Adjudicator agrees closure of Childs Ercall School

Shropshire County Council has been informed that the Office of the Schools Adjudicator has agreed to the closure of Childs Ercall CE (Controlled) School in July 2008. Shropshire County Council proposed the school should be closed when pupil numbers fell to below 20.

On hearing the news, Ann Hartley, Cabinet member for children's services, said:

“Closing a school is always a sad occasion, however, I do believe this decision is in the best interests of the children. We will ensure that every child will be supported in the changes to come and I am sure that the children will thrive at their new schools.”

Carol Tiddy, Acting Corporate Director for Children and Young People’s Services, said:

“The referral to the Schools Adjudicator means that we will now have to plan very quickly to implement the closure. Colleagues will visit the school in the very near future to talk individually to parents and staff about arrangements for the new school year”.

Pupils at the school will be guaranteed places at Hinstock Primary School, a village school two and a half miles away, but will also have the option to apply to other schools in the area. Children from Childs Ercall village transferring to either Hinstock or Tibberton schools will have the option of free home to school transport.

2 June 2008