Issue - meetings

To consider the consultation responses received and the rationale behind the proposal of Camerton Church School’s Governing Body to close the school and to decide whether to publish a statutory notice proposing the closure of the school.

Councillor Paul May introduced the report by saying that pupil numbers at Camerton Church School had been falling for several years and for September 2017 only seven pupils in total were expected to be on roll.  Despite the efforts of the Governing Body over the years to increase pupil numbers through publicity; open days; providing a pre-school nursery on site; working closely with other small schools and eventually becoming part of a federation of three schools, pupil numbers had gradually reduced.  At this size, the Governing Body believed it would be extremely difficult to provide a rounded education that meets the academic, social and emotional needs of the pupils at the school.  The Governing Body had therefore concluded that the school was no longer viable either educationally or financially and had asked the Council to commence the statutory process that must be followed when it is proposed to close a school.

Councillor Paul May moved the recommendations.

Councillor Tim Warren seconded the motion by saying that if it was decided to close the school, these seven pupils would be able to remain at Shoscombe School and formally transfer onto the roll of Shoscombe School should they wish to. From 1 September 2018 responsibility for home to school transport for these seven pupils would transfer to the Local Authority.  Alternatively, they would be free to apply to another school. Admission to another school would be subject to available places.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet, based on the educational, social and emotional needs of pupils, agreed to the publication of a statutory notice proposing the closure of Camerton Church School which will allow a further four week consultation period to take place.

The Governing Body of Camerton Church School has asked the Council to consult on the closure of the school.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked would transport be provided to whatever local school parents choose for their children, subject to places at those schools being available.

The School Organisation Manager replied that it would need to be the nearest appropriate school and that then the Home to School Transport Policy would be applied.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the pupils concerned could remain at Shoscombe if Camerton were to close.

The School Organisation Manager replied thatif it was decided to close the school, the seven pupils would be able to remain at Shoscombe School and formally transfer onto the roll should they wish to.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked why pupils were attending Shoscombe and not Timsbury in the interim.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities replied that Camerton and Shoscombe were part of the same Church Valley Schools Federation with St Julian’s in Wellow.

The Chair asked has the Diocese given any indication of what the site might be used for in the future.

David Williams replied that he believed that the Board of Finance for the Diocese would seek to sell the site at its earliest opportunity should the decision to close the school be made.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the proposal to close Camerton Church School and the resulting consultation process being undertaken.