Working in partnership for the people of Herefordshire
Council confirms schools proposals are off the table
No closures of high schools during this administration, says leader.
In a successful motion to full council, the leader of Herefordshire Council confirmed again today (8 February 2008) that the council has formally rejected draft proposals for the county's review of schools.
Speaking at a packed meeting, Councillor Roger Phillips promised that no closures or major organisations of high schools would be considered during the lifetime of the current administration (the next local elections are scheduled for May 2011). He also reaffirmed that the council would continue to apply the existing Small Schools Policy for primary schools. He confirmed that no closures would happen outside of that policy.
"Any future drafting of any changes affecting Herefordshire schools will involve heads, governors, parents, the local community and local ward councillors", said Councillor Phillips. "These groups will examine and exhaust every opportunity to ensure the continued protection of our schools".
More creative solutions will be encouraged, examining opportunities for sharing resources among schools and with the community and the federation option.
"Any discussions will be held in public and recorded, added Councillor Phillips, "with all documentation made available on the council's website. All statistics used will be independently verified".
"The council will continue to lobby the government for fairer funding for our children and young people in Herefordshire".
The motion to take the school review proposals off the table, confirm no closures to high schools during the administration and confirm no closures of primary schools outside of the council's existing small schools policy, was backed by 34 councillors, with 17 voting against and with five abstentions.