An opposition councillor has said the planned relocation of CALAT’s services has left some staff feeling “angry” and “dejected”
Croydon Council has insisted the relocation of the borough’s leading adult learning organisation from the Clocktower complex is “a sensible use of the council’s estate,” despite concerns that its staff are “angry” and “dejected” about the change.
Croydon Adult Learning and Training has been told to vacate its current premises in the council’s headquarters by October, as part of the council’s transformation plans. Despite confirming an alternative site in Thornton Heath, an opposition councillor has called for an urgent meeting to discuss the apparent lack of communication around the plans.
As one of the UK’s largest adult education providers, CALAT delivers over 500 part-time courses annually across three Croydon venues on behalf of the council. Its curriculum ranges from childcare and teaching assistant training to ICT and languages.
However, in August it announced it had been asked to vacate its current home in the Croydon Clocktower complex by October and find new premises. The provider acknowledged the impact this would have on its classes, but said “we are committed to making the transition as easy as we can for those affected”.
Croydon Council has since announced that CALAT will move its services to Strand House in Thornton Heath. Strand House already hosts CALAT classes and is owned by the council.
A spokesperson for the council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that moving classes to Strand House “is a sensible use of the council’s estate.”
The spokesperson added: “This move is about making better use of the space we already have whilst maintaining funding and protecting the courses residents value.”
The council said it remained fully committed to adult learning in Croydon. It also referenced the growing demand for digital, technical and employability skills, and the need for more flexible learning opportunities in the borough.
An independent agency is now carrying out the review, with all options and recommendations being presented to Cabinet in October. CALAT courses will continue in the meantime.
While the council has pledged to minimise disruption and keep those affected informed, Brigitte Graham, Croydon’s Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, remains concerned about CALAT’s future.
She told the LDRS how several residents have raised concerns, with the uncertain future of the service leaving them “feeling uneasy”.
“Staff members are angry and feeling dejected,” the Labour councillor added.
Cllr Graham claims Croydon’s majority opposition group were not informed about the changes, adding: “The little communication about the matter is currently raising more questions than answers, creating uncertainty and unnecessary anxiety.”
“The Mayor needs to be clear and transparent with residents and staff about any plans he has for CALAT,” she told the LDRS.
Labour have now called for an urgent meeting to discuss the move.
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