PAPER B

Purpose: For Decision

Committee: ISLE OF WIGHT SCHOOL ORGANISATION COMMITTEE

Date: 30 JANUARY 2004

Title: TOTLAND COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL – FRESH START

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCTION

The Authority has made a proposal for Fresh Start at Totland Community Primary School, Western Road, Totland, Isle of Wight by closing the school on 31 August 2004 and opening a new school on the same site on 1^st September 2004.

The Fresh Start follows the school being the subject of serious weakness for 2 years followed by an OfSTED Inspection in October 2002, which placed it in Special Measures. The new school will admit children of both sexes, aged between 4 and 9 years old and existing transport arrangements will continue.

The Local Education Authority will be the admissions body and a new Governing Body will be put into place. It is proposed that the proposal for Fresh Start will involve federation with another school to provide Primary School Education and Community learning and to significantly improve the range and quality of Education currently provided at Totland.

In establishing the new school, necessary Capital expenditure will be carried by the LEA with some support to revenue costs given by the Department for Education and Skills.

The Authority’s intention to implement Fresh Start was formally advertised on 12 December 2003 and members of the public were asked to make any objections or comments no later than 12 January 2004.

There have been no objections.

It is the responsibility of the School Organisation Committee (SOC) at this meeting to decide whether the Fresh Start proposals should be implemented or whether the decision should be forwarded to the adjudicator for the area.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Fresh Start proposal as advertised for consultation should be accepted.

Contact Name Keith Simmonds tel 823405

David Pettitt

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT