Contact:

Ann Begley, Assistant County Education Officer (School Branch), 01962 846518; [email protected]

Alex Munro, Education Officer (Admissions and Special Projects); 01962 846462; [email protected]

Bob Eardley, Strategic Planning Manager; 01962 846275; [email protected]

1 Summary

The following decision is sought:

1.1 Romsey area

a) close Romsey Infant School and Romsey Junior School and establish a 210 place primary school with 30 maintained nursery places on the Romsey Junior School site from September 2006;

b) explore opportunities for the development of further community provision in the new primary school;

c) continue to keep primary school numbers and pre-school provision in the area under review

1.2 Ampfield area

a) close Ampfield CE Primary School with effect from 31 August 2006;

b) establish a task group to work proactively with governors and staff to prepare for closure;

c) work with individual families to identify alternative schools for pupils attending the school at the time of closure; and

d) consult the governing bodies of neighbouring schools about catchment area changes.

2 Reason

The County Council must continue to monitor surplus schools places. This decision supports Aims 1 (maximising life opportunities), 4 (building strong and safe communities) and 5 (improving services) of the Corporate Strategy.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

A number of options were considered during the consultation process. The recommended options set out above reflect the outcome of public consultations and a continuing analysis of projected numbers on roll in the area.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

None

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

None

Approved by: Date:

Councillor Don Allen

Executive Member for Education