Archived decisions

Appendix 1b

Meeting on the proposed amalgamation of Barncroft Infant and Barncroft Junior

Public Meeting

At Barncroft Junior School on 20 May 2009 at 7:00pm

Present: Sam Jenkins Chair of Governors BJS

Sandy Higginbottom Chair of Governors BIS

Liz Blake Headteacher BIS

Angela Williams Headteacher BJS

Peter Colenutt HCC

Julie Wilding HCC

Martin Hughes HCC

Members of public 13

Angela welcomed all to the school and introduced the chairs of governors and officers from Hampshire County Council.

HCC officers delivered a brief presentation on the reasons for the proposed amalgamation, the processes and the timescales. The Department for Children, Schools and Families competition procedure for opening the potential new school was explained.

The following questions were asked:

1. You have talked about consultation with parents, staff, governors and children. What about consultation with the local community? We only heard via a letter through the door and the evening news.

2. What is going to happen to the spare ground not needed for the school, and when?

3. Is the funding for the new school truly available?

4. Is there going to be an early years' building?

5. The area is starved of youth facilities. Could there be some incorporated?

6. Will the new school be open to the community and what community facilities might be provided?

7. Is parking catered for in a new school? Parents need this for dropping off and picking up children.

8. Can you clarify the timeframe for any potential housing?

9. How many children in the schools have special educational needs or statements?

10. Are there the same percentage of special needs in the Barncroft schools as in other local schools?

Officers or Headteachers, as appropriate, addressed each of these questions in turn.

The meeting closed at 7:45pm