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News

Schools For The Future

On Tuesday 13th June 2006 Cabinet Members accepted that, following the outcome of the  statutory consultation in March, pupils should transfer from one school to another at the age of 11, which was the Council's preferred option.

However, following recent discussions between the Council and the Government, the decision to issue statutory notices for this change will be deferred until December 2006. The delay will allow for the Council to know the amount and timing of the funding it will receive from the Government under the Building Schools for the Future (BSfF) project, a £2 billion initiative to rebuild secondary schools nationally.

In the meantime, a delivery plan will be drawn up so that when this funding is received, together with money that has already been promised by the Government for the reorganisation project, the change in the age of transfer can be implemented.

The timing of the additional funding should reduce the Council's reliance on the use of temporary classroom accommodation and therefore achieve better value for parents, pupils and Council Tax payers.

The delay also enables the Council to respond more fully on the six main issues raised during the consultation and these will be reported on in December.

Councillor Mike White, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Schools for the Future, Borough of Poole, said: "Whilst some may be disappointed by the delay, allowing time to understand the opportunity of additional funding will enable us to make a more informed decision. This should allow us to deliver a better and more cost efficient scheme in the long term and provide an improved school reorganisation programme for our future generations."

John Nash, Strategic Director Children’s Services, Borough of Poole, said: “We had a successful consultation in March and were pleased with the quality of response.  Obviously we had hoped to be able to update parents, staff and governors sooner but it is important that we heed the advice of the DfES and give this momentous project the necessary time, resource and funding opportunities it deserves.”

Katharine Teed, Communications, Borough of Poole tel 01202 633295