Closures not ruled out as school place surplus reviewed (From Bournemouth Echo)

Closures not ruled out as school place surplus reviewed

4:00pm Wednesday 21st May 2008 in Search By Steven Smith

PURBECK'S school places are up for review - and the education authority is not ruling out closures.

Dorset County Council has launched a plan to reduce the surplus of more than 1,000 school places across the district to "create a more efficient system that provides all pupils with the best possible learning opportunities".

Whether that could mean closures remains to be seen and the county emphasised that it was early days.

Project manager Rick Perry said: "The review is in its early stages and I'd like to stress that no decisions have been made about what the school provision in Purbeck will look like in the future.

"We are not ruling anything in or out at this stage and there are a number of avenues to be explored.

"The review is all about ensuring that children and young people in Purbeck continue to receive excellent education in the future.

"In addition, any possible options to be considered will go out to public consultation."

The council said it was duty-bound to inform the Department for Children, Schools and Families about surplus places and to report on action being taken to reduce them.

It has already started talking to headteachers and governors about the way forward and it is now inviting other stakeholders to get involved, with letters being sent to parents and teaching staff.

The district council, along with town and parish councils, as well as church dioceses, will also be asked for their views.

Dorset County Council's cabinet member for children's services, Cllr Toni Coombs, said: "All children and young people have the right to a good quality education and this is why we need the review.

"Schools with surplus places cost more to run and this affects how much money all schools in Dorset receive, which has a direct impact on every child's education.

"All parents want the best for their children and this review is essential to enhancing children and young peoples' education in Purbeck, helping them continue to achieve high standards."

The county said any proposals drawn up would go through extensive public consultation before councillors consider the final plans.