To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr PJ Edwards, Chairman Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

To receive any declarations of interest by Members in respect of items on the Agenda.

Declarations of interest were received from:

Cllr AJM Blackshaw, Governor Canon Pyon Primary School, part of the Weobley schools cluster group.

Cllr RJ Phillips, Governor Pembridge Primary School.

CJ Bull, Chief Executive, resident in Dilwyn Village.

To consider options for the future of Dilwyn Church of England Primary School (Dilwyn School) and the key reasons for the recommendations. 

The Chairman welcomed Brigadier Spackman, Chairman of Governors for Dilwyn School and the headteacher Mr Prestage.  He stated that the proposals for closure of Dilwyn School were in line with the existing small schools policy of the Council, which had been in place for 6 years and had not been challenged educationally or politically during that time. 

The Cabinet Member ICT, Education and Achievement, spoke about Dilwyn School and referred to:

·         Herefordshire Schools Task Group (HSTG) which had met earlier in the year and had not put forward any proposals to change the Small Schools Policy regarding the numbers that needed to be on roll to prevent a school coming within the Small Schools Policy.

·         The availability of school places in the area now and in the future, and also being able to offer Church of England places to those parents who would wish their child to have one.

·         The average funding for a Dilwyn School pupil is £5,849 compared with £3,666 for an average Herefordshire primary school.

·         The proposed federation St Mary’s RC High School does not address the concerns in terms of pupil numbers, which was 31, and the sustainability of the school.

·         The local authority had consulted on four options: to remain a standalone school; to federate with another school(s); amalgamation or closure of the school.

·         Dilwyn School has strong community support and is seen to be important in maintaining the character of the village.

·         The alternative options considered did not provide any evidence to alter the view of the local authority, the Hereford Diocese and the Archdiocese of Cardiff that the federating proposals would not adequately address the educational and financial concerns highlighted in the review of Dilwyn School.

·         There has been fewer than 36 on the roll in all but one of the last four years, with 53 children resident in the catchment area and only 19 of those attending Dilwyn School.  Therefore the school did not provide education for the majority of children in the catchment.

The Chairman invited Brigadier Spackman to speak on behalf of the school.  The Brigadier stated:

·         He felt the report was not objective and that an appeal would be lodged should the Council proceed with the statutory process for closure.

·         Plans for federating with St Mary’s RC High School had moved on considerably and federating would provide a secure and sustainable future for the school.

·         That staff and governors for both schools felt that there would be a significant increase in pupil intake following federation.

·         Children at the school are well taught, happy and secure and the school provided the right environment for faith families to send their children.

·         Already have children attending the school from outside the catchment area.

·         Will be exploring the possibility of nursery provision within the school.

·         Proposals for federating are strongly supported by the local MP for North Herefordshire.

·         Only a few extra children are needed for the federation proposals to work, therefore, ask that the proposals are given  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.