Service FAQ questions
|
main content
Amalgamation of Oaklands Infant and Junior Schools - Frequently Asked Questions (page 1 of 2)
What does this proposal mean?
It means that a new, single, primary school would be created through the amalgamation of the two existing schools. The new school would include pupils from Reception (ages 4-5) to Year 6 (ages 10-11). The school would be located in the same buildings as currently, with Bromley Council and the schools looking to make enhancements to enable it to function effectively as a single school.
Why is an all through primary school the best structure for the future?
The creation of a new primary school offers the opportunity to build on the strengths of both schools. The new primary school will build on the existing linkages between the schools. All pupils entering Reception would receive their education from Reception to Year 6 on the existing site without the need to transfer between the two schools. Bromley Council’s proposal has the support of both Governing Bodies. Bromley Council and both Governing Bodies feel that the proposal is in the best long-term interest of the children and their families.
What are the drawbacks of an all through primary school?
- The creation of a larger primary school affects the ethos of smaller infant and junior schools.
- One Head Teacher has less ability to focus on either Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 due to the larger range of responsibilities.
Bromley Council will work very closely with the existing schools and the new school to ensure that these concerns do not become a reality. Our previous experience of amalgamating Infant and Junior schools to create Primary Schools indicates that these concerns are not realised; in particular, the management structure of the new primary school would need to address the needs of both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and ensure an appropriate ethos for each.
What would a primary school mean for pupils?
All pupils who would be attending either Oaklands Infant or Oaklands Junior school in April 2009 would automatically be enrolled within the new primary school. After April 2009, pupils would not need to transfer between schools at age seven as they currently do.
What would a primary school mean for parents?
After April 2009, once a child is enrolled within the primary school there would be no need to reapply for schools at age seven. A single primary school would provide greater continuity of education between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2; it would operate under a single set of policies and procedures with a single Head Teacher accountable for your child’s progress and development; it will also ensure effective co-ordination of In Service Training days for staff.
What would a primary school mean for staff?
When and how would the new primary school be created?
Bromley Council would seek to open the new primary school in April 2009. This would require formal closure of the existing Junior School and a change of character to the Infant School to reflect its expanded age-range. Meantime, the staff and Governing Bodies of the existing Infant and Junior schools would remain absolutely focused upon and committed to ensuring that pupils continued to enjoy their education and make effective progress.
What is the decision-making process?
A formal decision on whether to proceed with the proposal will be taken at the Children and Young People Portfolio Holder meeting on 16 July 2008 and the Executive meeting on 21 July 2008. Should the decision be in favour of the proposal, Bromley Council will publish the proposal in the form of a Public Notice and Statement of Case. There then follows a statutory six week period in which representations (e.g. objections or supportive comments) can be made. If no responses are received, Bromley Council would enact the proposal. If written representations are received, the matter is referred to the Schools’ Adjudicator for a decision.
Links to further FAQs.