Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services which sought approval to close the Sherburn Hill site of Sherburn Primary School on 31 August 2018, taking account of the Local Authority’s duties as prescribed in the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to secure sufficient places, and to ensure good outcomes for all children and young people in the local area (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor B Kellett, local county councillor, and Ms SA Brown spoke on behalf of affected members of the community against the closure of the site. In highlighting their reasons they emphasised that the closure of the site at Sherburn Hill would have a devastating effect on community life in the village, an alternative use of the building as a community building would be too expensive to run, how well the school had been performing, and the effect on the children and families on making the journey to the other site 1.4 miles away on a busy main road which would add to the parking difficulties at the one site for pick up and drop off. Councillor Kellett asked that if the site was to close that free transport be provided.

In response Councillor Gunn, portfolio holder advised that the alternative use of the site could not be considered until a decision had been made about the school, that there is a school transport policy which applies to all schools, and explained how the policy applied in this situation. She understood their concerns however in explaining the reasoning for supporting the closure which would see an improvement in education provision and unity in having one site, pointed out that the numbers at the school had reduced substantially, and it was under pressure financially. She pointed out that no alternatives had been put forward during the consultation, and that she had given this much consideration.

Other Cabinet members spoke of their support and reasoning for the closure, and all had carefully considered the factors as identified in the report.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.