Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services that sought approval to close Rookhope Primary School on 31 August 2024, 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 of report see file of minutes).

Councillor A Shield, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Equality and Inclusion appreciated that school reorganisation, particularly school closures, could be of local concern. Local communities often see schools as being at the heart of the community. However, this report made a compelling case for the closure of a local primary school. Schools needed to be sustainable to meet the challenges in a rapidly changing educational environment. Currently there would be five pupils on roll at the school which impacted on the school's viability and made it difficult to provide children with a broad and balanced curriculum. The five children on roll are currently being taught a St. John's Chapel Primary School. The objectives of this proposal would significantly enhance the quality of education provision for these children within their local community, whilst ensuring that the choice of provision and curriculum breath are enhanced. The breadth of curriculum and the opportunities for social development of local children had been enhanced by them being education at St John’s Chapel.

Rookhope Primary School had the lowest pupil numbers of primary schools in County Durham and no pupils started in reception in September 2022, nor September 2023. There was no anticipated development in this part of the County that would increase these numbers which clearly indicated that the school cannot remain financially or educationally viable.

Councillor C Hood, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services explained that taking a decision to close a local school, especially in a remote rural area, was not an easy decision to make. Having considered all the factors in the report, unfortunately, there was no alternative but to close the primary school. The proposal provided a solution to the issues currently being faced by Rookhope Primary School of extremely low to zero people numbers and the consequent impact on the quality of education and social experiences the school could provide. The proposal to close the school was in the best interests of children and their families from an educational perspective and it would therefore have a positive impact for those living in the local area. Closing Rookhope Primary School was the only means of providing a sustainable future for education in the Upper Durham Dales area.

Councillor T Henderson left the meeting.

Councillor J Shuttleworth explained that the decision was a very emotive issue for him personally, with the school having served Rookhope since 1872.  The closure of the Blue Circle cement works in 2002, lead to 72 children leaving the school as 55 families moved away. Councillor Shuttleworth did not like the decision, but accepted it was in the best interests of the children, families and local community.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.

Councillor T Henderson rejoined the meeting.