Childs Ercall school: closure to be considered

Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet will consider a report recommending the closure of Childs Ercall CE Primary School in north Shropshire when it meets on Wednesday (5 March).

The report recommends the closure of Childs Ercall School following a Statutory Notice published on 19 December 2007. If councillors agree with the report’s recommendations, the school will close by 31 August 2008.

The report concludes that, despite providing a good education to children, the level of unfilled places and cost per pupil at the school is not at an acceptable level.

Carol Tiddy, Acting Corporate Director of Children & Young People’s Services at Shropshire County Council, said: “We have looked in detail at all the points made in response to public notices, but taking all aspects into account, I have had to recommend to Cabinet that they proceed with the closure of the school. I am sure Cabinet will look at the case for and against closure, and make a decision in the best interests of future education provision in the area.”

Cabinet member for Children’s Services, Councillor Ann Hartley, said: “Childs Ercall is a very good school, and I know the pupils and staff enjoy working there. However, if a school becomes unviable, we need to consider if it is in the best interests of everyone in the long term for it to continue.”

The Cabinet report can be accessed via the county council’s website. If members of the public do not have access to the Internet at home, the county council provides free broadband access in all libraries.

28 February 2008