Green light for consultation on new primary school policy

Press release - 26 September 2007

Green light for consultation on new primary school policy

Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet members today agreed to consult on a new policy for primary school provision. This policy aims to deliver a sustainable network of schools which are financially viable, to ensure high-quality primary education for Shropshire children as pupil numbers continue to fall.

Parents and carers, schoolpupils, staff, governors, and other partners in education will be able to express their views on the proposed policy and help inform the important debate on primary education in Shropshire.

The consultation starts now, and ends on 9 November. Details of the proposed new policy are published on Shropshire County Council’s website, www.shropshire.gov.uk/youngpeople.nsf, and members of the public can send their views via the online form.

Consultation meetings will also be held with headteachers and governors, and with children and young people.

All the views expressed through this consultation period will be presented to Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet at their meeting on 28 November.

Ann Hartley, Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It is clear to many of us involved in education that continuing falls in pupil numbers mean that we have to do something to safeguard the high-quality primary education we have now, and want for our children in the long term.

“The new policy is based on key principles and basic entitlements for children, which we believe will enable us to ensure a network of schools across Shropshire which are financially viable. The consultation gives everyone an opportunity to help shape this future vision and the type of schools we want for our children. Have we got the principles and entitlements right? Have you got better ideas that will address the challenges we face? We want your views,” Ann Hartley added.

ENDS

For further information, call Ian Budd, Assistant Director – Strategy & Business Support, Children & Young People’s Services, on (01743) 254312.
For media contact, call John Hargreaves, Head of Communications, on (01743) 252813.