Spotlight on pupil numbers

Shirehall leaders today agreed to stage a major public consultation over plans for tackling a big fall in pupil numbers which could lead to the closure of up to 20 Shropshire primary schools.

Ann Hartley, county council cabinet member for education, said no decisions on closures had been made and pledged that the views of schools and parents would be fully taken into account.

But she warned: "The status quo is not an option."

The consultation process will begin almost immediately.

Councillor Hartley told cabinet colleagues there would be an online questionnaire for parents as well as a series of public meetings.

Officials will also be consulting through parent organisations and with governors, headteachers and staff.

"We are going to be open and transparent and, most importantly, we are going to listen," said Councillor Hartley.

She also stressed that small schools were not automatically under threat of closure.

The proposed new primary schools organisation policy states that schools should have a minimum of four classes, except in urban areas and areas of "geographical isolation".

Councillor Hartley said: "A minimum of four classes is not a hard and fast rule. It is open to debate and discussion.

"Those schools under three classes are not necessarily under threat."

A report on the outcome of the consultation will be presented to cabinet on November 28.