Kirklees Council insists it is pulling out all the stops to ensure that everyone is properly consulted over the Almondbury ‘super school’ plan.
Some parents are concerned that the merger is already a ‘done deal’ and last week a public debate was organised with politicians .
The proposal would unite three schools on the Fernside Avenue site currently occupied by Almondbury High and Greenside Infant and Nursery Schools. Almondbury Juniors would leave its Southfield Road site.
On September 16, Cabinet members agreed to launch a consultation process which will last until November 11.
The council has printed consultation booklets and sent them home with all pupils from the three affected schools as well as nearby Almondbury CE (VA) Infant and Nursery School.
It has launched a website at www.kirklees.gov.uk/schoolorganisation.
Each of the four schools is also holding ‘drop-in’ events for the public, where council officials will be on hand to answer questions.
A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “No decisions have been made.
“We want people – especially the local community and parents and carers whose children attend the affected schools – to take part in the consultation . This is a chance for everybody to have their say.
“Where there is a statutory consultation for changes to schools, we are legally required to outline one proposal and seek views on it, not to seek views on a range of options.
“The reasons why people support or oppose will be considered by Cabinet members, particularly if something new is raised during consultation. This will ensure that all the implications of proceeding have been understood.
“All the feedback received through the consultation process will be reported back to Cabinet members, who will then decide whether to move on to the next stage.
“Anyone can take part and we urge everyone with an interest to share their views.”
The council insists that one through-school would raise educational standards.
Currently Almondbury High is rated as Good, but has not been inspected since new Ofsted guidelines were introduced.
Almondbury Juniors is in ‘special measures’ and Greenside Requires Improvement .
The spokesman added: “There would be no financial benefit to the council if the proposals went ahead. They would not save the council any money. The proposals are about raising standards.
“Nobody is being proposed as the head of the all-through school. The school would require a leadership team to support the needs of the children but details about staffing and leadership would be explored further into the process.
“If the Almondbury Junior School site became vacant, options about its future use would be considered. At this stage no decisions have been made.”
MEETING DATES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 3pm to 4pm at Greenside Infant and Nursery School
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 4.15pm to 5.15pm at Almondbury High School and Language College
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 6pm to 7pm at Almondbury Junior School
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 9.15am to 10.15am at Almondbury CE (VA) Infant and Nursery School.
