Primary School Reorganisation in Shropshire
28 09 2007I would urge all parents to participate in the consultation on school reorganisation.
To read more information on the proposed reorganisation and to participate in the consulation exercise, please click here.
Year 5 and 6 went to Amsterdam! Click the flag to visit their blog.
I have taken part in the consultation exercise, although the proposals on paper all sound very cost effective, in reality they actually leave a huge void in small communities. Any proposed closures, especially if ours were to be under threat would be a massive loss not only to current parents but future parents too!
See links to the shropshire star stories, plus comments!
http://www.shropshirestar.com/2007/09/school-plans-to-be-discussed/
http://www.shropshirestar.com/2007/09/small-schools-facing-the-axe/
The online consultation seems to steer the respondee towards supporting the policy by clicking yes to good eductation provision (obviously), I presume yes vote will be added up versus no votes. Would be nice to have a yes but button.
We could perhaps contact other rural schools on the ‘list’ and form a co-operative response from governors/parent teacher associations. This would not then highlight one particular school.
I must urge ALL PARENTS to complete the consultation excercise and write to their Distrct Councillors (Phillip Morgan and Tim Watson), County Councillor Peter Phillips and Phillip Dunne (your MP) with your views on school closures. It is of vital importance that parents voices are heard. Time is running out so subit your views NOW!
Denise Nevison
More useful links to background
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/schoolorg/guidance.cfm?id=3
see section 27
Rural Primary Schools
27. EIA 2006 requires that an LA, or governing body, that is considering proposing the closure of a rural primary school must consider the following matters, when formulating their proposals:-
• the likely effect of the discontinuance of the school on the local community;
• the availability, and likely cost to the LA, of transport to other schools;
• any increase in the use of motor vehicles which is likely to result from the discontinuance of the school, and the likely effects of any such increase; and
• any alternatives to the discontinuance of the school.
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/fallingschoolrolls/reorganisation/closingrural/
http://www.mrsag.org.uk/
It seems this is an ongoing problem nationwide
Jack, Leah & the whole PARK family want to say: “Please don’t close our school, we love it!” We have just moved from a larger school and love this one far more! if you take the school it will take the community! PLEASE FILL IN THE FORM AND WRITE ASWELL AND LET YOUR VIEWS BE KNOWN!! thanks! x
I am a parent at Lydbury North primary school and we are all worried about the consultation policy. We have a website www.saveourschool.co.uk. If we all join together we can surely find a way to halt this dreadful planned policy.
If Hope School closed the domino effect on our community would be catastrophic. As well as the 10 jobs in Hope School being lost, the post mistress has told me that the shop would close, they stuggle during the school holidays already.That would mean the loss of 10 more local jobs. If both the school & shop close this would effect Amess Brothers who supply fruit& veg to both establishments, if they closed another 4 local jobs would also be lost plus another 6 at Shrewsbury & Bishops Castle markets. Another 4 or 5 jobs at the playgroup which is housed in the school would also be likely to be lost. There is very much more to be said, but people would stop reading.
Hope School is excellent as shown by its recent status as both a pathfinder & beacon school. My daughter is very happy and is progressing well in her studies. If our school is earmarked for closure I would like to see the justification on the grounds of lack of excellence.
Yesterday, Joe, Jack and I walked down the road to school, and when we were going down the hill and we had great, fun kicking the leaves and Jack and Joe were bouncing acorns.
From Lucy
In line with government initiatives, fresh air, exercise, combating obesity, fun, and it didn’t cost a penny. These advantages would be lost if our children were to be herded onto a bus and removed from our community 5 days a week
Ruth Morriss
Small rural schools, just like churches, village halls and sub-post offices once they are closed they are closed. We owe it to our communities to make ourselves heard and understood.
As a parent/governor of St Mary’s school Westbury, I cannot comprehend the devastating effect rural school closures will have on our community’s, not only will it affect our children it will affect all the local buisnesses aswell, not to mention the loss of jobs!
I urge every parent to make their voices heard and not let the local authority’s ride rough shod over the people who matter ” The Children” after all they are our future.