The scrutiny and formal decision of proposals to reorganise some West Sussex schools will take place under new arrangements, due to the current coronavirus outbreak.
Following a six-week consultation during February and March 2020, council officers have reviewed the feedback and are recommending the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills support the following:
• Continue to work with governors of Stedham Primary School and Harting CE Primary School to progress their plans to federate together (update in report below)
• Continue to work with governors at Compton and Up Marden CE Primary school to progress federating with an appropriate partner (update in report below)
• Issue a notice for the relocation of Warninglid Primary School to a new site in Pease Pottage by September 2021 and implement the school’s federation proposals
• Issue a closure notice for Clapham and Patching C of E School by September 2020
• Issue a closure notice for Rumboldswhyke C of E Infant School, Chichester, by September 2020
A planned Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Committee (CYPSSC) meeting on 7 April and a Cabinet meeting on 21 April, where a decision was due to made, has been cancelled due current circumstances. The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Nigel Jupp, will now be asked to make the decision after that date, following consultation with cabinet colleagues.
To carry out the decision-making process in the most open and transparent way under the current circumstances, a Task and Finish group of councillors who sit on the CYPSSC will now meet virtually on Tuesday 7 April to consider the consultation feedback. Their recommendations and a summary of the meeting will be published shortly afterwards.
Mr Jupp said: “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to consultations on the future of these schools. Along with my fellow Cabinet Members, I am now carefully considering the feedback in appreciation of the significance of these decisions.
“Despite the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus, we are keen to ensure the decisions on these schools are not delayed and impact on the start of the new academic year. For everyone who may be affected, council staff will continue to work with parents, carers and pupils to meet their needs and, if required their transition to suitable alternatives.”
An officer report and recommendations are available here and includes updates on the federation progress made by both Stedham and Compton and Up Marden.