Decision details

Purpose of Report: The governing bodies of Osbaldwick Primary School and the Derwent School Federation have requested that the local authority commences a public consultation on future organisational arrangements for the delivery of primary education in the area served by these schools. Following discussion with local authority officers, governors consider that the closure of the Derwent Schools, together with the expansion of Osbaldwick Primary School, may offer the best arrangement to meet the needs of the local community and to secure high quality education provision. The school would operate on both of the existing sites. The public consultation will explain the reasons behind the proposal and seek the views of all stakeholders.

The Cabinet Member is asked to approve a public consultation that will run for a period of 8 weeks.

RESOLVED: (i)  That the public consultation on the proposals set out in the report, including the closure of the Derwent Schools Federation and the enlargement of Osbaldwick Primary School in September 2013, be approved.

(ii)  That the Cabinet Member receives a further report by March 2013 setting out in detail the outcomes of the public consultation and will decide whether to proceed with publication of statutory notices and further six-week representation period.  This meeting to be held in public.

REASON:          The proposal seeks to ensure high quality primary education, meeting the needs of the local community and providing value for money.