Primary school consultation continues

Public meetings have taken place into the proposed amalgamation or merger of 16 primary schools – but people can still make their views known until 2 May.

Meetings have been held for every school being consulted on for amalgamation. Hundreds of parents and residents have had the opportunity to make their views known, both during the meetings and with Shropshire County Council officers and councillors afterwards. Their comments were noted at each of the 16 meetings, and officers are now working through each set of notes to ensure everyone’s points are taken on board.

County council officers and councillors went to each school being considered for amalgamation or merger to explain the proposals to parents, governors, staff and the wider community. They wanted to emphasise that no decisions had yet been taken, and the aim of the consultation period was to listen to what people thought of the idea, as well as being an opportunity for people to offer their own alternatives.

The consultation period runs until 2 May, and people can still make comments via the link here, by writing to the council, or by calling 0845 678 9000.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It was very important to go to each school and talk to the community about each proposal. Some meetings were understandably emotional, where people were worried about the plans, and we take their concerns very seriously. However, on the whole, most of the meetings were very positive, and people appreciated that officers took the time to explain the potential benefits that merging schools could have for their children’s education.”

A report will go to the county council’s cabinet in late May, when councillors will consider the responses to the consultation before any further decisions are made.

31 March 2008