TEACHING unions have not ruled out strike action if plans to introduce private money into education gothrough.

Nine schools in Lewisham have been targeted as potential candidates for the Government's controversial Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

The scheme would allow private companies to sign contracts allowing them to fund school maintenance.

The nine schools in question, Crofton Secondary School, in Manwood Road; Forest Hill Secondary School, in Dacres Road; Malory Secondary School, in Launcelot Road; Greenvale special school, in Perry Rise; Ashmead Primary School, in Ashmead Road; Childeric Primary, in Childeric Road; Downderry Primary, in Downderry Road; Gordonbrock Primary, in Gordonbrock Road and Monson Primary School, in Hunsdon Road, have volunteered through their governing bodies for the scheme.

But the Lewisham branch of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) has condemned the move saying Lewisham Council is "steamrolling" governors into accepting the deal.

Branch secretary Martin Powell-Davies said: "We have to make sure governors call a halt and challenge the false assumptions behind PFI.

"If the proposals go through and the PFI goes ahead we would not rule out strike action."

NUT members have voiced fears private companies will not want to pay for school maintenance without finding ways to recoup financial losses.

But a Lewisham Council spokesman said: "This scheme means difference for schools and education apart from the new buildings and management of their maintenance.

"We also want to emphasise the buildings' ownership remains the same and it is schools, through their governing bodies, which have each chosen to take part in the scheme."

Deputy for lifelong learning Councillor Katy Donnelly has added her voice to the argument.

She said: "We are close to securing £50m through this scheme.

"Schools are working closely with us to ensure the new buildings on offer will help bring about first-class state education in first class facilities."

November 26, 2001 18:38