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Schools for the Future - What Do You Think?

Poole's Borough-wide reorganisation of schools has entered a new phase.

Parents, carers, teachers and educationalists are being asked to give their views on the future structure of education in Poole to develop a clear vision for schools in the future.

Jane Portman, Head of School Advice and Support Services, Borough of Poole said: "Poole's current education system provides a good standard of education but there are challenges that we need to meet including falling pupil numbers and tackling the different ages that Poole children can currently transfer between schools.  Consultation with parents in summer 2004 showed an overwhelming desire to move towards a single system in Poole.  Everyone believes that change is necessary to make the structure simpler and clearer for parents."

The current phase of consultation will help to identify the educational principles that will shape future proposals for a new structure. To facilitate this process a leaflet  titled 'School Organisation Why Change? Further Consultation' has been distributed inviting residents to give their views.

Two public meetings will also be held on Monday 5 December and Thursday 8 December. Groups and individuals are being invited to submit their 'evidence' and give a presentation to a Consultation Group, made up of head teachers and governors.

Cllr Mike White, Portfolio Holder for Schools for the Future, Borough of Poole, said: "Poole LEA receives a limited amount of funding for education compared to other areas and we have to make sure that we make every penny count.  We need to develop more of our schools to play an important part in their local community and must ensure that our school buildings are appropriate for the needs of pupils in the future.  The consultation process will set out the principles for change that will guide the development of Poole's Schools for the Future."

The Cabinet will consider the recommendations of the Consultation Group in January 2006 and will make a decision on how to proceed.  Formal statutory consultation will then take place, seeking the views of parents, governors and the staff of all schools concerned. This will include detailed proposals and costings for each school pyramid.   The School Organisation Committee, which is independent of the Local Education Authority, will approve the final proposals. 

The earliest that any changes would be introduced would be September 2009.

Public meetings will be held between 9am - 6pm on 5 December and from 4pm - 7pm on 8 December 2005, in The Study at Upton House, Upton, Poole.

Heather Kitching, Communications, Borough of Poole, tel 01202 633060