Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Enterprise, which provided a summary of the outcome of the first phase of consultation on the re-organisation of Fairfield Infant School and Fairfield Junior School.

The Board was reminded that, at its meeting on 28 March 2013, it had approved the commencement of consultation on the proposal to expand Fairfield Junior School from 1 January 2014. The first phase of consultation closed on 29 May 2013. It was noted that both Governing Bodies supported the proposal with 52 of the 74 other respondents being in favour of the proposed amalgamated school. A summary of the responses was attached at Appendix C.

The next stage was to proceed to statutory consultation in September 2013, which would seek views on:

·       Changing the age range of Fairfield Junior School to age 4-11 to become an ‘all through’ primary school from 1 January 2014;

·       The Published Admission Number to remain at 80 per year group;

·       Fairfield Infant School to be discontinued from 31 December 2013; and

·       All the pupils in the Junior and Infant School become part of the ‘all through’ Primary School.

Reason(s) for Decision

The Headteacher of the Junior School had acted as Executive Headteacher of the Infants and Junior School since September 2013. During this time, the Infant School had been graded as ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Combining both schools to an “all through” primary, would allow a more coherent and consistent approach to provision at Fairfield Infants and Juniors, and ensure that there was a smooth transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

No change to the current provision was considered, however this was rejected as it did not provide the same opportunities for curriculum continuity and development, flexibility for staffing and resources and allow seamless transition across the key stages.

Implementation Date

The next phase of the consultation was scheduled to commence on 4 September 2013 for six weeks.

          RESOLVED: That

1)    the responses on the first phase of consultation be noted; and

2)    commencement of  statutory consultation be approved.