Cabinet approves consultation on schools proposals

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet today (Tuesday 15 February 2011) agreed to begin consultation on proposals to change the current structure of schools in the county.

This is the latest round in an extensive process of consultation looking at the future of education in Shropshire.

In recent months consultation has taken place to give schools, their communities and partners the opportunity to look further at the challenges in their local areas and to consider possible solutions. They have discussed a variety of possible ways in which to move towards improved and more efficient education in the county. These area meetings have included chairs of governors, headteachers, diocesan directors of education and elected members because they know their own areas and the challenges best.

The meetings follow four months of far-reaching consultation on a vision and policy for education in Shropshire which included listening to, and taking account of, the views of young people, schools, governors, headteachers, parents and the
wider community.

Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services said:

“I want to stress that these proposals are not simply about closing schools, this is about providing solutions for the long term that aim to provide excellent education for years to come. This has been a cross-party project, with all political parties working together to ensure that we have a sustainable network of schools, providing first class education for all of our children.

“This round of consultation will continue to give parents, carers, schools, children, young people and everyone involved, the opportunity to have their say and come up with other viable, long term solutions. We are here to listen to what people have to say; no decisions have been made on the future of these schools, but I must make it clear that no change is not an option. We need to address issues such as falling pupil numbers, decreasing funding and the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff.

“I encourage everyone to get involved and let us have their views and ideas about these proposals; they can email, write, or attend one of the public consultation meetings that are being set up to discuss each proposal.”

The consultation on proposals will start on 28 February 2011 and will last for six term-time weeks in accordance with Government guidelines.