Council welcomes support of schools adjudicator
Released: 17 July 2007
Wolverhampton City Council has welcomed the decision of the independent Schools Adjudicator, Dr Philip Hunter, to support its reorganisation proposals for primary education in Wednesfield.
This means that the amalgamation of Moathouse Primary School and Wednesfield Village Primary School will go ahead, and that Danesmore Park Primary School will be merged with Oak Meadow Primary School. In both cases the changes will be effective from January 1, 2008, a term later than the council’s original target date for implementation of September 1, 2007.
School reorganisation proposals are subject to a statutory consultation process which takes several months. Until recently the final decision in most cases rested with a local School Organisation Committee. However this committee was abolished in May 2007 while consultation on the Wednesfield proposals was still underway. This has made it necessary to refer them to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator, a national government agency, for final decision.
After considering the evidence and visiting the schools concerned, the adjudicator has concluded that the proposals represent “a proper response to the existence of too many surplus places in the area and the possibility that falling rolls will threaten educational standards”.
Responding to the adjudicator’s decisions, Councillor Christine Irvine, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Schools, acknowledged that this had been a lengthy and difficult process for all the governors, staff and parents involved.
She said: “I am pleased that the adjudicator has come to a prompt decision which confirms the council’s proposals and brings to an end a lengthy period of uncertainty.
“Given the delays caused by new legislation, it is understandable that the adjudicator has deferred implementation for one term.
“Officers are now working with the schools to adjust the implementation arrangements and to ensure that clear information can be given to all parents and staff before the end of term this Thursday.”
Issued the press office.