primary review

PRIMARY REVIEW

AMALGAMATION OF

INFANT/JUNIOR SCHOOLS

Consultation Spring Term 2006

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public

BACKGROUND

• Primary Review – Executive Board 5/9/05 recognised the need to review and subsequently rationalise current education provision .

• Members supported the continued amalgamation of infant and junior schools


BACKGROUND (2)

• Executive Board approval 8/11/05 to the commencement of consultation with regard to:

- Gwenfro Infant and Junior schools

- Hafod y Wern Infant and Junior schools

• Timetable for consultation agreed


THE PROPOSAL

• To amalgamate the separate Infant and Junior schools with the aim of creating all through primary schools each to be led by a single headteacher and governing body


POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES

• single school, single governing body, single management, single budget, increased teacher expertise;

• provide seamless learning continuum for pupils;

• provide improved and enhanced pastoral arrangements;

• create opportunities for greater flexibility in the use of the site;

• provide opportunity for additional services and additional investment;

• increase range of additional activities and extra-curricular for pupils – sports, music, team games;


POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES (2)

• develop community focused school;

• give stronger base for utilising staff expertise;

• extend budgetary and organisational flexibility;

• extend pastoral arrangements and support for pupils with special and additional needs;

• opportunities for pupils to work together across key stages;

• single approach to learning 3-11;

• provide greater capacity for effective use of data and information


POTENTIAL DISADVANTAGES

• loss of tradition and the consequent fear associated with change;

• belief that the present schools are the best possible – environment, ethos, focus;

• established relationships between parents and staff, particularly the Headteacher;

• site specific issues;

• difficulty in understanding the needs of the ‘Future’.


Timescale (1)

• Consultation process

• Publication of statutory notice

• 2 month ‘window’ for any objections

• 4 month ‘window’ for Minister’s decision

• If approved, amalgamation effective from September 2007


GOVERNANCE

• Current governing bodies

• Temporary governing bodies


APPOINTMENTS

• Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers

• Teachers

• Support staff


Some factors to consider (1)

• Would an amalgamation provide opportunities to increase the range of expertise and experience of teaching staff and provide opportunities for improvements in the deployment and development of teachers?

• Would an amalgamation provide opportunities for development of the curriculum and in extra curricular and additional learning experiences?

• Would an amalgamation enable better continuity and progression of children’s work, particularly between Key Stage 1 (5-7) and Key Stage 2 (7-11)?

• Would an amalgamation allow better use of educational resources including teaching and non-teaching staff, and buildings and facilities?


Some factors to consider (2)

• Would an amalgamation allow improvement and greater flexibility in management and organisation?

• Would an amalgamation safeguard the needs of all pupils?

• What are the likely effects on the local community?

• What are the site implications?

• Would an amalgamation provide an opportunity to improve resource management and cost effectiveness?

• Would an amalgamation provide access to additional investment and services?

primary review

Documents