1. That the consultation approach, comments and responses be noted.

2. That the publication be approved of a Statutory Notice to commence a period of formal consultation on the amalgamation proposal.

The local authority has a long standing strategic aim to amalgamate separate infant and junior schools as laid out in the Presumption to Amalgamate policy. There is a vacancy in the headship of Wellfield Junior School. The two schools provide a good education for their pupils and are well supported by parents and governors. Amalgamation would allow development of a single vision for the future with a shared ethos. It will provide continuity of leadership and consolidate more effectively the high quality education that exists, delivering advantages to staff, children and families. The amalgamation would enable better continuity and progression of children’s learning, particularly between key stage 1 and key stage 2. It would remove the requirement for children to transfer between schools at the end of Year 2, creating opportunity for improved educational standards and achievement. The publication of the Statutory Notice will be accompanied by the publication of the full detail of the proposal and will begin the 4 week representation stage of the statutory process. During this period, any person or organisation can submit comments on the proposal to the Local Authority to be taken into account by the decision-maker.

Not to proceed with the amalgamation.