"All Children Matter"
(Except When They Are Under The Flight Path)

Schools under flight paths are severely compromised in delivering the National Curriculum, stated barrister, David Wolfe, at a public meeting in Hounslow on 6 Dec, organised by the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF).

It may be possible to take headteachers, governers or Hounslow council to court over their failure to provide a proper environment for the children in their care. It will be interesting to see how Councillor Ruth Cadbury reacts, as it is her Labour party's policies and actions that are causing the problem.

ELF Press Release

8th December 2005

Aircraft Noise and Children

Schools under flight paths are severely compromised in delivering the National Curriculum, stated barrister, David Wolfe, at a public meeting this week in Hounslow, organised by the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF). Mr Wolfe, a barrister at Matrix Chambers and an ELF referral member, argued that schools under flight paths have to operate in impossible circumstances due to aircraft noise and are unable to conduct outdoor lessons adequately. As a result, schools are failing to fulfil the requirements set out in the National Curriculum.

Sarah Longhurst, ELF's Community Outreach Coordinator, commented, "Why should children in some parts of the country have their education infringed whilst others don't? It is a national curriculum - children all over the country deserve the same opportunities - those close to airports are suffering unfairly. The noise and other health effects of aircraft impact on children both in the short term and through the rest of their lives."

ELF's community outreach event was chaired by Councillor Ruth Cadbury (Hounslow) with a panel of ELF's legal, technical and policy specialists plus a local primary school head teacher, and representatives from AEF (1), HACAN (2) FOE (3) and a Defra consultant (4).

This public meeting, attended by more than 50 people, including young children, saw a passionate and constructive discussion. Notably, Harvey (7 years old) and George (5 years old) who attend Hounslow Heath Infants School made valuable contributions, without any rehearsal: "The noise is very annoying because when I'm outside I can't hear my teacher if we are trying to learn PE and she can't hear me. When I am playing with my friends or trying to converse, we have to stop when a plane flies over. So sometimes I don't bother to talk at all". Harvey's younger brother, George, said "I agree with my brother and it's horrible at home too because it's noisy". Harvey, who attended Hounslow Heath before noise insulation was installed in the main hall, said "It is better now in the hall now but it's still noisy outside and stressful.

ELF will be arranging further follow-up meetings.

This event was kindly supported by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.

The Environmental Law Foundation is the leading, national charity providing legal advice to communities facing a threat to their environment. Through its nationwide network of specialist lawyers and consultants it provides free guidance and continuing support to those in need. ELF is particularly concerned with securing access to justice for all and has been involved in some of the most significant environmental test cases in recent years. Since its launch in 1992 ELF has referred more than 2,000 cases to its members and handled 10,000's of inquiries from communities and individuals. It is estimated that this work has resulted in over £1/2 million worth of free advice and assistance in environmental matters. ELF has won a number of awards for justice and community action.

Links

See links on Heathrow introduction for more about Heathrow and noise.
See also HACAN web site for much more on noise.
See Heathrow introduction for other aspects of Heathrow.
Back to aviation introduction.

Dec 05