Children and young people’s scrutiny meeting

On Wednesday 20 February, members of the Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Panel met to discuss its call-in of Cabinet's decision for consultations on possible amalgamations or mergers of 16 schools. Following 3 hours of intense discussion and heartfelt contributions from local community members, the panel voted 7 to 4 in favour of commencing consultation for all 16 schools.

This means that Cabinet's decision will now go ahead, and consultations on the possible amalgamation of 16 schools will go ahead.

Roger Evans, Chair of the scrutiny panel, said: “It was good that the panel had an opportunity to examine the Cabinet’s reasons for these consultations. I share, with my colleagues, the need to ensure that Shropshire’s children continue to receive the best possible education and start in life.”

Councillors also heard from Councillor Malcolm Pate, Leader of the Council, details of a proposal to full Council on Friday 22 February to establish a cross-party policy commission to look at resolving the very serious issue of empty places in our schools. Panel members also voted in principle, ahead of full council, to support the setting up of the cross-party policy commission, and will be looking at discussing membership of the group in the near future.

The panel also heard about the current budget situation and plans for next year. They also considered the process for warning schools of potential severe weather.

22 February 2008