Primary Capital Programme Strategy for Change

Please find attached a consultation document on the Council’s proposed Primary Strategy for Change. This document asks some key questions about the future priorities for transformational investment in Shropshire’s primary schools, and should be read in conjunction with the Shropshire primary “Vision for a School of the Future” which is also attached as Appendix 1.

The consultation document is structured around the five main areas of the Primary Strategy for Change. Each section consists of a short introduction, key points in bulleted format and a question which seeks the views of consultees on the section.

I would be grateful if you could share the consultation process with the main stakeholders in your organisation. In particular, I would be grateful if schools would share the process with governors, parents and, where appropriate, children. I appreciate that the language is difficult for younger children, but perhaps a guided discussion at School Council would be an appropriate methodology.

The Government has asked that all Local Authorities, including those involved in school organisation changes, make an initial submission to Department for Children Schools and Families by 16 June. In the case of Shropshire County Council, I have agreed that the full submission will not be submitted and confirmed until after the end of the consultation period, which closes on 4 July. Although this is a very short consultation period, it is longer than some Local Authorities have been able to offer stakeholders.

Responses should be sent by email to Jean Mayle (jean.mayle@shropshire.gov.uk), or by post to Premises and Planning, Children and Young People’s Services, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND, to arrive by 4 July 2008.