APPENDIX TWO

Hawthorns School, Basingstoke - Proposed closure

Note of consultation meeting with parents, held at the school on 31 March 2004

Present were 11 parents/carers, one pupil, head teacher and two school staff and officers.

1. Robin Thomas, Acting ACEO (Inclusion) explained the background to the proposal and stressed that the intention was to build on the good points of the present arrangements as the start of something better.

2. The following points were raised by parents and responses given:

a) How long will the process take?

It was explained that, if agreed by the Executive Member in May, notices would be published proposing that formal closure would take place at the end of August 2004. From September 2004 to August 2005 there would be interim arrangements based around the needs of individual pupils, housed in the Hawthorns buildings and elsewhere. From September 2005 new permanent provision will be in place.

b) What will happen to children due to leave in July 2005?

There will be a seamless transition between the current and interim arrangements in September 2004, so it is unlikely that there will be a significant change for pupils who will only have one year to complete.

c) What are the reasons for wanting to close Hawthorns School?

Details were given of the background, as set out in the report considered by the Executive Member on 9 March 2004.

d) Would it not be better to provide more money and support rather than close the school?

The LEA has already applied significant financial resources and support, but this has not succeeded in turning the school round.

e) Why is this coming forward now?

The LEA has left it as long as reasonable to see if closure can be avoided. LEAs are expected to implement actions to deal with schools in special measures within two years. During this time school management has changed with the new head teacher, after a difficult recruitment process, but the school faces inflexibilities inherent in being in special measures. A fresh start will provide the boost needed.

f) Will all Hawthorns pupils be kept together?

Largely yes, but there may be opportunities for individual children to use provision elsewhere for part of their educational programme.

g) It will be confusing for children to attend different premises on different days.

That would only take place where it is appropriate for the individual, and already happens in some cases, for example work experience.

h) What are the areas proposed for improvement

More links with colleges providing a more adult environment for older pupils; more adequate and consistent staffing and less incidence of children having to be sent home through lack of staff.

i) Will the new provision be monitored by Ofsted / HMI?

Yes, but closure and reopening will change the context. Fresh start principles are endorsed by HMI.

j) Why cannot parents be told everything that is planned?

This is a genuine consultation process, mainly about the structure in which education is provided. The effect on individual pupils will depend on the review of statements, which cannot be formalised until the closure has been approved.

k) By what date will parents know what is proposed for individual children?

Individual discussions will take place during the summer term.

l) If parents are not happy with new provision, will the LEA facilitate a move to another placement?

Parents will retain their right to object to substantive changes to statements. The LEA will try to agree with parents' reasonable wishes.

m) Why is there a shortage of staff?

This is a general difficulty in Basingstoke and north Hampshire. The new arrangements will be based on creating flexibility in staffing needs. It will be easier to recruit once the provision is not in special measures.

n) What guarantee is there that there will be quality in the future arrangements?

This will be monitored and supported by the LEA.