To inform the Committee of the local and national activities related to sustaining the viability of small schools.

Phillip Morris, Acting Senior Inspector informed the Committee of the local and national activities related to sustaining the viability of small schools.

The Acting Senior Inspector told Members that small schools rolls were stable and often growing because they were attracting children from town schools because they are highly valued by parents.  However, in the long term the falling roll across the County would impact upon school and LEA budgets therefore reduced funding could inevitably have a bearing on the sustainability of the County’s smaller schools.

Members were told how the Education Directorate was engaged in a number of research and action based projects to inform the development of a local strategy for sustaining the viability and quality of small schools during a time of falling rolls.

The Acting Senior Inspector reported to the Committee the initiatives that were being undertaken in other authorities with regard to small rural schools.  He described the idea of ‘Federation’ schools, whereby 2-3 schools would share a Head Teacher and reported that schools within Herefordshire were not looking favourably at this approach although he stated that there was a chance of this idea working if there were suitably close links between villages/communities and appropriate schools.  He spoke of ‘cluster’ arrangements between schools whereby schools would link together to share strengths and buy resources together and referred Members to existing ‘cluster’ arrangements already being used in the Golden Valley.  He also raised the issue of Beacon Schools and the importance of ‘cluster’ schools working with them for training opportunities.

The Acting Senior Inspector concluded that the Education Directorate would support any initiatives they thought would work.  He saw problems with the ‘federation’ model on grounds of practicality, logistics and incurred expenses.  It was thought that ‘federation’ would not bring great financial savings merely help to ensure that the education budget was spent in the most effective way.  Information Communication Technology was already being utilised to create linkages.  He emphasised the need to support small schools although if numbers were to drop sufficiently then there would be a need to make appropriate investigations. 

Members indicated that they were keen to support small schools so long as they were providing children with an appropriate education and the access to all necessary facilities with particular reference towards ICT.  Members were also keen to know how school facilities were being utilised by the wider community and in particular by the voluntary sector.  The Acting Senior Inspector advised the group that school facilities were being used on an increased basis by the schools themselves for pre and post school activities.  However, they were not being utilised by other groups to a great extent, which was something that could be addressed where appropriate facilities were available.

Members then discussed the Extended Schools Initiative (ESI). The Acting Senior Inspector reported to the Committee that this initiative was still in its early stages and that it would not be until the autumn term before impact was made.  The Head of Policy and Resources (Education) further informed Members that in terms of ESI Herefordshire was ahead of other authorities and bids were being made by Bodenham, Clehonger, Fairfield, Golden Valley and Ledbury schools with limited availability to other schools.  These schools had been encouraged to work together and had this had been emphasised to them.  The Head of Policy and Resources (Education) commented to Members that some schools saw partnership working as a threat although this was an attitude which was being discouraged.

RESOLVED:  

That       (a)  the report be noted;

(b)   a report on the Extended Schools Initiative be presented at the next meeting;

and

(c)   a financial analysis of school transport costs for the County be provided for the next meeting.