Contact: Peter Robertson, 01962 847300, [email protected]

1. Summary

The following decision is sought:

1.1 That, having considered the views expressed informally at the Cabinet meeting on 14 March 2005, the Cabinet confirms that Ampfield Church of England Primary School should remain open for the reasons set out in the report and that the Council's earlier statutory proposal to close the school should be withdrawn.

2. Reason

2.1 Further consideration of the County Council's proposal to close Ampfield CE School has raised new issues that suggest that a further review of the County Council's position is required.

3. Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 Set out in papers presented to the Education Policy Review Committee, Executive Member and the Hampshire School Organisation Committee.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - None

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable

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

The Council's statutory proposal to close Ampfield School is currently being considered by the Schools Adjudicator. In the light of the views expressed at the informal meeting of the Cabinet on 14 March 2005, it is necessary for the Council to reconsider its earlier decision to close Ampfield School. The Council must do this before the Schools Adjudicator makes a decision regarding the Council's statutory proposal as the Adjudicator's decision would be binding upon the Council.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T K Thornber CBE

SC/AM/2005/mar32amhw