HEREFORDSHIRE COUNCIL

 PR 130/10

Consultation on the future of Dilwyn Church of England (C of E) Primary School

The future of the county’s smallest primary school comes under discussion this week as Herefordshire Council begins a formal consultation on Dilwyn C of E Primary School.

Dilwyn C of E Primary School has had small pupil numbers for some time.  As a result and in line with the small schools policy, the council has undertaken a review* in consultation with the Hereford Diocesan Board of Education.

The review examined a range of factors, in line with national requirements, local policies and best practice guidance.  The quality of teaching and learning and the opportunities for pupils and staff were the main areas of focus. The position of Dilwyn C of E Primary School as a community resource, and its standing in the community was also considered.

Trends in pupil numbers and parental preferences, alongside school provision in the surrounding area have been examined as well as the financial implications and the impact low pupil numbers have on teaching, learning and staffing.

The review period was extended to consider whether the federation of schools might provide a way forward.  No schools have committed to forming a federation with Dilwyn at this time, although this remains an option.

As a result of the review, a consultative document on the future of the school has been produced which is available for people to download on the council’s web site (www.herefordshire.gov.uk).  

The document explores four options: federation (where one or more schools come under a single governing body with one or more head teachers), amalgamation, closure or continued operation as a standalone school.

In 2008 the council made a commitment not to close any schools during the current political administration, unless there was a strong case to do so under the county’s established small schools policy. The small schools policy stipulates that a school with 36 or less pupils needs to enter into discussions with the local authority about the future viability and quality of education for its pupils.

Philip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and achievement, said: “We have carried out an extensive review with the Diocese Board of Education and the school and I thank them for their participation. 

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“It is now appropriate to begin the statutory process to consider the future of the school, including consideration of closure. This will enable the council and diocese to consult with a wider range of interested parties to inform our thinking on the long term provision of primary education for children living in the Dilwyn area.”

The consultation will run from February 2 2010 to April 31 2010 after which a report will be taken to Herefordshire Council’s cabinet to decide on the next steps.

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Carla Preston (01432) 260098

*The review group was led by Chris Baird, Herefordshire Council’s children’s services and was made up of officers from the council, the director of education from the Hereford Diocese Board of Education, the head teacher, chair of governors, and governor representatives of the school.