AGENDA ITEM 9
BOROUGH OF POOLE
LEARNING OVERVIEW GROUP
13 JULY 2004
SCHOOL ORGANISATION:OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION ON PROPOSAL TO COMBINE HILLBOURNE FIRST SCHOOL AND NURSERY AND HILLBOURNE MIDDLE SCHOOL
REPORT OF HEAD OF SCHOOL ADVICE AND SUPPORT SERVICES
1.PURPOSE
1.1To seek the Learning Overview Group’s agreement to recommend to Cabinet that formal consultation be undertaken to combine Hillbourne First School and Nursery and Hillbourne Middle School.
2.DECISION REQUIRED
2.1That Cabinet be recommended that formal consultation be undertaken and statutory notices published to combine Hillbourne First School and Nursery and Hillbourne Middle School by closing the existing schools and opening a new combined school from September 2006.
3.BACKGROUND
3.1 At its meeting on 6th April 2004, Cabinet approved informal consultation on the future of Hillbourne First School and Nursery and Hillbourne Middle School.
3.2 There were three options:
Option 1 – to combine the two schools from September 2005
Option 2 – to combine the two schools from September 2006
Option 3 – to keep the schools as two separate schools.
3.3 The consultation process has involved letters to parents of children attending local schools and pre-schools, school staff and local neighbouring schools. Additionally a parents’ meeting was held on 20th May 2004 to provide information and facilitate further discussion.
3.4 The consultation period closed on 30 June 2004. A summary of the consultation responses is attached (Annexe A).
4THE NEXT STEPS
4.1 The outcome of the consultation is 47 responses in favour of combining the two schools from September 2005, 60 responses in favour of combining the two schools from September 2006 and 30 responses in favour of keeping the schools separate. The recommendation is therefore to undertake formal consultation and to publish statutory notices on 9th September 2004 proposing the combining of the two schools with effect from September 2006. The period of formal consultation is six weeks.
4.2 A report on the outcome of the formal consultation will be submitted to the Learning Overview Group, Cabinet and the School Organisation Committee as appropriate in the Autumn.
Jane Portman
Head of School Advice and Support Service
Contact Officer:
Nicola Dendura
01202 633767
Background Papers:
Learning Overview Group Report
16 March 2004
Annexe A
SCHOOL ORGANISATION: OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION ON PROPOSAL TO COMBINE HILLBOURNE FIRST SCHOOL AND NURSERY AND HILLBOURNE MIDDLE SCHOOL
640 people have been consulted on the proposals outlined in paragraph 3.2 of the main report.
The consultees have included parents, staff, governors, neighbouring schools in Poole and Dorset and parents of children in pre-schools.
A parents’ meeting was held on 20 May 2004 and was attended by 70 people. The minutes of the meeting are attached.
Of the 640 letters sent out, 142 responses have been received:
- 47 were in favour of Option 1 to combine the two schools from September 2005
- 60 supported Option 2 to combine the two schools from September 2006
- 30 supported Option 3 to retain the schools as separate schools
A summary of the comments received in support of each of the three options is attached.
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HILLBOURNE COMMUNITY FIRST SCHOOL & NURSERY
RESPONSES TO CONSULTATION ON COMBINING
OPTION
/ STAFF / PARENTS / COMMENTSOPTION 1 / 18 / I have supported option 1 as this would be least disruptive for my children’s schooling, but if it is felt more time is needed for a smoother transition I would also support option 2
My concern is that the administration of the larger school will be with one ‘headteacher’ wearing many hats. I feel that this could be overcome by the appointment of two deputy headteachers or one senior deputy headteacher looking after the first or middle school
As our child is staring Year 1 in September we feel it’s in her best interest to go into a two tier system as soon as possible. We think that a two tier system is the best option for the children so they get to be at the same school up to the age of 12, no break half way through a period we feel is very important for their education. And as we’ve got a 1 year old girl too, we very strongly believe she’ll benefit from this change too
OPTION 2 / 3 / 19 / I found the meeting on 20th May very informative
Although I trust Mr Jessops’ and Mrs Dawson’s judgement of the best way forward in terms of the children’s education, I am very reluctant to choose this option as I think both headteachers are excellent and have turned their respective schools around. I would not relish the possibility of a new head if the resultant possibility of standards dropping
I have two children at this school, one of which has ‘special needs’ – the support I have received has been fantastic. He is now in year one, and is my main concern. Other parents in our situation have not had the support from their schools that we have. Please may it continue!
I think that the 2006 option would be better as it will give more time to plan properly which would mean less disruption to the children
Although I support the decision to combine the two schools it will be disappointing to lose either one or both of the headteachers as they both do a superb job
I believe I will be made redundant when the two school merge. This will be the fourth redundancy in ten years. I wish to work for as long as possible before I am put out with the rubbish
Combining the two school in September 2006 would have the benefit of giving adequate time to undertake the process of combination in a carefully considered way. Combination in 2005 would, I feel, be rushed
We opt for 2006 because it needs careful planning and preparation, causing as little disruption as possible for the children’s education and happiness. We also need to consider the headteachers and teaching staff who are excellent assets to Hillbourne First and Middle School providing our children with excellent education
I would like to see the Authority do as much as they can to support the school in this move particularly with allocation of funds for a new building (one site school) when available
OPTION 3 / 13 / I feel it would be the best option to leave the schools separate as they are both excellent schools. Perhaps the nearest areas of Canford Heath and Broadstone should use Hillbourne schools
I would prefer if possible for the school’s to be separate but if it is going to happen and it will help the school and children I am for option 2
But communicate frequently for pupils sake
Surely the first 2 options are a step back not forward. If these schools are losing pupils each year maybe ‘everyone’ should look at the real reasons why!
HILLBOURNE COMMUNITY MIDDLE SCHOOL
RESPONSES TO CONSULTATION ON COMBINING
OPTION
/ STAFF / PARENTS / COMMENTSOPTION 1 / 3 / 18 / I have said I support option 1, the only thing is, is there going to be disruption to children’s schooling when this goes ahead?
OPTION 2 / 14 / 22 / Plenty of time so that a smooth transition can be achieved with as little disruption for the parents, pupils and teachers. Also so that the children and parents can understand how it will affect them
More time to facilitate smoother transition for all concerned
I think this is the most positive way forward for both staff and pupils
I think option 2 to give a good timescale for staff and schools
I believe 2005 would be too early to organise everything
This will give more time to organise everything properly
As a member of staff and a parent of the school, I feel strongly that we have to do the best by my children and other children of the community/school
Combining the two schools seems inevitable. I therefore would opt for 2006. however, if this decision is taken and the schools and children suffer because of a delay (eg temporary staff etc) then I would support 2005
Consultation meeting very helpful. Mr Jessop and Mrs Dawson have worked very well in respecting schools. Hopefully they will advise on the schools futures. Important to myself as an ex pupil and life-long resident 42 years Waterloo – for community and as a parent
Please be sensitive to staffing issues
I think before this can proceed there needs to be more joint activities with children and parents. Integration and change can be painful which is why I have chosen option 2
As a parent I think this will be very constructive
I support option one or two. I’m not too sure at this point which year would be the best to make the change
What a shame, things have to change due to a lack of support. Both schools are “Brilliant”. Maybe the local authorities should change the catchment area(s) to encourage more children to attend – a cheaper option?
2006 option would be better to give more time to organise with minimum disruption to children and school work
I feel it is a great shame to lose on of the headteachers as I feel they both do an excellent job. The schools results prove their hard work
We opt for 2006 because it needs careful planning and preparation, causing as little disruption as possible for the children’s education and happiness. We also need to consider the headteachers and teaching staff who are very good assets to Hillbourne First and Middle School providing our children with excellent education
OPTION 3 / 2 / 14 / I don’t believe an informed decision can be made when there is no figures to identify pupil numbers and funding from the LEA. I think appears to be no choice for additional funding ie why can’t this be considered
Both my daughters have attended all of Hillbourne schools – have thoroughly enjoyed both schools. I feel the schools should remain separate
Both my daughters have thrived at both schools. Being smaller schools they have plenty of attention. If the schools merged, the excess land would have dozens of houses built on it and within a few years the school would be overcrowded
It will be more beneficial if each school keeps its own identity. Hillbourne First School children will feel safer and happier in their present environment
HEADTEACHERS AND CHAIR OF GOVERNORS OF NEIGHBOURING SCHOOLS, EXTENDED SCHOOLS PARTNERS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS
RESPONSES TO CONSULTATION ON COMBINING
OPTION
/ HTs OF NEIGHBOURING SCHOOLS / CHAIR OF GOVERNORS OF NEIGHBOURING SCHOOLS /EXTENDED SCHOOLS PARNTERS
/OTHER ORGANISATIONS
/ COMMENTSOPTION 1 / 2 / 6 / Having one ‘viable’ school serving its own community is the only option rather than 2 schools struggling with falling roles – budget deficits
We appreciate the situation being faced at these schools and would wish to support whatever plans the headteachers feel best for their children and community. Thank you for the opportunity to express our views in this matter.
If it is impossible or difficult to implement wef September 2005 then option 2 should be considered
I would recommend that a strategy group is set up from the outset to steer the process and ensure continuous communication with staff at both schools and the GB’s of both schools and shadow GB. The strategy group should consist of HT’s, Chairs of GB’s, LEA officers (eg Chief Adviser and Assigned Adviser). This group could mastermind the process, meet regularly to ensure that momentum kept up and that progress is communicated to all parties. Assimilation is painful and staff need to be kept informed that process has to follow statutory guidelines and that certain outcomes cannot happen until certain appointments are made (eg HT has to be appointed first, then SMT, then staff). I have no doubt that lessons have been learnt from combining Trinidad and Alderney Schools. Hopefully these lessons can be applied to Hillbourne schools combining (although it is a different situation – I am sure the Manorside experience will help Hilbourne “do it better”!)
OPTION
/ HTs OF NEIGHBOURING SCHOOLS / CHAIR OF GOVERNORS OF NEIGHBOURING SCHOOLS /EXTENDED SCHOOLS PARNTERS
/OTHER ORGANISATIONS
/ COMMENTSOPTION 2 / 1 / 1
OPTION 3 / 1
NO PREFERENCE / 2 / 2 / 1 / The governing body of Poole Grammar School agreed at a recent meeting that it would support the option determined to be the most appropriate by the governing bodies of the two schools. It fully appreciated the financial dilemma affecting the two schools
Thank you for your letter of 19 April 2004 consulting the governors of Broadstone Middle School on the future options for Hillbourne First School, Nursery and Middle School. At the staffing/curriculum committee meeting yesterday your letter was discussed. I regret that the governors present felt unable to choose an option as they have insufficient background information to make a fair judgement
I feel that it is inappropriate for me to comment on the above, surely it is up to the governors and staff of both schools working with the LEA to decide on the most appropriate option for the Hillbourne community
I am happy to support whatever decision the governors of the school see as best serving the needs of the pupils and the community. I assume that any action taken will take note of possible changes in the age of transfer from 2008
We do not have a particular view, but would respect and support the wishes of parents with children at the nursery and schools
HILLBOURNE COMMUNITY FIRST SCHOOL & NURSERY
RESPONSES TO CONSULTATION ON COMBINING
OPTION
/ TOTALOPTION 1 / 18
OPTION 2 / 22
OPTION 3 / 13
HILLBOURNE COMMUNITY MIDDLE SCHOOL
RESPONSES TO CONSULTATION ON COMBINING
OPTION
/ TOTALOPTION 1 / 21
OPTION 2 / 36
OPTION 3 / 16
OTHER SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS
RESPONSES TO CONSULTATION ON COMBINING
OPTION
/ TOTALOPTION 1 / 8
OPTION 2 / 2
OPTION 3 / 1
NO PREFERENCE / 5
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