Primary school organisation - scrutiny meeting

Last night members of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel concluded the last of three meetings to specifically discuss the proposed policy on primary school organisation. At last night's meeting the Scrutiny Panel resolved to ask Cabinet to review their decision to recommend the proposed policy before Council meets on the 14 December.

The three meetings, held at Shirehall, Cockshutt and Craven Arms, have generated huge community interest and allowed both the scrutiny panel and members of the public to make their views known before a vote on the proposal at full Council on 14 December.

Roger Evans, Chairman of the scrutiny panel said: “The future of our children’s education is very important and it is essential that the local community have every opportunity to have their say. I would thank all those concerned community members who attended the meetings for their contribution, as well as officers who attended to answer direct questions on the policy and consultation process. The many points raised were noted and I will ensure they are considered by the next meeting of the Cabinet when it meets."

Officers at the meeting were keen to stress that if the policy is approved then any individual school organisation proposal will be subject to a robust 11 stage consultation and decision making process.

7 December 2007