoken with many concerned parents, carers and others about the proposals. Culture NL engaged in similar exercise last year when they closed many local libraries and staff were redeployed across remaining services thus having an impact on vital public services. Scottish education has made the headlines recently specifically around the Government's aims to improve the education sector and to reduce the attainment gap. It is vital that as our local Government the council work in tandem with these plans to enhance the education experience for those in North Lanarkshire. The aim should be to create more opportunities and support for young people, whom they are meant to serve, in order to allow them to become fully confident, competent and responsible citizens. Education is a cornerstone of any successful society to which teaching assistants play a vital role. Not only do they support teachers and reduce their workloads (something which is currently being reviewed by the Scottish Government) but they also provide additional support for those students who desperately need it. We should go as far as to argue we need more of them, not less! The Conservative party have rightly come under criticism for their proposal to remove the free school lunch policy in England and Wales. NLC’s proposal to close breakfast clubs deserves to be treated in the same regard. We understand there are issues with the budget and finding where to make cuts is challenging, but please do not take from the children and families who depend on these services. We want NLC to support an urgent review of these decisions and do everything they can to reverse them.

We need to start caring for children in the country, given them a free school meal under the age of 11 and a good education is paramount. It will ensure they receive a nutritional meal, with the ever increasing obesity and diabetes in young people, lets act now. Taking away free school meal will force packed lunches and maybe poor diets.

We need to ensure our children are educated about this difficult and sensitive subject matter. This is not a topic that would normally be discussed at home. This needs to be changed and stamped out of our society. The only way is to educate our children. Make them aware that this is not acceptable behaviour and what pitfalls to look out for. To advise them of the options that are available to them.

It is important that Walden School is not taken over by developers for more housing or converted into flats. Saffron Walden is in dire need of additional state school facilities. The primary schools and Saffron High are already full and cannot meet the needs of this growing town. The council has continually been asked to consider how it will meet the schooling needs of all the families moving into the area, now an opportunity has arisen, and sad as it is to see Walden School close, the council has a responsibility to ensure that the towns schooling needs are met. It is the perfect solution to an ongoing problem. The Department for Education needs to act quickly. There is an opportunity here for the school to be taken over and run as a state school, perhaps even preventing job losses. For Walden School to close after so many years in the town is a huge shock to everyone. That the site not continue as a school would be a far greater tragedy.

This is about the health and safety of the children of surrounding areas. We need a lollipop person to protect them from being hit by vehicles. A young girl was recently hit just outside the school and more children are at risk of harm unless action is taken to make the crossing safer. You can read more about the issue here: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/8203-girl-9-hit-by-car-near-plymouth-school-after-lollipop-lady-axed/story-30335442-detail/story.html

The 999 Emergency Ambulance Service is under pressure to hit targets and with the increasing amount of people within the UK is creating bigger problems. Imagine the positive impact it would have on everyone if 'Basic Life Support' was taught in schools. This would help the emergency services also would give a better life expectancy for the more severe issues such as Heart Attack and any other major life threatening situations. Besides giving the added advantage of promoting and preserving lives, this would also give a good life skill and good footing for the child as they grow if they wish to proceed into the medical sector. Introducing BLS into the school curriculum will preserve, prevent and promote not only life but skills and knowledge of all.

As you may know, many parents were left disappointed over Easter when letters were received by many families informing them that their child did not receive a place in the Reception class of the school in their catchment area. Many families in Blyth, including mine, were unaware that schools are already oversubscribed due to the increased pressure placed on school places by new housing developments. I now know this has been a problem for years for those living in the Bede catchment area, however this year Newsham has been grossly oversubscribed. Unfortunately for some families they received 3 letters that day stating that their child had no offers of a place in any of their 3 choices. This happened to my niece. Her parents were left extremely distressed and had to wait until the Easter holiday period had passed so that they could speak to someone about this. My niece was put on the waiting list for 6 schools in Blyth and had no offer of a place. They were left having to look outside of Blyth for a school for my niece. As Seaton Sluice was full due to many families from Blyth having to take places, they have had to look at schools in Cramlington (luckily Cramlington has been unusually undersubscribed this year). I am sure families in Newsham will have experienced the same distressing situation. Children are being denied the opportunity to walk to their local school, form stronger friendships outside of school because they live in a different town. More shockingly many children attended the nursery of their catchment school but were not offered a place due to oversubscription. How can their parents tell their child that they will not be moving to reception with their school friends? We should not have to rely on surrounding towns to educate OUR children. The government has proposed £10 million budget cuts to schools in Northumberland of which £2 million cuts will be made in Blyth. This will only make the existing problem worse. Please sign my petition if Blyth children matter to you. I propose that our local county council, along with the housing developers such as Persimmon and Miller Homes take accountability for this and together build schools for our children. Not only do they deserve to feel part of their local community but they deserve to feel part of our town. Please state on the petition if you applied for a school place for your child in their catchment area but were not offered a place in either Primary or Secondary school.

In 2011, the Scottish government proposed to harmonise pay, terms and conditions of all FE lecturers from Dumfries and Galloway all the way to Stornoway. We call on them to honour the deal, in order to protect the integrity of education and the rights of workers throughout Scotland. This strike is not just for lecturers in FE, it is for all workers throughout Scotland who refuse to accept negative changes to their terms and conditions and unfair pay.

Medway council want to cut support for children in Medway to pay for an elaborate 10 day celebration and re-enactment of a 350 year-old naval battle - the Battle of Medway. £60,000 will be taken from children’s services to pay for the celebrations - which include jet ski demonstrations, fireworks and over-the-top battle reenactments. This money should be ring fenced for children's services. As a Medway council tax payer I know where I want the money to be spent - on children! Find out further information via: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-39802511 Please share widely across your social networks.