Cadet forces in schools idea thrown out

A suggestion for Rochdale to become involved in any pilot study introducing military cadet forces to secondary schools has been thrown out.

A motion on the matter was put before Councillors at a meeting of full Council but was refused.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Pat Sullivan, read: “In light of the Education Secretary Michael Gove’s suggestion that introducing military cadet forces to every secondary school would bring a dramatic improvement to classroom discipline, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council applies to participate in any pilot study that may be introduced.”

Councillor Sullivan said “chilling information” delivered to Rochdale Township about activities young people are involved with highlights a cause for concern.

She said that some structure needs to be put in place and added that the town is “riddled with drugs.”

Councillor Sullivan also suggested that complaints from teachers about the idea were because they have a “vested interest” because they are “thinking too much about themselves and not the children.”

The motion received a negative reaction from most councillors.

Councillor David Clayton said he was “gobsmacked” by the suggestion.

He said: “There is so much else to be done. If you really want to do something stop being namby pamby and expel the kids who are spoiling learning for others.”

Councillor Zulf Ali, added: “In  Rochdale we should be proud of the children in our schools, they are achieving and that is good for all of us.”

Councillor Irene Davidson said the fault doesn’t lie with the schools but is because children don’t have anything to do when they finish school for the day. Councillor Davidson said the idea of cadets should be used on the streets but not in schools.

Cabinet member for Children Schools and Families, Councillor Donna Martin, said: “I cannot support this motion. I don’t believe the borough is riddled with drugs, that is a big statement and these big statements need to go. We need to be talking this borough up.”

Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert, added: “I have great respect for the army, I have great respect for schools and I have great respect for young people – but not for merging them.”

Councillor Ashley Dearnley said he thought Councillors had misunderstood what Councillor Sullivan proposed. He said: “I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t support this kind of involvement in schools.”

Councillor Robert Clegg echoed these thoughts when he said: “Saying we would close our minds to the possibility of a pilot in this borough would be disgraceful.”

The motion was voted against by the majority of councillors.