Probe on decision to merge schools
Tuesday 2nd December 2008, 1:42PM GMT.
Shirehall watchdogs are to investigate a controversial decision to merge two Shropshire primary schools.
They will examine the move by the county council cabinet to amalgamate the Oakland and Longmeadow schools at Bayston Hill near Shrewsbury
Angry Oakland parents and governors have fought a long battle to prevent the merger which is aimed at tackling falling pupil numbers.
And now the fight is being taken to the council’s children and young people’s services scrutiny panel next week.
Lib Dem opposition leader, Councillor Peter Phillips, asked for the cabinet decision to merge the schools to be “called-in” and looked at in more detail.
There are three particular issues he wants the panel to look at on December 10.
Firstly why the alternative idea of forming a federation between the two schools was not recommended to cabinet, as it was for the schools at Lydbury North and Clunbury near Bishop’s Castle. Under a federation, schools maintain their own sites but share resources.
Secondly Councillor Phillips is seeking assurances that there will be “appropriate funding” available to carry out a merger to create a new school.
And thirdly he wants the panel to examine whether the county council has followed the necessary ‘statutory guidance’ on the closure of small schools.
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