Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Interim Corporate Director, Children and Young People’s Services which sought approval to close Startforth Morritt Memorial Church of England Primary School on 31 December 2016 (for copy see file of minutes).

Mrs Vicky Bain, the acting Head Teacher, and Mrs Sandra Moorhouse, Chair of the Governing Body spoke about the issues relating to the school, emphasising that their priority was the children, and hoped that the school would remain open, and if not delaying the closure date to enable them sufficient time to be able to make alternative provision with the possibility of federation. The Chair of Governors referred to the issue over the land and its use if it were to close, and referred to a letter that had been sent for Cabinet to consider. The Leader confirmed the letter had been received and a copy circulated to Cabinet. The Interim Corporate Director advised that they were aware of the issues raised in the letter which were about the obligations on the use of the land, and not connected with the closure of the school. She went on to advise that all legal documents had been reviewed and would not delay implementation of the decision if agreed.

A number of questions from members of the public about the closure had been received, and as they were not present to ask their questions in person, written responses would be provided. In response to questions from Councillor R Bell about the closure date, and in light of the new housing development that had been agreed for the area whether the school should be kept open to accommodate the additional children that would come into the area, Councillor Johnson advised that existing schools could accommodate the additional pupils, and of the reasons for not extending the deadline closure date.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.