Issue details - Proposal to Close Chestnut Primary School

Proposal to Close Chestnut Primary School

The demand for primary school places in Brixham has been falling over the past few years. There are now 270 empty places spread across the 6 primary schools in Brixham. This is over 19% of schools places in the town. The Local Authority (LA) has a statutory duty to manage the provision of school places. Carrying this level of surplus places poses organisational and budget difficulties for schools and is an inefficient use of resources. The LA agreed to proceed with publishing a Statutory Notice to close Chestnut Primary thereby reducing the number of places in the Brixham area. The Notice was published on 29 April 2011 and the LA has now to consider the representations received and decide whether to now implement that proposal.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Ending a service;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Wards affected: St Marys with Summercombe;

Decision due: 13 Jul 2011 by Elected Mayor

Lead member: Executive Lead for Children, Schools and Families

Lead director: Carol Tozer

Contact: Richard Williams, Director of Innovation and Special Projects Email: richard.williams@torbay.gov.uk.

Consultation process

Meetings, circulation of papers, publication of statutory notice

Consultees

All primary schools within the Brixham area, the neighbouring LA (Devon), the Diocese offices, parent and guardians of pupils at Chestnut and Brixham Community Partnership and People (Children) Policy Development Group

Reason for inclusion in Forward Plan: The LA has an opportunity to effectively manage the impact of surplus places within the area. This enables schools to plan and provide more effective provision.

Key Risks: Closing a school is a difficult decision for any LA to make and will clearly have an impact on staff and pupils at the school. The LA will be working closely with these groups to minimise the impact. To do nothing would result in a lot of uncertainty for schools in the area.

If you want to make representations contact:: Matt Redwood, telephone (01803) 208238, fax (01803) 208237, email matthew.redwood@torbay.gov.uk

Decisions

19/07/2011 - Proposal to Close Chestnut Primary School

Agenda items

13/07/2011 - Council Proposal to Close Chestnut Primary School 13/07/2011