Decision details

That, having regard to the outcomes of the formal consultation, both for and against the amalgamation proposal

1          The proposal to close Ascot Heath CE Junior School and extend the age range of Ascot Heath Infant School be agreed; and,

2          Once the Primary School is established, the Council will work with the Governing Body and the Diocese to undertake another consultation with the local community to ensure that all parents have an opportunity to express their thoughts about potential Voluntary Controlled church status.

92% of respondees to the initial consultation supported an amalgamation. 85% of respondees to this subsequent formal consultation agreed with the proposal to close Ascot Heath CE Junior School and extend the age range of Ascot Heath Infant School.

It is recognised that there are continuing, strong opinions regarding whether or not a primary school should have a church status.  These views were considered fully in coming to the recommendations.

With regard to the proposal is to extend the age range by adding Years 3 to 6 to the Infants School, therefore creating a school with all primary phase years, the Council’s view is that a primary school would:

•           Enable better continuity of education and progression for all pupils and parents, in particular from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2.

•           Enable more stability for children and parents by avoiding the need for a change of school at a young age.

•           Enhance the safeguarding needs of all pupils, for example by being aware of the needs of children of all ages in the same family.

•           Provide scope to achieve higher educational outcomes.

•           Provide opportunities to develop the curriculum across all key stages, and enhance the delivery of the National Curriculum.

•           Allow better use of educational resources, including both teaching and support staff.

•           Enable the successful recruitment and retention of a headteacher to support the vision of a future, larger, combined Primary school.

•           Provide opportunities to increase the range, expertise and experience of teaching and support staff, provide opportunities and development for staff, and opportunities in the deployment of staff.

•           Allow improvement and greater flexibility in management and organisation, for example in specialist teaching.

•           Provide greater opportunities for staff to work across a Primary school and better promote and support the recruitment and retention of all staff.

•           Provide scope to achieve better value for money, for example by a rationalisation of some administrative and leadership posts in the school.

•           Clearer, single local community presence.

Other amalgamation options were considered at earlier stages of the consultation, including to close the Infant School and extend the age range of the Junior School, and to close both schools and open a new primary school.

Earlier stages of the consultation also considered not progressing with amalgamation proposals, meaning that both current schools continue as separate organisations.

None.