Archived decisions

Appendix 4

Consultation on the proposal to close

Chineham Park Primary School in August 2010

Why is Hampshire County Council consulting on the closure proposal?

Earlier this year an inspection of Chineham Park Primary School by the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED) judged the school to be inadequate and failing to give pupils an acceptable standard of education.

As a result, the County Council has to consider the scope for closure of the school.

With 86 children attending the school, Chineham Park is less than half full. Having looked at pupil numbers in schools within a mile of Chineham Park Primary School (see table below), it is clear that there is sufficient space in neighbouring schools for Chineham Park Primary School children, were the school to close.

Pupil numbers at schools in the area

How can you be sure that the number of pupils expected in the future is accurate?

Forecast pupil numbers take into account all planned new housing in the area and are based on the County Council's tried and tested forecasting model.

What would happen to the pupils?

The main principle is that any changes will be managed to minimise the disruption to children, if the decision is that the school will close. Given the number of surplus places in neighbouring schools, it is anticipated that children will transfer to a school within walking distance of their homes. Parents will be asked to express their preferences for an alternative school for their child(ren).

What would happen to the staff?

Consultations will take place with all staff and with trade unions. As a responsible and caring employer, the County Council would manage the situation sensitively. The retention of high-quality staff is a crucial element in the County Council's drive to improve standards and raise pupil achievements.

Will I have the opportunity to discuss the proposal and ask questions?

Yes. Consultation meetings are arranged for parents, staff and other interested members of the community (see below).

At the meetings you will have the opportunity to hear County Council officers explain the reasons for the proposal and the process and timescales to be followed but, most importantly, they will want to hear your views on the proposal. These will be reported back to county councillors in December 2009.

Consultation programme

All meetings will take place at Chineham Park Primary School

You are welcome to attend any of the above meetings.

How can my views be heard?

Via the consultation events. However, it may be that you are unable to attend any of the scheduled meetings but wish to express a view in writing. If this is the case, please use either the attached response form or the following website address:

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/education/schools/chinehampark.htm

Please ensure views are received by 25 November 2009.

What happens next?

Consultation responses will be carefully considered by Hampshire County Council. If the proposal to close goes ahead, the Council will move onto a second stage of consultation. Statutory notices will be published, setting out an intention to close the school and inviting comments/objections. A final decision would then be made in the spring term 2010.

Consultation on the Chineham Park Primary School proposal

Response Form

The proposal is that:

Chineham Park Primary School is closed in August 2010.

Which of the following best describes your connection with Chineham Park Primary School?

(please tick one only, which should be your main interest)

Please return this slip to your child's school by Friday 20 November 2009

OR to the address below by Wednesday 25 November 2009

Martin Shefferd, School Organisation Officer, Floor 2, Elizabeth II Court East,

Children's Services Department, Hampshire County Council, The Castle

Winchester SO23 8UG