Statutory Proposals Manor Infant and Castle Junior Schools

implement the proposal; and whether the a proposal is linked or related to otherpublished proposals. SOC can only proceed to determine a proposal if it is of theopinion that these aspects are in order. The Guidance sets out what SOC should doif it is not satisfied on any of these matters.6.3 Having undertaken the audit of the issues for preliminary checks, I am of the opinionthat:-• The notice meets statutory requirements.• The consultation meets statutory requirements.• These three proposals are linked to each other but they are not linked to anyother published proposal.6.4 Assuming the proposers provide more detailed information in writing by 13 July 2006concerning the availability of adequate capital resources, and in view of the opinion atparagraph 6.3, I would advise the SOC that, at today’s meeting, it should indicate thatthe preliminary points for consideration have been dealt with sufficiently to permit theCommittee to proceed to determine these three proposals.7.0 TIMING OF DECISION7.1 The SOC should make a decision within two months from the date on which thePrescribed Information was provided for the SOC’s consideration ie by 29 August2006.8.0 VOTING ARRANGEMENTS8.1 When taking a decision on a statutory proposal, all Members should base theirdecision on the evidence and merits of the individual proposal, as required by SOCRegulations and statutory guidance.8.1 All decisions on statutory proposals must be taken by a vote of the groups present atthe meeting. Each group has one vote. Decisions on statutory proposals must beunanimous – if the groups do not vote unanimously (i.e. one group votes differentlyto the others) there is no decision. If a group abstains this does not count as a votefor or against the proposals. If the SOC groups’ votes are not unanimous theproposal must be forwarded to the Adjudicator for a final decision. Chairman doesnot have a second or casting vote on statutory proposals.8.2 Unless the group decides otherwise, its vote shall be decided by the majority ofmembers of the group attending and voting and if there is a tie the group shallabstain.8.3 The SOC can defer making a decision on a statutory proposal providing the SOCgroups agree unanimously to do so. If the SOC votes on whether to defer a decisionbut cannot agree unanimously to defer, the proposal should then be considered bythe SOC and referred to the Adjudicator if the SOC cannot agree a unanimousdecision.8.4 The LSC group should exercise its voting rights only where the statutory proposalsbeing considered affect 14-19 provision.9.0 THE TYPE OF DECISION THE COMMITTEE CAN MAKE9.1 The SOC is permitted by Regulations to determine the proposals in one of fourways:-2006-07-17-SOC-Manor-Castle-ReportoftheSecretary.doc/4

• approve the proposals;• approve the proposals with modifications;• reject the proposals;• give a conditional approval. (SOC is only permitted to give conditionalapproval in the limited circumstances specified in the Regulations. Thosecircumstances are set out in Appendix B to this report.)9.2 Section 6 of the Guidance states that “where proposals are linked, the decisionsshould be compatible eg if one set of proposals is for the removal of provision, andanother is for the establishment or enlargement of provision for displaced pupils, bothshould be approved or rejected. If the SOC is unable to reach a unanimous decisionon any one of a set of linked proposals, they should all be passed to the Adjudicator”.10.0 APPROVING THE PROPOSALS WITH MODIFICATION - LEGAL ADVICE10.1 In view of the number of letters received which support the amalgamation on thecondition that the new School operates permanently from the sites of both theexisting schools, I have instructed an external Solicitor to advise whether SOC, attoday’s meeting, has the power to approve such an arrangement. The externalSolicitor who has carried out this work for SOC is a partner in a firm of Solicitorsoperating in the West country with offices in London. He has 26 years’ experience inpublic law and now mainly concentrates on education issues, in particular advisingSchool Organisation Committees across the country. The advice of the externalSolicitor is as follows:-“On the basis of the information available to me at the moment I believethat a decision to keep open permanently the Manor Infants site for thenew school would be a significant change to the published proposal andshould not be treated by SOC as a modification. Although I have notseen them, on the basis of what I have been informed as to theircontent, the representations from the parents would be moreappropriately dealt with by SOC as objections to the proposal to closeManor Infants …Alternatively, the LEA has the power to seek to modify the proposals inthe light of the representations. The Guidance indicates that the existingproposal would have to be withdrawn and the new proposals wouldhave to be published, but the option to consider a change to currentproposals is available to the LEA and other proposers when they areasked to give comments by SOC …”10.2 I have asked the proposers whether they wish to seek to modify the proposals in thelight of the representations received. They have indicated that they do not wish to doso. Therefore, SOC does not have the power, based on the proposals now before it,to approve the proposals on the condition that the new School shall operate, after 1January 2007, from the sites of both the existing schools.11.0 PROCEDURE FOR SOC MEETING11.1 The SOC’s Standing Order 13 states the following:-“The procedure for considering statutory proposals at SOC meetings will be asfollows, subject to any changes which the Chairman considers appropriate:-2006-07-17-SOC-Manor-Castle-ReportoftheSecretary.doc/5

(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i)(j)(k)(l)(m)The SOC will firstly consider and determine whether the published noticecomplied with the statutory requirements and whether the consultationundertaken by the proposers met the statutory requirements. If SOC issatisfied that the statutory requirements have been complied with, it willproceed to (b) below. If SOC is not satisfied, it will authorise the Secretary towrite to the proposers informing them of its judgement.If SOC is satisfied at (a), the Chairman will outline the order of proceedings tobe followed during the remainder of the meeting. The Chairman will invitequestions on the order of proceedings which shall be answered by either theChairman or the Secretary.The Secretary will present the report setting out the issues to be considered.Any person providing expert advice to SOC will be given opportunity toaddress the meeting.One representative of the proposer may speak for no more than 15 minutes.One representative for the objectors may speak for no more than 15 minutes,subject to having given the Secretary notice three working days in advance ofthe meeting.Members shall have the opportunity to ask questions of each party to clarifyany aspects of the case. Members may also question the Secretary and anyperson providing expert advice to SOC. There shall be no cross examinationby the proposer or objectors.The representative of the proposer may sum up.The representative for the objectors may sum up.The Chairman will outline the voting procedures.The meeting will then have the opportunity to adjourn to enable individualgroups to discuss their respective positions. If the meeting is adjourned, eachGroup will meet in private, except that the Secretary may be called on toprovide procedural advice. Each group will agree the way in which it will voteand reasons for that decision.When SOC meetings adjourn in order for Groups to meet, members shouldnot normally discuss proposals with a third party, apart from other SOCmembers or the officials assisting the SOC.On re-adjourning, the Chairman will ask each Group to announce its declaredposition and to give reasons for its decision.The Chairman will announce the SOC’s decision based on groups’ votes andin accordance with the voting procedures as set out at Standing Order 15.0.”(Note: Relevant extracts from Standing Order 15.0 are set out at section 8.0 of thisreport.)11.2 Members of the public are welcome to observe the SOC’s meetings, unless the SOCresolves to conduct its business in private.2006-07-17-SOC-Manor-Castle-ReportoftheSecretary.doc/6

12.0 DECISIONS REQUESTED12.1 Subject to the receipt of more detailed written information about the availability ofadequate capital resources, and also to SOC being satisfied that the preliminarypoints for consideration have been dealt with sufficiently (to which section 6.0 thisreport refers), the SOC is asked to determine the following proposals:-• To cease to maintain Manor Infant School, Manor Road, Knaresborough witheffect from 31 December 2006.• To cease to maintain Castle (CE)(VC) Junior School, Stockwell Road,Knaresborough with effect from 31 December 2006.• To establish a new (CE)(VC) Primary School for 280 boys and girls betweenthe ages of 4 and 11 at Stockwell Road, Knaresborough from 1 January 2007.(The new school will initially operate using the sites of both Manor Infants andCastle CE Junior but should consolidate in the Castle School site by 1September 2007.)STEPHEN KNIGHTSecretary to the North Yorkshire School Organisation CommitteeAuthor of Report:Ruth Gladstone6 July, 2006List of Appendices:-• Appendix A – Statutory notice published by North Yorkshire County Council and theChurch of England Diocese of Ripon and Leeds.• Appendix B – List of the circumstances in which SOC is able to give a conditionalapproval.List of documents collated separately:-• On lilac coloured paper - letters of objection/comment received by the Secretary toSOC from members of the public following publication of the statutory notice.• On green coloured paper - Papers received by the Secretary to SOC from theproposers on 30 June 2006, in the following parts:-• Part 1 – Prescribed Information concerning establishment of new (CE)(VC)School• Part 2 – Prescribed Information concerning closure of Manor Infant School• Part 3 – Prescribed Information concerning closure of Castle (CE)(VC) School• Part 4 – Formal statement of response from the proposers to theobjections/comments received during the period following publication of thestatutory notice.• On grey coloured paper - Extracts from the “Decision Makers Guidance” issued bythe Department for Education and Skills.2006-07-17-SOC-Manor-Castle-ReportoftheSecretary.doc/7

NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCILCHURCH OF ENGLANDDIOCESE OF RIPON AND LEEDSProposal to cease to maintain Manor Infant School, Knaresborough and Castle Churchof England (Voluntary Controlled) Junior School, Knaresboroughandto establish a new Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School inKnaresborough.Part 1Notice is hereby given in accordance with the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 ("The Act"), that NorthYorkshire County Council intend to make the following change(s):In accordance with section 29(1) of the Act to discontinue Castle Church of England (VoluntaryControlled) Junior School, Knaresborough, Stockwell Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 0JNand Manor Infant School, Manor Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0BN with effect from 31stDecember 2006.The pupils of Castle Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Junior School and Manor Infant School will transferto the proposed new school in part 2 of this notice.Within six weeks after the date of publication of the above proposals, any person may object to or makecomments on the proposals by sending their representations to the Corporate Director – Children and YoungPeople’s Service, County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8AE by 5pm on 23 rd June 2006.Part 2Notice is hereby given in accordance with the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 ("The Act") that theDiocese of Ripon and Leeds propose:In accordance with section 28(2) of the Act to establish a new Voluntary Controlled (Church of England)Primary school for 280 boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 11 from 1st January 2007.The school will be situated in buildings of the former Castle Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) JuniorSchool, Stockwell Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0JN.The number of pupils to be admitted to the school at age 4 from 1st January 2007 and in subsequent years will be40.Transport arrangements for children registered at the school will be in accordance with the Home to SchoolTransport Policy of the North Yorkshire County Council.A Church of England Voluntary Controlled School is a school which operates with a broadly Christian ethos but iswholly maintained by North Yorkshire County Council which is also responsible for admissions to the school whilstTrustees own the buildings.

The proposals to establish a new voluntary controlled school will be implemented by North Yorkshire CountyCouncil.The new primary school will continue to ensure that the needs of all sectors of the school’s community arecatered for. In accordance with the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, the school will promote racial equalityby establishing appropriate policies and procedures, including a race equality policy.Within six weeks after the date of publication of the above proposals, any person may object to or makecomments on the proposals by sending their representations to the Secretary to the School OrganisationCommittee, Room 10, Brierley Building, County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8AD by 5pm on 23rdJune 2006.SignedSignedC WhiteheadHead of Legal ServicesNorth Yorkshire County CouncilDate 12 th May 2006Reverend C SedgewickDirector of Education, Bradford and Ripon and LeedsDiocesan Education Team.Date 12 th May 2006Explanatory Notes:Consultation took place in the area from January to March 2006. On 28 th March 2006 the Executive of the County Council authorised thepublication of this statutory notice.The new school will initially operate using the sites of both Castle CE and Manor Infants but should consolidate in the Castle School site by 1September 2007.All these proposals are linked and will only be implemented subject to all proposals being approved.

APPENDIX BCONDITIONAL APPROVAL(Extracted from Section 6 of the Decision Makers Guidance issued by theDepartment for Education and Skills)28. The regulations provide for a conditional approval to be given wherethe SOC is otherwise satisfied that the proposals can be approved, andapproval can automatically follow an outstanding event. The SOC can onlygive conditional approval in the limited circumstances specified in theregulation i.e.:-a. the granting of planning permission under Part III of the Town andCountry Planning Act 1990;b. the acquisition of a site on which a new school, a proposedenlargement of the premises of a school or other alteration to the premisesof the school is to be constructed (e.g. including where a compulsorypurchase order is needed);c. the acquisition of playing fields to be provided for the school;d. the securing of any necessary access to a site referred to in subparagraph(b) or playing fields referred to in sub-paragraph (c);e. the private finance credit approval given by the Department forEducation and Skills following the entering into of a private financecontract by a local authority or the approval by the Department forEducation and Skills of capital grant in an equivalent arrangement forvoluntary aided schools;f. the entering into an agreement for any necessary building projectsupported by the Department for Education and Skills in connection withthe programme known as “Building Schools for the Future”;g. the making of any scheme relating to any charity connected with theschool or proposed school;h. the formation of any federation (within the meaning of section 24(2) ofthe Education Act 2002) of which it is intended that a proposed schoolshould form part, or the fulfilling of any other condition relating to theproposed school forming part of a federation;2006-07-17 – SOC – Manor/Castle – Report of the Secretary – Appendix B

i. the making of any agreement under section 482(1) of the 1996 Act forthe establishment of an Academy, where the proposals in question providefor some or all of the pupils currently at the school which is the subject ofthe proposals to transfer to the Academy;j. the Secretary of State giving notice under regulation 5(1) of theEducation (Foundation Body) (England) Regulations 2000 that afoundation body shall become operative and that the school shall form partof a group for which a foundation body shall act;k. the Secretary of State making a declaration under regulation 22(3) ofthe Education (Foundation Body) (England) Regulations 2000 that theschool shall form part of a group for which a foundation body acts; orl. the agreement to any change to admission arrangements specified inthe approval, relating to another school;2006-07-17 – SOC – Manor/Castle – Report of the Secretary – Appendix B

PROPOSALS RELATING TO MANOR INFANT SCHOOL AND CASTLECOFE (VC) JUNIOR SCHOOL, KNARESBOROUGHSUMMARY OF OBJECTIONS AND COMMENTS RECEIVED BYSECRETARY TO SOCLetters which support the proposals as published by the County Counciland the Diocese(Total: 30, of which one is an unsigned letter from 9 Lunedale Avenueand another is from Keith Harmer of the same address; and one isanonymous. (A further letter was received after the deadline for thereceipt of objections/comments))Name Address PageNumbersMrs C Willoughby, Chairs of Castle CE Junior School, 5 to 6GovernorsStockwell Road, KnaresboroughMrs V C Mount18 Tentergate Gardens, 7KnaresboroughDavid Parker22 Bishopdale Close,8KnaresboroughM S MidgleyCastle CE Junior School, 9 to 10Stockwell Road, KnaresboroughDi WetherellCastle CE Junior School, 11 to 12Stockwell Road, KnaresboroughMiss A Palfreeman 14 Manor Orchards,13KnaresboroughAndrew Graham33 Rievaulx Avenue,14 to 15KnaresboroughMrs F J Conlen9 Westminster Gate, Burn 16 to 17Bridge, HarrogateThe Revd Alan B Robinson 1 Charlton Court,18KnaresboroughKeith Harmer9 Lunedale Avenue,19 to 25KnaresboroughThe Occupier (unsigned 9 Lundale Avenue,26letter)KnaresboroughTracey BellRuebury House, Boroughbridge 27Road, KnaresboroughMrs M McCormick Westways, Melmerby, Ripon 28Alastair Martin4 Coverdale Drive,29 to 30KnaresboroughMrs J M Jameson 17 Abbots Way, Knaresborough 31 to 32Margaret Mason 35 The Spinney, Knaresborough 33Anonymous letter from (Address not provided) 34“parent of a 5-year oldReception child”G Houldershaw 22 Ethel Cres, Knaresborough 35

Mrs M Czupczyk39 Stockwell Avenue,36KnaresboroughM Treanor 84 Magdalens Road, Ripon 37Mrs J Owen2 Frogmire Close,38KnaresboroughSue Pateley5 Frogmire Road,39KnaresboroughMrs E R Abel16A Windsor Lane,40KnaresboroughLynda Corner7 Langcliffe Avenue East, 41HarrogateD Wetherell 8 Philippa’s Drive, Harrogate 42M Widdison 5 Wellington Street, Ripon 43Helen Fernandes8 Wharfedale Crescent,44HarrogateLorraine Morris6 Langton Court, Scarcroft Road, 45YorkLinda Dale 14 Pannal Avenue, Harrogate 46Eve Morris6 Langton Court, Scarcroft Road, 47YorkAnn Westmoreland(Letter received after 23June 2006 deadline forsubmitting objections/comments)31 Manor Drive, Knaresborough 48Letters which object to all, or elements of, the proposals as published bythe County Council and the Diocese(Total: 32, of which 2 are from Mrs P E Threlfall and two are fromDeborah Stoker)(a)Letters which support the amalgamation on the condition that theinfants remain at the existing Manor Infants site(Total: 9)Name Address PageNumbersDeborah Stoker 2 Pinfold Close, Knaresborough 49A L Metcalfe 4 York Road, Knaresborough 50 to 51Sylvia Giesen 17 Kirkgate, Knaresborough 52J L and A M Vineall 24 Bridge Road, Chichester, West 53SussexMr J B R Sherrington 18 Flatt Road, Chichester, West 54SussexT Clark41 Birkdale Avenue,Knaresborough55

Mrs S NelsonKerry and MatthewYoungMrs P E Threlfall9 St Margarets Road,56Knaresborough8 Charlton Court, Knaresborough 5793 Boroughbridge Road,Knaresborough58(b) Letters which support the amalgamation on the condition that thenew School operates from both the existing Manor Infants Schooland Castle Junior School sites(Total: 9)Name Address PageNumbersKnaresborough TownCouncilKnaresborough House, HighStreet, Knaresborough59A J Wright22 Hambleton Grove,60 to 61KnaresboroughDavid Sapherson By email 62Mr and Mrs R M Coull 49 Wentworth Cres, Harrogate 63Deborah Stoker 2 Pinfold Close, Knaresborough 64 to 65Timothy Davis4 Appleby Gate, Ripley Road, 66 to 67KnaresboroughJohn Metcalfe 4 York Road, Knaresborough 68 to 70Dr and Mrs M Gnap 11 Appleby Ave, Knaresborough 71Margaret RichardsonAndW Mary Lister34 Bluebell Meadow, Harrogateand21 Almsford Oval, Harrogate72 to 120(c)Letters which object to relocating the infants from the existingManor Infants School site(Total: 6)Name Address PageNumbersMrs B M Lister 3 Knox Close, Harrogate 121Mrs H J Pickard 16 Scotton Drive, Knaresborough 122Dilys M Evans3 Chapel Tce, Crosby Ravensworth, 123Penrith, CumbriaMrs P E Threlfall 93 Boroughbridge Road,124 to 125Knaresborough Road,KnaresboroughClive Stoker 2 Pinfold Close, Knaresborough 126Andrew Hillier 16 Farndale Road, Knaresborough 127

(d)Letters which object to closure of Manor Infants School(Total: 3)Name Address PageNumbersCounty Councillor 11 Aspin Way, Knaresborough 128Richard HallJ A Chatten 26 Wentworth Drive, Harrogate 129Mr P Marshall 30B High Street, Knaresborough 130(e)Letters which object to the amalgamation(Total: 5)Name Address PageNumbersMrs J Cramphorn Langdale House, Wetherby Road, 131KnaresboroughNicola Davis4 Appleby Gate, Ripley Road, 132 to 133KnaresboroughClaire Wood By email 134Katie Gray 95 High Street, Knaresborough 135Margaret Young 5 Fortune Hill, Knaresborough 136Letter which provides information about a Children’s Centre inRotherham(Total: 1)Name Address PageNumbersLynne WylamHeadteacher, Wath VictoriaPrimary School andChildren’s Centre,RotherhamBy email 137 to 138

PRESCRIBED INFORMATIONNEW VOLUNTARY SCHOOLName:A new Church of England (Voluntary Controlled)Primary School in KnaresboroughLEA:North Yorkshire County CouncilDiocese (if applicable):Church of England Diocese of Ripon and LeedsProposals published by:Church of England Diocese of Ripon and LeedsDate published: 12 May 2006Proposed ImplementationDate:1 January 2007Note: this forms part of linked proposals to cease to maintain Manor Infant School,Knaresborough and Castle Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Junior School,Knaresborough, and to establish a new Church of England Voluntary ControlledPrimary School in Knaresborough and will only be implemented subject to all theproposals being approved.Note: Not all of the required information can be provided on the face of thispro forma; copies of consultation documents, list of schools, a map of thelocation of schools and, if the school is to be established in substitution for anindependent school, copies of the school accounts, will also be required, asdetailed within.This information is to be regarded as in the public domain and may be shownto interested parties without further notification.

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION (typewritten):1. What are the objectives of the proposal?To cease to maintain Manor Infant School, Knaresborough and Castle Church ofEngland (Voluntary Controlled) Junior School, Knaresborough and to establish a newChurch of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Knaresborough, witheffect from 31 December 2006.It is proposed that the pupils of Manor Infant School and Castle Church of EnglandJunior School will transfer to the proposed new school from 1 January 2007.The new school will initially operate using the sites of both Manor Infants and CastleCE Junior but should consolidate in the Castle School site by 1 September 2007. Noinfant children will move from the Manor site before 1 September 2007.The background to the proposals is contained in the Report to the County Council’sExecutive Committee on 28 March 2006, attached as Appendix 1.2. Please give details of what consultation has taken place and provide copiesof:a) consultation documents, andb) the views and responses of the persons consulted.a. A public consultation took place in the area from January to March 2006. Therewas also a public meeting which took place on 1 March 2006, this was attendedby approximately 80 people. Consultees included parents, school staff,Governors from Manor and Castle CE, local Members of the County Council,District Council and Town Council, local Member of Parliament and UnionRepresentatives. A copy of the consultation document is attached at Appendix2a.b. There have been 75 written responses to the consultation paper. These areappended as Appendix 2b. In the period between the close of consultation andpublishing statutory notices, 4 letters were received. These are also included inAppendix 2b.There have been 63 written responses to the statutory notice, enclosed inAppendix 2c.c. Following requests from parents, an information meeting for parents was held on14 June 2006, and at the request of those attending the meeting, a copy of thenotes of the meeting are appended as Appendix 2d. This was attended by 70people.d. There are 225 families with children attending the two schools.

3. Please provide a map showing the location of the proposed school and allother community, voluntary and foundation schools within the relevant radiusof the school (two miles for primary, three for secondary).Please see attached map at Appendix 3.

4. Please provide a list of all schools within the relevant radius of theproposed school, stating which of such schools are maintained by a differentlocal education authority, together with the following information in respect ofeach such school for the current school year, and (except for the informationspecified in sub-paragraph d) the previous school year:a) the admission number for each relevant age group;b) the number of year groups;c) the capacity of the school; andd) the number of pupils at the school;and a forecast of the matters specified in sub-paragraphs b to d for each of thesubsequent five school years.Knaresborough,Manor InfanrCastle CE JuniorKnaresborough. NewPrimary SchoolHookstone Chase CPStarbeck CPGoldsborough CEPrimaryKnaresborough, AspinPark CPSt Mary’s CatholicPrimaryKnaresborough,Meadowside CPAdmission numberfor each relevantyear groupNumber ofyeargroupsCapacityof schoolNumber ofpupils atschool(SpringTerm)60 60 40 45 60 12 56 30 302004/5 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72005/6 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72006/7 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72007/8 7 7 7 7 7 7 72008/9 7 7 7 7 7 7 72009/10 7 7 7 7 7 7 72010/11 7 7 7 7 7 7 72004/5 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072005/6 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072006/7 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072007/8 280 315 420 84 412 189 2072008/9 280 315 420 84 412 189 2072009/10 280 315 420 84 412 189 2072010/11 280 315 420 84 412 189 2072005/6 112 171 267 299 59 427 201 217Actual2006/7Forecast2007/8Forecast2008/9Forecast2009/10Forecast2010/11Forecast96 169 249 273 61 431 202 215233 240 252 61 429 205 214217 235 242 57 432 205 214222 233 239 59 431 204 210228 231 225 58 432 207 216

5. Please provide the following information relating to the proposed school:a) the number of year groups;b) the capacity of the proposed school;c) where it is intended that the proposed school should provide nurseryeducation:i) the number of pupils for whom it is intended that sucheducation is to be provided; andii) the capacity of the accommodation to be provided for nurseryeducation;for the school year in which the school will be open and a forecast of thosematters for the subsequent four school years.Knaresborough, New Primary School2006/7 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11Admission number for each relevant year 40 40 40 40 40groupNumber of year groups 7 7 7 7 7Capacity of school 280 280 280 280 280Number of pupils at school (forecast) 265 233 217 222 228c) There is no designated nursery class at Manor Infant School but a pre-schoolplaygroup operates at the school and it is proposed that pre-school provision wouldbe able to remain on the site as the Children’s Centre develops there.6. Please provide the following information relating to the proposedaccommodation (including temporary accommodation):a) the location of the accommodation;b) whether the proposed school is to occupy a single or split site;c) how accessible the accommodation will be;d) details of general and specialist accommodation (both teaching andnon teaching); ande) (where relevant) details of accommodation for nursery education.a. The new school will initially occupy the following sites:Castle Church of England Junior School Knaresborough, Stockwell Road,Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0JN

Manor Infant School, Knaresborough, Manor Road, Knaresborough, NorthYorkshire, HG5 OBN.but should consolidate in the Castle School site by 1 September 2007.b. The new school will initially occupy a split site but should consolidate in the CastleSchool site by 1 September 2007.c. Access to both schools is satisfactory. The County Council has conducted anaccessibility assessment and rated both Manor and Castle Schools as green(satisfactory): there are no difficulties accessing the building and there is anaccessible toilet for children with disabilities.d. Current accommodation at Castle CE Junior School comprises 7 classbases, 2classrooms, 3 office/reception rooms (formerly 3 classrooms), music room, computerroom, library, dining room/hall, conference room, stores, staffroom, offices, kitchen, aroom used by an out-of-school club, cloakrooms, and toilets.Current accommodation at Manor Infant School comprises 6 classbases, 1classroom, baking room, craft room, pupil support room, 2 playgroup/pre-receptionrooms, hall and stage area, staffroom, kitchen, offices, stores, and cloakrooms.e. There is no designated nursery class at Manor Infants. The pre-school playgroupoccupies a self-contained “nursery block” at Manor Infants with 2 playgroup/prereceptionrooms and stores and toilets and it is proposed that pre-school provison willbe able to remain on the site as the Children’s Centre develops there.7. Where the proposed school is to be established in substitution for anindependent school, please provide the information referred to in 6 above inrespect of the accommodation of the independent school.Not applicable8. Please provide a statement indicating how the proposals would contributeto enhancing the diversity and quality of education, and the extent to whichparental preference would be met.The Knaresborough town area is currently served by two community primaries, and aRoman Catholic Voluntary Aided primary school, in addition to Manor Infant andCastle Church of England Junior Schools. By proposing that the amalgamated schoolwill be a Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School, the proposals willensure that there continues to be Church of England denominational provision inKnaresborough town.There is currently no Church of England infant provision in Knaresborough. Theproposed new school will increase parental preference at infant level by providingChurch of England as well as Community and Catholic provision. The Church ofEngland provision is open to all members of the community and is not faith-linked inany way to admissions.The amalgamated school would enable a smooth transition from Key Stage 1 to KeyStage 2, consistent standards for the monitoring of the curriculum and teaching,common procedures for assessment, tracking of pupil progress and setting targetsfor improvement. It will build upon the proven existing quality of education at CastleSchool (see February 2006 Ofsted report in Prescribed Information for Castle

School). It is intended that the Head of Castle School will be the Head of theproposed new school.9. Please provide the following information:a) the objectives which the local education authority or promotersintend to set to further the aims of inclusiveness and partnership working;b) what activities are planned to achieve the objectives specified in (a)above; andc) the measures proposed to be taken to ensure that the governingbody, teachers, pupils and parents are aware of their role in contributing toinclusiveness and partnership working.Castle School has a very successful inclusion policy recognised in the school’sOfsted inspection. Amalgamation will seek to extend this provision to all pupils frominfant to junior.The Authority’s strategy for inclusion is set out below:“Promoting inclusive education is a key strategic aim of North Yorkshire CountyCouncil and the Children and Young People’s Service. Inclusion is concerned withthe identification and removal of barriers to the presence, participation andachievement of all children and young people. The Authority believes that thereneeds to be an additional emphasis placed on groups of learners that may be at riskof underachievement, exclusion or marginalization.For inclusion to move forwards successfully, the Authority needs to engage all ofthose involved with the education of children and young people both in terms of whatcan be achieved now and through the continuous development of our long-termstrategies.‘Presence’, is concerned with where children and young people are educated, andwhether they attend regularly and arrive punctually. In line with government policy,the Authority believes that learners should receive their education, whereverpossible, in a mainstream setting. If, for whatever reason, this is not practicable, theyshould receive their education as close to their home as possible. Every effort shouldalso be made to enable learners attending specialist provision to maintain social linkswith their neighbourhood peers and have access to appropriate mainstreamexperience.‘Participation’ is concerned with the quality of learners’ educational experiences, andthe extent to which they feel that they ‘belong’. The Authority believes that alllearners have a right to experience success in learning and, as a result, become selfconfidentand develop a strong sense of self-worth. Children, and their parents, havea right to express their views about educational matters that affect them. TheAuthority has a responsibility to listen to,and learn from, those views.‘Achievement’ is concerned with learning outcomes across the whole curriculum. It isconcerned with what learners learn both inside and outside the classroom, how theylearn and the progress they make. Achievement, therefore, includes academicattainment, but is a much broader concept and cannot be measured by tests alone.

Finally, the Authority believes that promoting inclusion is a ‘whole-service’ issue. ThisStatement, therefore, has implications for everything that the Local Authority, itsschools and Early Years providers does, and everybody working in the service has acontribution to make. The Authority is committed to evaluating its progress towardsbecoming more inclusive and will do this with reference to this Statement. Inparticular, it will collect information that relates directly to the ‘presence’,‘participation’ and ‘achievement’ of all children and young people with an emphasison those learners who it believes may be at risk of under-achievement andnot fulfilling themselves.”The new primary school will continue to ensure that the needs of all sectors of theschool’s community are catered for. In accordance with the Race Relations(Amendment) Act 2000, the school will promote racial equality by establishingappropriate policies and procedures, including a race equality policy.10. Please provide an indication of the proposed admission arrangements andover-subscription criteria.The number of pupils to be admitted to the school at age 4 from 1 January 2007 andin subsequent years will be 40. Should the school be oversubscribed, the CountyCouncil’s criteria for offering places to oversubscribed community and voluntarycontrolled schools will apply (as set out in the Council’s Guide for parents startingprimary school), as it does currently for the two schools.11. If the school is to have a religious character, please give an indication ofthe extent to which it is thought appropriate to give priority for admissions to:a) children of the school’s faith or denomination;b) to children of other faiths or denominations; orc) children in specified groups regardless of their faith or denomination.The proposed new school will be a voluntary controlled school and North YorkshireCounty Council’s policy for admissions arrangements to community and voluntarycontrolled schools will apply. This policy does not give any priority to admissions forchildren of a particular faith or denomination.12. If the school is to be established in the place of an independent school or amaintained school with a different religious character, please provide details ofany existing arrangements to further the aims of inclusiveness and partnershipworking, and details of proposals to develop the arrangements further.Not applicable.13. Please provide a breakdown of the costs of the establishment of theproposed school, together with details of how it is proposed to fund theproposals.Work will be undertaken to the Castle Junior School building to make it more suitable

for infants. A draft brief has been prepared to show how the accommodation can beadapted but further work and detailed costings are dependent on the approval of theSOC to the proposal. Funding will be a combination of school devolved capital andthe Local Authority’s capital programme.14. Please provide:a) information as to whether the school will have provision which isrecognised by the LEA as reserved for children with special educationalneeds, and if so, the nature of such provision and the proposed numberof pupils for whom such provision is to be made; andb) details of the proposed policy of the school relating to the educationof pupils with special educational needs.There will be no dedicated provision; however, both schools have strong links withSpecial Schools including part-time placements of children from Special Schools intomainstream.15. Please provide details of the proposed staffing of, and the balance ofspecialisms at, the proposed school.The temporary governing body will agree leadership to reflect the through nature ofthe new primary school. Amalgamation will enhance the balance of specialismsacross all phases. The same subject responsibilities will be shared across a largerstaff, benefiting the children and staff.16. Please provide details of how the proposed curriculum at the school willmeet the requirements of the basic curriculum (as defined in section 352 of theEducation Act 1996. This includes religious education as appropriate, theNational Curriculum, and, in the case of a secondary school, sex educationincluding the elements specified in the Act).The proposed new school will provide education for three stages of the NationalCurriculum.The Foundation Stage Curriculum (Reception) will be delivered in spaciousclassrooms that will have direct access for all children via an accessible ramp to asafe enclosed outdoor area which is an existing internal quadrangle area. This will besuitable for the delivery of a rich play based curriculum both indoors and out. Theclassrooms and the outdoor area will meet all of the requirements of the new EarlyYears Foundation Stage due to become statutory in 2008.The Key Stage 1 provision will also be provided in good sized classrooms. In totalthree classrooms will have direct access to the quadrangle meaning that allReception and Year 1 children will have direct access to a full play based curriculumwith access to outdoor learning as advocated in ‘Continuing The Learning Journey’(QCA/Primary Strategy 2005). This will allow excellent practice to be developedbuilding upon the strengths already within Castle School (Children are taught a goodcurriculum which meets their needs- OFSTED).The Key Stage 2 curriculum will continue to enhance the good provision identifiedthrough OFSTED. Castle school currently has a wide range of curricular and extra

i) a statement as to whether the Secretary of State has indicated that inprinciple grant will be paid under paragraph 5 to 6 of Schedule 3 to the 1998Act; andj) a statement as to whether the proceeds of sale of other premises will beavailable to the trustees.Not applicable.18. Where the proposed school is to be a foundation school, please provide astatement as to whether the school:a) will have a foundation established otherwise than under the 1998 Act;b) will belong to a group of schools for which a foundation body acts undersection 21 of the Act; orc) will not fall within sub-paragraph a or b.Not applicable.19. Where the proposed school is to be a foundation or voluntary schoolwhich it is proposed should have a religious character, please provide anestimate of the demand in the area for religious education in accordance withthe tenets of the religion or religious denomination in question.Not applicable as the proposed new school will be a voluntary controlled school inwhich religious education will be in line with the locally agreed syllabus.20. Where the proposed school is to be a voluntary or foundation schoolestablished in substitution for an independent school, please provide:a) a statement as to the likely future of the independent school if theproposals are rejected; andyears.b) copies of accounts for the independent school for the previous twoNot applicable.21. Where the establishment of the new school involves development for thepurpose of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, please provide astatement as to whether planning permission has been obtained and, if it hasnot been obtained, details of the reason (if known) why such permission hasnot been obtained.Planning permission will not be required.

21. Where the school will provide sixth form education, please provide:a) details of the courses to be offered (if the proposals are approved) leadingto GCE A and AS level examinations and advanced vocational qualificationsand the forecast demand for each such course, including details of how therequirement for religious education of pupils at the school will be met;b) details of:(i) the other maintained schools, city technology colleges, citycolleges for the technology of the arts, Academies and furthereducation colleges which are, in the opinion of the relevant body orpromoters, as the case may be, reasonably accessible to pupils whomight otherwise be expected to attend the school the subject of theproposals,(ii) arrangements to inform pupils and parents about the opportunitiesfor education suitable to the requirements of pupils over compulsoryschool age at the institutions referred to in sub-paragraph (i), and(iii) the proposed arrangements for co-operation and the exchange ofinformation between the school the subject of the proposals and thoseother institutions;c) details of the following examination results for the two school years beforethe current year in which the proposals are published at each of theinstitutions referred to in sub-paragraph b.(i):(i) GCSE examinations, limited to the results of GCSE examinationstaken by pupils over compulsory school age,(ii) GCE A and AS examinations,(iii) NVQs, GNVQs and other vocational qualifications for pupils overcompulsory school age;d) the number of places available for sixth form education at such of theinstitutions referred to in sub-paragraph b(i) as are mainstream schools; ande) except where the proposed school is to be a 16 - 19 institution, details of—Not applicable.(i) the proposed number of pupils who will be provided with sixth formeducation if the proposals are approved, and(ii) the capacity of the proposed accommodation for pupils who will beprovided with sixth form education if the proposals are approved.

Appendix 1: Report to the County Council’s Executive Committee 28 March 2006Appendix 2a: Consultation documentAppendix 2b: Written responses to the consultation paperAppendix 2c: Written responses to the statutory noticeAppendix 2d: Notes of an information meeting for parents of Manor Infant and CastleCE Junior Schools held on 14 June 2006Appendix 3: Map showing location of the school and other schools within 2 mileradius

NORTH YORKSHIRE SCHOOL ORGANISATION COMMITTEE17 JULY 2006STATUTORY PROPOSALS –MANOR INFANT SCHOOL AND CASTLE (CE)(VC) JUNIOR SCHOOLAND ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW (CE)(VC) PRIMARY SCHOOL -KNARESBOROUGHPart 1 of 4of papers provided byNorth Yorkshire County Council and theChurch of England Diocese of Ripon and LeedsPrescribed Information forNew Voluntary SchoolCONTENTSDocumentPage NumbersPrescribed Information 2 to 14Appendix 1 to Prescribed Information – Report to the CountyCouncil’s Executive of 28 March 2006Appendix 2a to Prescribed Information – Consultation documentissued January 2006Appendix 2b to Prescribed Information – Written responses to theconsultation documentAppendix 2c to Prescribed Information – Written responses to thestatutory noticeAppendix 2d to Prescribed Information – Notes of an informationmeeting for parents of Manor Infant and Castle CE JuniorSchools held on 14 June 2006Appendix 3 to Prescribed Information – Maps showing location ofschool and other schools within 2 mile radius15 to 3435 to 4142 to 210211212 to 217218 to 220Note: To assist Members of the SOC, the Secretary to SOC has numbered the pageswithin this pack of papers provided by the proposers and produced this “Contents”sheet.SOC – 2006-07-17 – Contents to Presbd Info – EstablisaNewSchool.doc

PRESCRIBED INFORMATIONCLOSURE OF A SCHOOLSchool Name:Manor Infant School, KnaresboroughDfES Number: 2344Local Education Authority area:North Yorkshire County CouncilDiocese (if applicable):Church of England Diocese of Ripon andLeedsProposals published by:North Yorkshire County CouncilDate proposals published: 12 May 2006Proposed implementation date: 31 Dec 2006Note: this forms part of linked proposals to cease to maintain Manor Infant School,Knaresborough and Castle Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Junior School,Knaresborough, and to establish a new Church of England Voluntary ControlledPrimary School in Knaresborough, and will only be implemented subject to all theproposals being approved.Note: Not all the required information can be provided on the face ofthis pro forma; copies of consultation documents, list of schools, a mapof the location of schools etc will also be required, as detailed within.This information is to be regarded as in the public domain and may beshown to interested parties without further notification.

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING STATUTORY INFORMATION (typewritten):1. What are the objectives of the proposal?To cease to maintain Manor Infant School, Knaresborough and Castle Church ofEngland (Voluntary Controlled) Junior School, Knaresborough and to establish a newChurch of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Knaresborough, witheffect from 31 December 2006.It is proposed that the pupils of Manor Infant School and Castle Church of EnglandJunior School will transfer to the proposed new school from 1 January 2007.The new school will initially operate using the sites of both Manor Infants and CastleCE Junior but should consolidate in the Castle School site by 1 September 2007. Noinfant children will move from the Manor site before 1 September 2007.The background to the proposals is contained in the Report to the County Council’sExecutive Committee on 28 March 2006, attached as Appendix 1.2. Please give details of what consultation has taken place. Copies of:a. consultation documents, andb. the views and responses of the persons consulted should beattached.a. A public consultation took place in the area from January to March 2006.There was also a public meeting which took place on 1 March 2006, this wasattended by approximately 80 people. Consultees included parents, schoolstaff, Governors from Manor and Castle CE, local Members of the CountyCouncil, District Council and Town Council, local Member of Parliament andUnion Representatives. A copy of the consultation document is attached atAppendix 2a.b. There have been 75 written responses to the consultation paper. These areappended as Appendix 2b. In the period between the close of consultationand publishing statutory notices, 4 letters were received. These are alsoincluded in Appendix 2b.There have been 63 written responses to the statutory notice, enclosed inAppendix 2c.c. Following requests from parents, an information meeting for parents was heldon 14 June 2006, and at the request of those attending the meeting, a copy ofthe notes of the meeting are appended as Appendix 2d. This was attended by70 people.d. There are 225 families with children attending the two schools.

3. Please provide a map showing the location of the school and all othercommunity, voluntary and foundation schools within the relevant radius ofthe school (two miles for primary, three for secondary)Please see attached map at Appendix 3.

4. Please provide a list of all schools within the relevant radius of the school,stating which of such schools are maintained by a different local educationauthority, together with the following information in respect of each suchschool for the current school year, and (except for the information specified insub-paragraph d) the previous school year:a. the admission number for each relevant age groupb. the number of year groupsc. the capacity of the school; andd. the number of pupils at the schooland a forecast of the matters specified in sub-paragraphs b to d for each of thesubsequent five school yearsKnaresborough, TheManor InfantCastle CE JuniorHookstone Chase CPStarbeck CPGoldsborough CEPrimaryKnaresborough, AspinPark CPSt Mary’s CatholicPrimaryKnaresborough,Meadowside CPAdmission number for eachrelevant year group60 60 45 60 12 56 30 30Number ofyear groupsCapacity ofschoolNumber ofpupils atschool(SpringTerm)2004/5 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72005/6 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72006/7 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72007/8 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72008/9 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72009/10 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72010/11 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72004/5 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072005/6 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072006/7 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072007/8 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072008/9 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072009/10 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072010/11 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072005/6 Actual 112 171 267 299 59 427 201 2172006/7 Forecast 96 169 249 273 61 431 202 2152007/8 Forecast 100 148 240 252 61 429 205 2142008/9 Forecast 105 132 235 242 57 432 205 2142009/10 Forecast 106 132 233 239 59 431 204 2102010/11 Forecast 107 121 231 225 58 432 207 216

5. Please provide the following information relating to the school for thecurrent school year and (except for the information specified in subparagraphd.) the previous school year:a. the admission number for each relevant age groupb. the number of year groupsc. the capacity of the school; andd. the number of pupils at the school.Knaresborough, The Manor Infant2005/6 2004/5Admission number for each relevant year60 60groupNumber of year groups 3 3Capacity of school 180 180Number of pupils at school (as at January) 112 1036. Please provide the following information relating to the accommodation atthe school:a. the location of the accommodationb. whether the school occupies a single or split site; andc. details of general and specialist accommodation.a. The school is situated in Knaresborough. The school address is Manor InfantSchool, Knaresborough, Manor Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5OBN.b. The school occupies a single site.c. Accommodation at the school comprises 6 classbases, 1 classroom, bakingroom, craft room, pupil support room, 2 playgroup/pre-reception rooms, halland stage area, staffroom, kitchen, offices, stores, and cloakrooms7. Please provide details of proposals for pupils who are currently at theschool to transfer to other schools together with any appropriate

transitional provisions.It is proposed that the pupils of Manor Infant School and Castle Church of EnglandJunior School will transfer to the proposed new school.8. Please provide an assessment of the quality of any schools to which it isproposed that such pupils may transferThe amalgamated school would enable a smooth transition from Key Stage 1 to KeyStage 2, consistent standards for the monitoring of the curriculum and teaching,common procedures for assessment, tracking of pupil progress and setting targetsfor improvement. It will build upon the proven existing quality of education at CastleSchool (see February 2006 Ofsted report in Prescribed Information for CastleSchool). It is intended that the Head of Castle School will be the Head of theproposed new school.9. Please provide a statement as to whether the school has been inspectedunder section 10 of the School Inspections Act 1996 during the last threeyears and, if it has, the date of the inspection and details of the outcome.Manor Infants School was last inspected by Ofsted on 1-3 December 2003. Thesummary of the report is reproduced below:OVERALL EVALUATIONThe school provides a satisfactory quality of education for its pupils. Theachievement of pupils is good overall. Currently, pupils achieve well in Years 1 and 2,but satisfactorily in the Foundation Stage. Standards are above average in the coresubjects of English, mathematics and science. The quality of teaching, learning,leadership and management are satisfactory. Assessment is unsatisfactory. Theschool provides satisfactory value for money.The school’s main strengths and weaknesses are:• By Year 2, pupils attain well above average standards in national tests in readingand mathematics, and in teacher assessment in science;• The teaching of English, mathematics and science to Years 1 and 2 is good;• The personal, social, and moral development of pupils is good. They have positiveattitudes to learning and behave well;• The leadership of the Foundation Stage is unsatisfactory;• There is insufficient time spent on some non-core subjects;• There is insufficient use of assessment to track pupils’ progress and set targets forimprovement.There has been a satisfactory rate of improvement since the last inspection.Teachers have improved planning at all levels so that all pupils’ knowledge, skills andunderstanding are developed more systematically. Insufficient progress has beenmade in the development of assessment procedures. New systems have beenintroduced this term, but currently they provide teachers with only limited informationon pupils’ progress. In the Foundation Stage there is now a better balance between

teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. However, in one reception class thereremains a lack of purpose to exploratory play. The outdoor play provision forreception children shows some improvement, although the range of play equipmentis limited and access to the area is difficult.Governors have a greater involvement in the school’s development planning. Theyhave a satisfactory understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses but arenot yet monitoring the impact of their proposals sufficiently.Summary of teaching observed during the inspection in 18 lessonsExcellentVerygoodGood Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Poor VeryPoor0 3 6 8 1 0 0The table gives the number of lessons observed in each of the seven categoriesused to make judgements about lessonsA copy of the Ofsted report is attached as Appendix 4.Manor School has been on the Local Authority’s list of schools receiving additionalsupport continuously since 2003. In 2005, the school’s governors asked the LocalAuthority’s Advisory Service to monitor and report on progress since the Ofstedinspection. This took place on 9 March 2005. The outcome was that unsatisfactoryprogress had been made since the Ofsted inspection.10. Where the school provides sixth form education, please provide in relationto the school the information specified in paragraph 2 of the supplementaryinformation pro forma for alterations involving sixth forms (attached)Not applicable.

Appendix 1: Report to the County Council’s Executive Committee 28 March 2006Appendix 2a: Consultation documentAppendix 2b: Written responses to the consultation paperAppendix 2c: Written responses to the statutory noticeAppendix 2d: Notes of an information meeting for parents of Manor Infant and CastleCE Junior Schools held on 14 June 2006Appendix 3: Map showing location of school and other schools within 2 mile radiusAppendix 4: Ofsted report for Manor Infant School December 2003

NORTH YORKSHIRE SCHOOL ORGANISATION COMMITTEE17 JULY 2006STATUTORY PROPOSALS –MANOR INFANT SCHOOL AND CASTLE (CE)(VC) JUNIOR SCHOOLAND ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW (CE)(VC) PRIMARY SCHOOL -KNARESBOROUGHPart 2 of 4of papers provided byNorth Yorkshire County Council and theChurch of England Diocese of Ripon and LeedsPrescribed Information forClosure of Manor Infant SchoolCONTENTSDocumentPage NumbersPrescribed Information 2 to 9Appendix 1 to Prescribed Information – Report to the CountyCouncil’s Executive of 28 March 2006Appendix 2a to Prescribed Information – Consultation documentissued January 2006Appendix 2b to Prescribed Information – Written responses to theconsultation documentAppendix 2c to Prescribed Information – Written responses to thestatutory noticeAppendix 2d to Prescribed Information – Notes of an informationmeeting for parents of Manor Infant and Castle CE JuniorSchools held on 14 June 2006Appendix 3 to Prescribed Information – Maps showing location ofschool and other schools within 2 mile radiusAppendix 4 to Prescribed Information – Ofsted report for ManorInfant School, December 200310 to 2930 to 36373839 to 4445 to 4647 to 76Note: To assist Members of the SOC, the Secretary to SOC has numbered the pageswithin this pack of papers provided by the proposers and produced this “Contents”sheet.SOC – 2006-07-17 – Contents to Presbd Info –ClosureofaSchoolManorInfants

SOC – 2006-07-17 – Contents to Presbd Info –ClosureofaSchoolManorInfants

PRESCRIBED INFORMATIONCLOSURE OF A SCHOOLSchool Name:Castle Church of England (VoluntaryControlled) Junior School, KnaresboroughDfES Number: 3254Local Education Authority area:North YorkshireDiocese (if applicable):Church of England Diocese of Ripon andLeedsProposals published by:North Yorkshire County CouncilDate proposals published: 12 May 2006Proposed implementation date: 31 Dec 2006Note: this forms part of linked proposals to cease to maintain Manor Infant School,Knaresborough and Castle Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Junior School,Knaresborough, and to establish a new Church of England Voluntary ControlledPrimary School in Knaresborough and will only be implemented subject to all theproposals being approved.Note: Not all the required information can be provided on the face ofthis pro forma; copies of consultation documents, list of schools, a mapof the location of schools etc will also be required, as detailed within.

This information is to be regarded as in the public domain and may beshown to interested parties without further notification.PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING STATUTORY INFORMATION (typewritten):1. What are the objectives of the proposal?To cease to maintain Manor Infant School, Knaresborough and Castle Church ofEngland (Voluntary Controlled) Junior School, Knaresborough and to establish a newChurch of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Knaresborough, witheffect from 31 December 2006.It is proposed that the pupils of Manor Infant School and Castle Church of EnglandJunior School will transfer to the proposed new school from 1 January 2007.The new school will initially operate using the sites of both Manor Infants and CastleCE Junior but should consolidate in the Castle School site by 1 September 2007. Noinfant children will move from the Manor site before 1 September 2007.The background to the proposals is contained in the Report to the County Council’sExecutive Committee on 28 March 2006, attached as Appendix 1.2. Please give details of what consultation has taken place. Copies of:a. consultation documents, andb. the views and responses of the persons consulted should beattached.a. A public consultation took place in the area from January to March 2006. Therewas also a public meeting which took place on 1 March 2006, this was attendedby approximately 80 people. Consultees included parents, school staff,Governors from Manor and Castle CE, local Members of the County Council,District Council and Town Council, local Member of Parliament and UnionRepresentatives. A copy of the consultation document is attached at Appendix2a.b. There have been 75 written responses to the consultation paper. These areappended as Appendix 2b. In the period between the close of consultation andpublishing statutory notices, 4 letters were received. These are also included inAppendix 2b.There have been 63 written responses to the statutory notice, enclosed inAppendix 2c.c. Following requests from parents, an information meeting for parents was held on14 June 2006, and at the request of those attending the meeting, a copy of thenotes of the meeting are appended as Appendix 2d. This was attended by 70people.

d. There are 225 families with children attending the two schools.3. Please provide a map showing the location of the school and all othercommunity, voluntary and foundation schools within the relevant radius ofthe school (two miles for primary, three for secondary)Please see attached map at Appendix 3.

4. Please provide a list of all schools within the relevant radius of the school,stating which of such schools are maintained by a different local educationauthority, together with the following information in respect of each suchschool for the current school year, and (except for the information specifiedin sub-paragraph d) the previous school year:a. the admission number for each relevant age groupb. the number of year groupsc. the capacity of the school; andd. the number of pupils at the schooland a forecast of the matters specified in sub-paragraphs b to d for each of thesubsequent five school yearsKnaresborough, TheManor InfantCastle CE JuniorHookstone Chase CPStarbeck CPGoldsborough CEPrimaryKnaresborough, AspinPark CPSt Mary’s CatholicPrimaryKnaresborough,Meadowside CPAdmission number for eachrelevant year group60 60 45 60 12 56 30 30Number ofyear groupsCapacity ofschoolNumber ofpupils atschool(SpringTerm)2004/5 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72005/6 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72006/7 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72007/8 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72008/9 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72009/10 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72010/11 3 4 7 7 7 7 7 72004/5 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072005/6 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072006/7 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072007/8 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072008/9 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072009/10 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072010/11 180 256 315 420 84 412 189 2072005/6 Actual 112 171 267 299 59 427 201 2172006/7 Forecast 96 169 249 273 61 431 202 2152007/8 Forecast 100 148 240 252 61 429 205 2142008/9 Forecast 105 132 235 242 57 432 205 2142009/10 Forecast 106 132 233 239 59 431 204 2102010/11 Forecast 107 121 231 225 58 432 207 216

5. Please provide the following information relating to the school for thecurrent school year and (except for the information specified in subparagraphd.) the previous school year:a. the admission number for each relevant age groupb. the number of year groupsc. the capacity of the school; andd. the number of pupils at the school.Knaresborough, Castle CE JuniorSchool2005/6 2004/5Admission number for each relevant year60 60groupNumber of year groups 4 4Capacity of school 256 256Number of pupils at school (as at January) 171 1886. Please provide the following information relating to the accommodation atthe school:a. the location of the accommodationb. whether the school occupies a single or split site; andc. details of general and specialist accommodation.a. The school is situated in Knaresborough. The school address is CastleChurch of England Junior School Knaresborough, Stockwell Road,Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0JN.b. The school occupies a single site.c. Current accommodation at Castle CE Junior School comprises 7 classbases,2 classrooms, 3 office/reception rooms (formerly 3 classrooms), music room,computer room, library, dining room/hall, conference room, stores, staffroom,offices, kitchen, a room used by out-of-school club, cloakrooms, and toilets.7. Please provide details of proposals for pupils who are currently at theschool to transfer to other schools together with any appropriatetransitional provisions.

It is proposed that the pupils of Manor Infant School and Castle Church of EnglandJunior School will transfer to the proposed new school.8. Please provide an assessment of the quality of any schools to which it isproposed that such pupils may transferThe amalgamated school would enable a smooth transition from Key Stage 1 to KeyStage 2, consistent standards for the monitoring of the curriculum and teaching,common procedures for assessment, tracking of pupil progress and setting targetsfor improvement. It will build upon the proven existing quality of education at CastleSchool (see February 2006 Ofsted report for Castle School). It is intended that theHead of Castle School will be the Head of the proposed new school.9. Please provide a statement as to whether the school has been inspectedunder section 10 of the School Inspections Act 1996 during the last threeyears and, if it has, the date of the inspection and details of the outcomeCastle Church of England Junior School was last inspected by Ofsted on 27-28February 2006. The summary of the report is reproduced below:Overall effectiveness of the schoolCastle Junior is a good school, where children are well cared for, standards at theend of Year 6 are above average and children make good progress. Thesejudgements broadly reflect the school's own view of itself, although it is sometimestoo modest about its achievements. Children's enjoyment of learning and the goodquality environment in which they learn are immediately evident to visitors. Thequality of teaching and learning is good. A range of strategies to help childrenimprove their work is developing well, but these are not yet used consistently in allyear groups and curriculum areas. Children are taught a good curriculum that meetstheir learning needs. It is enriched by a wide range of activities. However, the recentfocus on English and mathematics has led to science not receiving the attention itneeds to keep pace with the good achievements in those subjects. Children are wellcared for and valued by staff. As a result, relationships in school are good andchildren develop self- confidence and self-esteem, which help them become effectivelearners. The quality of leadership and management is good. The headteacher hassteered the school well through a period of change. Working with a strong staff team,she has led a process of school improvement which has had a significant impact onthe progress children make. This improvement is based on effective self-evaluationand school development planning practices. The school has made goodimprovement since its last inspection. It gives good value for money and has goodcapacity to improve its performance further.Grade: 2What the school should do to improve furtherAs it recognises in its development plan, the school should:

• provide a wider range of learning opportunities in science to allow teachers tofurther improve pupils' achievement in this subject• ensure the consistent implementation of a range of strategies to help pupilsimprove their work.Key for inspection gradesGrade 1 OutstandingGrade 2 GoodGrade 3 SatisfactoryGrade 4 InadequateA copy of the Ofsted report is attached as Appendix 4.10. Where the school provides sixth form education, please provide in relationto the school the information specified in paragraph 2 of the supplementaryinformation pro forma for alterations involving sixth forms (attached)Not applicable.

Appendix 1: Report to the County Council’s Executive Committee 28 March 2006Appendix 2a: Consultation documentAppendix 2b: Written responses to the consultation paperAppendix 2c: Written responses to the statutory noticeAppendix 2d: Notes of an information meeting for parents of Manor Infant and CastleCE Junior Schools held on 14 June 2006Appendix 3: Map showing location of school and other schools within 2 mile radiusAppendix 4: Ofsted report for Castle Church of England Junior School February 2006

NORTH YORKSHIRE SCHOOL ORGANISATION COMMITTEE17 JULY 2006STATUTORY PROPOSALS –MANOR INFANT SCHOOL AND CASTLE (CE)(VC) JUNIOR SCHOOLAND ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW (CE)(VC) PRIMARY SCHOOL -KNARESBOROUGHPart 3 of 4of papers provided byNorth Yorkshire County Council and theChurch of England Diocese of Ripon and LeedsPrescribed Information forClosure of Castle CofE (VC) Junior SchoolCONTENTSDocumentPage NumbersPrescribed Information 2 to 9Appendix 1 to Prescribed Information – Report to the CountyCouncil’s Executive of 28 March 2006Appendix 2a to Prescribed Information – Consultation documentissued January 2006Appendix 2b to Prescribed Information – Written responses to theconsultation documentAppendix 2c to Prescribed Information – Written responses to thestatutory noticeAppendix 2d to Prescribed Information – Notes of an informationmeeting for parents of Manor Infant and Castle CE JuniorSchools held on 14 June 2006Appendix 3 to Prescribed Information – Map showing location ofschool and other schools within 2 mile radiusAppendix 4 to Prescribed Information – Ofsted report for CastleChurch of England Junior School, February 200610 to 2930 to 36373839 to 4445 to 4647 to 58Note: To assist Members of the SOC, the Secretary to SOC has numbered the pageswithin this pack of papers provided by the proposers and produced this “Contents”sheet.SOC – 2006-07-17 – Contents to Presbd Info –ClosureofaSchoolCastleCEJuniors

North Yorkshire County Council and Church of EnglandDiocese of Ripon and LeedsProposals to cease to maintain Manor Infant School, Knaresborough andCastle Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Junior School,Knaresborough, and to establish a new Church of England VoluntaryControlled Primary School in KnaresboroughFormal statement of response to the objections and comments received duringthe period following publication of the proposal(12 May - 23 June 2006)The main issues raised following publication of the proposal can be summarised as:• Support for the proposal as put forward by the County Council and theDiocese• Support for the amalgamation on the condition that the new Schooloperates from both the existing Manor Infant School and Castle CEJunior School sites / that infants remain in existing Manor InfantSchool building.• Objections to relocating children from existing Manor Infant SchoolsiteThe County Council and Diocese ask the SOC to approve the proposals as set out inthe statutory notices: that the new school will initially operate using the sites of bothManor Infant School and Castle CE Junior but should consolidate in the CastleSchool site by 1 September 2007. Some respondents supported the amalgamationbut felt that the school should use the two sites. The County Council and Diocese donot support this.In summary, the responses to the objections and comments received during theperiod following publication of the proposal are:Views of parentsThere are a total of approximately 225 families with children at the two schools.There are 154 families with children at Castle and 105 families with children atManor. 34 families have children at both schools.Only 19 out of 225 families made a written response to the statutory notices. Ofthese:• 10 were in favour of the amalgamation proposal for 1 site (3 families fromManor, 6 from Castle and 1 from both schools)• 1 opposed amalgamation (a family with children at both schools)• 8 wanted amalgamation on 2 sites (6 from Manor, 1 from both and 1 fromCastle)Therefore the majority of families with children at the schools have not made writtenresponses to the statutory notices, and most of the written responses received (44)were from other members of the community.

Amalgamation onto the Castle siteThe intention has always been to use both school sites initially but running anamalgamated school on two sites over a long time period will create additionalchallenges and costs for the Headteacher and Governing Body. Some minoradaptations are proposed at Castle CE Junior School to bring more accommodationinto use for school purposes and make it more suitable for infant children. The CastleSchool occupies an excellent building which is well managed and attractivelydecorated: the Ofsted inspection stated “The school’s high quality environment, withits imaginative decorations and use of space has a positive impact on learning”. It issimilar accommodation to many primary schools throughout the County wherestandards are high.Children’s CentreThe Manor site will provide a suitable location for a Children’s Centre forKnaresborough. Running a Children’s Centre alongside a separate Infant Schoolwould not solve the falling rolls or budgetary problems of the Infant School as the twofunctions must be separately budgeted.Some respondents suggested that if a Children’s Centre was established alongsidethe infant school at Manor, it could be managed by the Headteacher, as at Selby.However, this is factually incorrect. The Selby Children’s Centre Manager is still to beappointed. The Headteacher of Selby Community Primary School currently chairs thesteering committee and the qualified teacher input into Selby Children’s Centre ismade through the school. The intention is that all Children’s Centres in the Countywill have a Manager responsible to the Corporate Director of the County Council’sChildren and Young People’s Service, not to the head of the school on whose sitethey may be located.The decision to consult on amalgamation was initially made by the governors of bothschools in December 2005 in response to falling rolls, prior to any consideration of aChildren’s Centre for Knaresborough. Local Authority officers subsequently visitedthe two sites to assess in detail their suitability for a primary school and found thatthe Castle site would be suitable for the amalgamated primary school, and the Manorsite for the Children’s Centre. The amalgamation proposals were not therefore,prompted by the need to find a means of acquiring a site for the Children’s Centre.Use of resourcesAn amalgamated school would receive the same budget, based on the LocalAuthority’s formula for funding schools, whether it operated on one or two sites. If theschool continued to run on two sites, resources spent on running and maintaining twobuildings and an additional management and supervision requirement of operatingon two sites would reduce the amount available for educational provision. The schooland Authority have a duty of Best Value to maximise the use of resources to securethe educational provision for children.CapacityConcern has been expressed about the capacity of the Knaresborough schools toprovide for all the pupils in the area. The potential additional capacity availablethrough adaptations at Castle School would provide sufficient additional capacityboth for current pupils at Manor and Castle and for additional capacity for theKnaresborough area. Existing usage provides a capacity of 256. Minor adaptationswould provide two additional teaching spaces and moving the kitchen would releasean area for a third additional classroom. The anticipated joint pupil numbers for

Manor and Castle next school year are 265 but the projections show these will dropto 228 in 2010/11.Quality of educationThe most recent Ofsted inspections judged provision at Manor to be satisfactory andat Castle as good.Amalgamation of the infant and junior schools will eliminate one change of schoolwhich can impact on pupils’ progress. The Galton, Grey and Ruddock Research,‘The impact of school transitions and transfers of pupil progress and atttainment’(1999) conducted for the DfES, concludes that as many as two out of every fivepupils fail to make the expected progress in the year immediately following thechange of schools.Additional flexibility will be provided by being sited in one building. This will allow theschool to plan classes to cover two key stages. This will allow for not only theFoundation Stage/ Key Stage 1 split currently at Manor but also allow for a possibleYear 2/3 class which could also help raise standards by addressing the dip intransition into Year 3.Parental preferenceAt the time of the discussions (Dec05/Jan06) and based on Jan 2005 information,60% of the pupils residing in the normal catchment area for Manor and Castle did notattend either of the two schools. Of these, 15% were attending St. Mary's, the localCatholic primary school. Most of the others went to Aspin Park or Meadowside andsome went outside Knaresborough altogether. By building upon the existing qualityand further improving it by facilitating smooth transition from KS1 to KS2, togetherwith new and enhanced facilities (see para 8 of the Prescribed Information for thenew primary school), the Authority and the Diocese aim to increase the number offamilies living within the catchment area who actively choose their local school.TrafficConcerns have been raised about traffic. However, Castle has sufficient car parkingfor all staff on the site and dropping-off arrangements do not appear to present anyadditional difficulties.TransitionNo infant children would move from the Manor site before September 2007.Foundation stage children that are due to start in September 2007 would go straightinto the adapted accommodation on the Castle site so there would be no disruptionfrom starting at one site and then shortly having to move to a new site.June 2006

NORTH YORKSHIRE SCHOOL ORGANISATION COMMITTEE17 JULY 2006STATUTORY PROPOSALS –MANOR INFANT SCHOOL AND CASTLE (CE)(VC) JUNIOR SCHOOLAND ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW (CE)(VC) PRIMARY SCHOOL -KNARESBOROUGHPart 4 of 4of papers provided byNorth Yorkshire County Council and theChurch of England Diocese of Ripon and LeedsProposers’ Formal Statement of Response tothe Objections and Comments received duringthe Period following Publication of the ProposalCONTENTSDocumentPage NumbersFormal statement of response 2 to 4Note: To assist Members of the SOC, the Secretary to SOC has numbered the pageswithin this pack of papers provided by the proposers and produced this “Contents”sheet.SOC – 2006-07-17 – Contents to ManorCastleResponseObjectionsComments

NORTH YORKSHIRE SCHOOL ORGANISATION COMMITTEE17 JULY 2006STATUTORY PROPOSALS –MANOR INFANT SCHOOL AND CASTLE (CE)(VC) JUNIOR SCHOOLAND ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW (CE)(VC) PRIMARY SCHOOL -KNARESBOROUGHExtracts from the “Decision Makers Guidance” issued by the Department forEducation and Skills.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

Publication Date: 13/9/2004Version: 4View the history of changes for this guidanceDecision Makers Guidance Section 2.1Click here to View Guidance Contents »Statutory Guidance - Factors to be considered - proposals for new schools2.1. PROPOSALS FOR NEW SCHOOLS(For new nursery schools see Section 2.5 and for new sixth form schools see Section 2.6)The following factors should not be taken to be exhaustive. Their importance will vary,depending on the type and circumstances of decisions. All proposals should be considered ontheir individual merits.The Decision Maker must also consult statutory guidance in Section 1, in particular anyparagraph(s) referred to in brackets.There should be a presumption to approve proposals for a new school to replace a failingschool closed by direction of the Secretary of State (paragraph 15 of Section 1).Effect on standards and contribution to school improvement• Whether the proposals will improve the standards, quality, range and/or diversity ofeducational provision in the area (Paras 1-4, 18, 19-23);• Whether they advance the national and local transformation strategies (Para 1-4);• Whether the proposals will deliver a broad and balanced curriculum (Para 5);• The effect of the proposals on other institutions’ standards, bearing in mind the effect onquantity and quality of other schools’ intakes and any suggestions put forward forcollaboration, partnership or federation (Para 2-3).Need for places• Whether there is a need for additional places in the area, or whether there are surplusplaces (Para 17, 36-37);• The extent of parental demand for the type of school in question, for example, provisionfor particular faiths or denominations or specialisms (Para 17, 19).Finance• Whether the proposals represent a cost-effective use of public funds (para 41);• Whether the capital resources required are available (Para 38-40);• Whether the sale proceeds of redundant sites are to be made available and whether theSecretary of State's consent has been obtained where necessary (Para 42-43);2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

• If the proposal is for a new voluntary aided school, whether the promoters have provideda statement that the governing body would be able to meet their financial responsibilitiesfor building work (Para 44).Views of interested parties (Para 45)• The views of parents and other local residents, including those who may be particularlyaffected by the proposals or have a particular interest in them;• The views of any Local Education Authority affected by the proposals or with an interest;• The views of the CE and RC dioceses in the area• The views of other schools and colleges in the area;• The views of the Learning and Skills Council (if the proposals affect the provision ofpost-16 education);• The views of the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (where proposalsaffect early education provision).Community cohesion, inclusiveness and partnerships• The extent to which, and how satisfactorily in the circumstances of the community, theproposals address the need to promote community cohesion (Para 46-49);• Where a proposed new maintained school already exists as an independent school, itscurrent approach and contribution to community cohesion will be relevant (Para 49);• The extent to which the proposals take account of the needs of families and the widercommunity (Para 50-51).14-19 issues• Where 14-19 provision is involved, the extent to which appropriate collaborativearrangements have been considered (Para 73-74);• The criteria for considering new sixth forms should also be taken into account where theproposed school includes 16-19 provision (See Section 2.6).Equal opportunities• Any sex, race or disability discrimination issues or other human rights issues includingany sex discrimination issues in relation to proposals for a single sex school (Para 53).Effect on school journeys• The existence of safe walking, cycling and bus routes to the proposed site (Para 57).Other issues• Whether the school will provide strong links with the local community and provide familyand community services (Para 59);• (Primary provision only) Whether the proposals comply with the infant class size limit(Para 72);2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

• For voluntary and foundation schools where a trust is not to hold the freehold of the site,whether the land tenure arrangements are satisfactory (Para 64-67);• For voluntary and foundation schools, whether the proposal is to join an existing groupfoundation body or to jointly establish a new group foundation body (Para 61);• Whether the proposal is to join an existing federation or to jointly establish a newfederation (Para 62);• Whether the new school will meet the minimum statutory requirement for provision ofschool playing fields (Para 63).Proposal from an existing independent school:• if co-educational, whether it would provide equal opportunities for boys and girls (Para53);• whether it would have suitably qualified staff and the premises would be suitable for thepurpose of a maintained school (Para 68).Publication Date: 13/9/2004 Version: 42007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

Publication Date: 13/9/2004Version: 5View the history of changes for this guidanceDecision Makers Guidance Section 2.2Click here to View Guidance Contents »Statutory Guidance - Factors to be considered - Proposals to close schoolsand school sites2.2. PROPOSALS TO CLOSE SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL SITESThe following factors should not be taken to be exhaustive. The importance offactors will vary, depending on the type and circumstances of proposals. Allproposals should be considered on their individual merits.The Decision Maker must consult the statutory guidance in Section 1, inparticular any paragraphs referred to in brackets.There should be a presumption to:• approve both sets of proposals where a failing school is to close and aFresh Start school is to open on the same site (paragraph 10 ofSection 1);• approve proposals to close a failing school, if there is sufficientcapacity in the area for the displaced pupils and to meet future demand(paragraph 13 of Section 1);• approve proposals for a school to close so that it may be merged with amore successful school, if there is sufficient evidence that thedevelopment will have a positive impact on standards (paragraph 14 ofSection 1);• approve proposals for the closure of a school that is to be replaced byan Academy, conditional on the making of the agreement for theAcademy (paragraph 25 of Section 1);• reject proposals for the closure of rural schools and sites unless thecase for closure is strong and the proposals clearly in the best interestsof educational provision in the area (paragraph 54 of Section 1);• reject proposals for the closure of a maintained nursery school, unlessthe case for closure is strong, the proposals are clearly in the bestinterests of local children and families, and the LEA can show that ithas properly evaluated all the options (paragraph 70 of Section1).In addition, the Adjudicator should not approve proposals for the closure of adenominational school where the relevant church SOC group had votedagainst its closure and it is clear that the closure, in conjunction with anyrelated changes, will reduce the proportion of such denominational places2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

within the LEA, unless it is failing or severely undersubscribed (paragraph 35of Section1).Effect on Standards and contribution to school improvement• Whether the proposals will improve the standards, quality, range and/ordiversity of educational provision in the area (Para 1-4, 6-16, 23-26);• Whether they advance national and local transformation strategies(Para 1-4);• The standards of education in existing and proposed alternativeprovision, and, particularly in the case of nursery schools, that thealternative provision will be able to maintain or enhance the standardsof education provision (Para 3-4, 69-70);• The effect of the proposals on other institutions.Need for places• The overall supply and likely future demand for places;• Whether there is sufficient capacity to accommodate displaced pupilsin the area;• Whether the proposals will reduce the proportion of denominationalplaces (Para 35).Finance• Whether the proposals represent a cost-effective use of public funds(Para 41);• Whether the capital resources required are available (Para 38-40);• Whether the sale proceeds of redundant sites are to be made availableand whether the Secretary of State's consent has been obtained wherenecessary (Para 42-43).Views of interested parties (Para 45)• The views of parents and other local residents, including those whomay be particularly affected by the proposals or have a particularinterest in them;• The views of any Local Education Authority affected by the proposalsor with an interest;• The views of other schools and colleges in the area;• The views of the Learning and Skills Council (if the proposals affect theprovision of post-16 education);• The views of the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership(where proposals affect early education provision).Other issues• The length and nature of journeys to alternative provision (Para 57-58);• Any sex, race or disability discrimination issues or other human rightsissues (Para 53);2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

• Whether the change will affect the ability to meet the minimumstatutory requirement for provision of school playing fields (Para 63);• The effect of the proposals on infant class sizes (Para 72);• The overall effect of a closure on the local community, particularly inareas receiving funding as part of regeneration activity (Para 60);• Whether the proposals are in connection with the establishment of anAcademy (Para 23-26).Additional factors if the school is on special measures• If proposals are linked to expansion of other schools for transferringpupils, consider popularity of alternate schools (Para 9);• If straight closure of school, whether there are sufficient placesavailable to cater for displaced pupils and foreseeable demand (Para13);• If Fresh Start school proposed, whether the places being provided areneeded (Para 11);• If Fresh Start school proposed, whether the school is making progresssufficiently quickly (Para 13).Rural schools and sites• Whether the case is strong and in the best interests of educationalprovision in the area (Para 54);• The overall effect of the closure on the local community (Para 54);• The transport implications (Para 54);• Whether the possibilities of federated or extended schools to increaseviability has been considered (Para 54);• (Closure of a site) Whether the schools had recently beenamalgamated and if there was an expectation that the site wouldcontinue to be used as part of the school (Para 56).Closure of maintained nursery schools• Whether the case is strong and clearly in the best interest of localchildren and families in the area (Para 70);• The quantity, quality, value for money and convenience to parents ofthe nursery school and proposed replacement provision (Para 70);• The impact of the loss of the nursery school’s experience andknowledge in delivering early years education (Para 70);• Whether the LEA has duly considered alternatives to closing thenursery school, such as using it to support the development ofintegrated services for young children and their families (Para 69-70).2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

Publication Date: 14/2/2006Version: 2006-02-14View the history of changes for this guidanceDecision Makers Guidance Section 1Click here to View Guidance Contents »Statutory Guidance - Issues to be considered in deciding proposals.Please note that this section was updated 14 February 2006. A list ofaffected paragraphs can be found in the 'View the history of changes forthis guidance', to see these click here.Standards1. The Secretary of State wishes to encourage changes to local schoolprovision which will boost standards and opportunities for young people, whilematching school place supply as closely as possible to pupils’ and parents’needs and wishes. Decision Makers should assess proposals in the light ofthese overall criteria, and the specific further considerations set out in thisguidance. The Decision Maker may wish to consider whether the proposalsare consistent with the Children and Young People’s Plan for the area, wheresuch a plan is required, but if they are not consistent they should not reject theproposals solely on these grounds.2. The Government aims to transform the opportunities open to pupils insecondary education, and greater diversity and innovation have a key role toplay in this, with each school developing its own ethos and sense of missionand being encouraged to develop a centre of excellence or specialism. Everyschool should have an incentive to improve, have effective leadership andmanagement, and collaborate with other schools.3. The Government wants to use the best schools to lever up standardsacross the system. This may be by enabling successful and popular schoolsto expand, or by encouraging a range of collaborative arrangements by whichsuccessful schools can share their management and other expertise with lesssuccessful schools. Decisive action must be taken to deal with failing schools.4. In considering standards issues, the Decision Maker should also takeaccount of recent reports from Ofsted or other inspectorates, the autumnpackage of performance data, and any other performance data. The LAs andothers bringing forward proposals should justify them specifically in terms oftheir impact on standards.Curriculum2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

5. The Decision Maker must also be satisfied that the proposals areconsistent with delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum to the pupilsinvolved.Proposals involving schools in special measures and those causingconcernPowers of Intervention6. The categories of schools causing concern are defined in sections 14-19of the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998, as amended by sections54-59 of and Schedule 5 to the Education Act 2002. Further information onthese categories and the relevant follow-up procedures can be found in theDfES guidance on schools causing concern.7. All schools causing concern should receive intensive support from theirLA.8. The Education Act 2005 (section 44), changes the definition of a school inspecial measures and a new category - significant improvement - replacesprevious Ofsted categories of serious weaknesses, inadequate sixth form orunderachieving (a non-statutory category). Before reaching a judgement thata school requires special measures, Ofsted inspectors must now take intoaccount a school’s capacity to improve. A school that is not considered toneed special measures but is nevertheless not performing as well as it shouldbe, may be given a notice to improve. These changes came into force withnew inspection arrangements in September 2005. Schools judged to requirespecial measures, to have serious weaknesses, an inadequate sixth form orto be underachieving under the arrangements in place until the end of July2005 will be re-inspected two years after their designation. Under the newarrangements schools that are made subject to special measures willcontinue to receive termly monitoring visits; those requiring significantimprovement will be re-inspected after one year.9. When considering the closure of any school causing concern and theexpansion of other schools in the area, LAs should take into account thepopularity with parents of alternative schools.10. “Fresh start” proposals are designed to replace a school that is subject tospecial measures, needs significant improvement or is subject to a warningunder section 15 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Theproposals for both the closure of the school and the opening of the newschool on the same site should be submitted in parallel and should beconsidered together. In such cases there should be a presumption to approveboth proposals.11. When considering the approval of a Fresh Start proposal, the DecisionMaker should check that the places the new school will provide are needed.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

12. DfES has put in place a programme to support Fresh Start schools. Inorder to qualify for support under this programme, the Fresh Start proposalwill need to be endorsed by Ministers. Such endorsement will of coursedepend on approval of the statutory proposals relating to the Fresh Start.However, in exceptional circumstances Ministers may decide not to endorse aFresh Start proposal after the associated statutory proposals have beenapproved. In such circumstances, the new school will neither qualify forsupport from the Fresh Start support programme, nor be recognised nationallyas a “Fresh Start” school. “Collaborative restart” is a variant of Fresh Start andfederation, involving closure/reopening of a failing school in a strongpartnership with another local school.13. For all closure and Fresh Start proposals involving schools causingconcern, copies of the Ofsted monitoring letters for the relevant schoolsshould be made available. The Decision Maker should have regard to thelength of time the school has been on special measures, needed significantimprovement or otherwise caused concern, the progress it has made, theprognosis for improvement, and the provision of places at neighbouringschools. Where the Decision Maker is presented with proposals to closeschools in special measures or otherwise causing concern, they should startfrom the presumption that these should be approved, subject only to checkingthat there will be sufficient accessible places of an acceptable standardavailable in the area to meet foreseeable demand and accommodate thedisplaced pupils.14. Where a school is to be closed so that it may be amalgamated with amore successful and popular school, the Decision Maker should againnormally approve these proposals, subject to evidence being provided by theLA and other interests that the development will have a positive impact onstandards.Secretary of State’s power to direct closure15. Section 19 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 assubstituted by section 45 of the Education Act 2005, gives the Secretary ofState the power to direct an LA to close a school requiring special measures.It is likely that this power will be used only in exceptional circumstances. Sucha direction would not be subject to the agreement of the School OrganisationCommittee or Schools Adjudicator. However, they may be required toconsider proposals for the opening of a new school or for alterations as aconsequence of the directed closure. There should be a presumption toapprove the consequential proposals.Proposals other than closure or Fresh Start16. These should be dealt with as quickly as possible, and the DecisionMaker should have regard to the impact the proposals may have on theschool’s ability to take forward its action for recovering from special measures,removing serious weaknesses or no longer requiring significant improvement.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

Creating Additional Places (in existing schools or by new schools)17. Where proposals will provide additional places, the Decision Makershould consider whether they are needed. In considering need, the DecisionMaker should take into account not only the existence of spare capacity inneighbouring schools, but also the quality and popularity with parents of theschools in which spare capacity exists and evidence of parents’ aspirations fora new school or their support for expansion of an existing school. Theexistence of surplus capacity in neighbouring less popular or successfulschools should not in itself prevent the addition of new places. In consideringproposals for additional places, the Decision Maker must take account of theimpact which proposals will have on the standards of provision. Whereproposals add to surplus capacity (either by adding places at existing schoolsor creating new schools) but there is a strong case for approval on parentalpreference and standards grounds, the presumption should be for approval.The LEA in these cases will need to consider parallel action to remove thesurplus capacity thereby created.School Size18. Decision Makers should not make blanket assumptions that schoolsneed to be of a certain size before they can be good schools (although thecost-effectiveness of proposals should continue to be one of the factors takeninto account). All proposals should be considered on their individual merits.New schools19. Any organisation, association or individual willing to meet the conditionsassociated with being in the maintained sector, may publish proposals to setup a new maintained school. The Government wishes to encourage thewidest possible range of promoters with a contribution to make to educationalstandards and diversity to come forward – including parent and communitygroups, private and charitable companies, voluntary groups including churchand faith communities, those offering distinctive educational philosophies,existing schools or consortia of schools. All proposals, from whatever source,must be considered on the basis of their educational merits, the extent ofparental demand for the places and what they have to offer the localcommunity.Additional secondary schools20. However from June 2003, a different procedure applies where an LEAdecides that an additional, wholly new, secondary school is needed (see para2-4 of Section 3 for guidance on what constitutes an "additional" secondaryschool). The LEA must publish a notice inviting other interested parties tobring forward proposals for the new school, before publishing any proposalsof its own. The proposals will be decided by the Secretary of State, in the lightof any comments by the School Organisation Committee following localconsultation. Though LEAs are encouraged to use this procedure as widely aspossible the legal requirement to do so applies only to secondary schools,2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

and does not affect amalgamations or re-organisations of existing schools,fresh-start proposals, closures and re-openings in order to gain, lose orchange religious character, independent schools seeking maintained status orany situation where a promoter other than the LEA wishes to propose a newschool.21. When the School Organisation Committee is commenting on additionalsecondary school proposals before a decision by the Secretary of State asabove, it should consider the same list of factors as for new schools (Section2.1). And Decision Makers receiving proposals involving new secondaryschool provision should always check that they are not in fact covered by thelegislative requirements for new school competitions to be held (see Section3).22. New arrangement will apply for proposals published for new secondaryschools when measures in the Education Act 2005 are enacted. All proposalsfor new secondary schools will then be subject to the new competitionarrangements, unless the Secretary of State has agreed an exemption. TheDepartment is consulting on draft regulations and guidance that will bringthese measures into force.Academies23. Academies are publicly-funded independent schools established inpartnership with business and voluntary sector sponsors. They normallyreplace one or more schools facing challenging circumstances or will be setup to meet a need for new school places. Academies may be established inrural as well as urban areas. All Academies should contribute to a strategicapproach to diversity in their area. The involvement of business and othernon-Government partners will enable Academies to develop and implementnew approaches to teaching and learning in order to raise standards andpromote innovation. All Academies will be required to share their facilities andexpertise with other local schools and the wider community.24. Statutory proposals are not required for the establishment of anAcademy. The legal basis for Academies is section 482 of the Education Act1996, which provides for the Secretary of State to enter into fundingagreements with persons undertaking to establish and maintain specific typesof independent school. Where an Academy is to replace an existing school orschools, however, the proposals for the closure of those schools shouldindicate whether pupils currently attending the schools will transfer to theAcademy and, if appropriate, what arrangements will be made for pupils whoare not expected to transfer.25. All statutory proposals for changes to maintained schools relating to theestablishment of an Academy should be considered together. If provision forpupils at a school proposed for closure is dependent on the establishment ofan Academy, any approval of the closure proposals should be conditionalupon the making of an agreement for an Academy, but there should be ageneral presumption in favour of approval.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

26. It should be noted that the SOC must consider proposals made by an LAwhere there are no objections, as the LA do not have the power to make theirdetermination conditional on the making of an agreement for a new Academy.Expansion of Successful and Popular SchoolsSecondary Schools27. The Government is committed to ensuring that every parent can choosean excellent secondary school for their child. The DfES Five Year Strategydocument accordingly laid out a range of proposals for increasing the supplyof successful secondary schools. One proposal was to support and makeeasier the expansion of successful and popular secondary schools.28. The process for the expansion of secondary schools has now beenshortened to less than twelve weeks (for proposals which are not referred tothe school adjudicator). Governors of all categories of secondary school havethe power to publish proposals to increase their intake and the size of theirschool. And up to two representatives of any governing body that is thesubject of expansion proposals are entitled to attend the School OrganisationCommittee (SOC) meeting which is considering the proposals in order tomake their case. In addition, where proposals by a governing body to expandare rejected by the SOC, that governing body now has the right to refer thoseproposals to the Adjudicator to decide.29. LAs and school governing bodies may apply to the Department forcapital assistance with the work needed for the expansion of secondaryschools (other than grammar schools) – more information is available athttp://www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/resourcesfinanceandbuilding/funding/capitalinvestment/typesoffunding/successfulandpopular/ . Funding will onlyfinally be made available if the proposals are approved by the SOC or theAdjudicator.General30. When there is a need or demand to expand school provision, LAs andGoverning Bodies should take account of the wishes of parents in decidingwhich schools should expand. The Secretary of State also wishes toencourage LAs to reorganise provision in order to ensure that places arelocated where parents want them. For the purposes of this guidance, theSecretary of State is not proposing any single definition of a successful andpopular school. It is for the Decision Maker to decide whether a school issuccessful and popular, however, the following indicators should all be takeninto account:The school’s performance• in terms of absolute results in key stage assessments and publicexaminations2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

• by comparison with other schools in similar circumstances (both in thesame LA and other LAs)• in terms of value added• in terms of improvement over time in key stage results and publicexaminations.The numbers of applications for places• the Decision Maker should also take account of any other relevantevidence put forward by schools.31. The strong presumption is that proposals to expand successful andpopular schools should be approved. In line with the Government's longstandingpolicy that there should be no increase in selection by academicability, this presumption does not apply to grammar schools.32. The existence of surplus capacity in neighbouring less-popular schoolsshould not in itself be sufficient to prevent this expansion, but if appropriate, inthe light of local concerns, the Decision Makers should ask the LA how theyplan to tackle any consequences for other schools. The Decision Makershould only turn down proposals for successful and popular schools toexpand if there is compelling objective evidence that expansion would have adamaging effect on standards overall in an area, which cannot be avoided byLA action.33. Before approving proposals the Decision Maker should confirm that theadmission arrangements of schools proposed for expansion fully meet theprovisions of the Admissions Code of Practice. Although the Decision Makermay not modify proposed admission arrangements, the proposer should beinformed that proposals with unsatisfactory admissions arrangements areunlikely to be approved, and given the opportunity to revise them in line withthe Code.Balance of denominational provision34. In deciding proposals to close or reduce the capacity of a Church ofEngland or Roman Catholic school, the decision maker should consider theeffect that this will have on the balance of denominational provision in thearea. Parental demand and the standards of the school must be taken intoaccount.35. The Adjudicator should not normally approve proposals for the closure ofa Church of England or Roman Catholic school where the relevant churchSOC group has voted against its closure and it is clear that the closure,together with any related changes, will reduce the proportion of suchdenominational places within the authority’s area. The exception would bewhere the school is severely undersubscribed or standards are low.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

Surplus Places36. It continues to be important that education is provided as cost-effectivelyas possible. Empty places can represent a poor use of resources. LAs withhigh levels of surplus are encouraged to take action to remove surplus placeswhere schools have a quarter or more of their places unfilled and at least 30surplus places. However, standards at the schools also need to be taken intoaccount, as well as geographical and social factors, such as populationsparsity in rural areas, and the effect on any community use of the premises(see paragraphs 60).37. As noted in paragraphs 17, 30 and 32 above, the Secretary of Statewishes to encourage LAs to organise provision in order to ensure that placesare located where parents want them. LAs should take action to removeempty places at schools that are unpopular with parents and which do little toraise standards. The removal of surplus places must always support the coreagenda of raising standards and respect parents' wishes by seeking to matchschool places with parental choices.Finance38. The Decision Maker must be satisfied that any capital required toimplement the proposals will be available (paragraph 3(4) of Schedule 6 to theSSFA 1998). Normally, this will be some form of written confirmation from thesource of funding on which the promoters rely. In the case of a local authority,this may be from an authorised officer within the Authority.39. There can be no assumption that the approval of proposals will triggerthe release of capital funds from the Department unless the Department haspreviously confirmed in writing that such resources will be available; nor thatany allocation “in principle” can be increased. In such circumstances theproposals should be rejected, or consideration of them deferred until it is clearthat the capital necessary to implement the proposals will be provided.40. Proposals must not be approved “conditionally” upon funding beingmade available but with two specific exceptions – those being funded underthe Private Finance Initiative (PFI) or the Building Schools for the Futureprogramme (BSF). For proposals being funded under PFI and BSF schemesthe Decision Maker must be satisfied that funding has been agreed “inprinciple” but it should set a condition of its approval (see Decision Maker'sGuidance Section 6 - paragraph 28 (e) and (f) ). This protects proposers sothat they are not under a statutory duty to implement the proposals until therelevant contracts have been signed and/or funding is finally released.41. The Decision Maker will need to be satisfied that the proposals representa cost-effective use of public funds. The proposed areas and costs should bein line with the Department's guidelines. Decision Makers should confirm thatpromoters/proposers have referred to the Department's school building designguidance - area guidelines for schools is available in Building Bulletin 98(Briefing Framework for Secondary School Projects), Building Bulletin 992007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

(Briefing Framework for Primary School Projects) and BB77 for specialschools. Cost information is available in ‘Education Building Projects:Information on Costs and Performance Data’. Where costs/areas are not inline with the guidelines the promoters/proposers should provide a satisfactoryexplanation and in cases of doubt Decision Makers could seek specialistadvice from professional building consultants.42. Implementation of proposals may depend on capital receipts from thedisposal of land previously used for the purposes of a community school.Those bringing forward proposals and the Decision Maker should thereforeassure themselves that any necessary consent for disposal of the land underparagraph 2 of Schedule 35A to the Education Act 1996 has been receivedfrom the Secretary of State. Consent is also necessary for the disposal byfoundation or voluntary schools of any publicly funded land and buildingsunder Schedule 22 of the SSFA 1998.43. The prior agreement of the Secretary of State will also be needed whereit is proposed that capital should be raised from the disposal of school playingfields (details are given in DfES Guidance 1017 - 2004 The Protection ofSchool Playing Fields and Land for Academies published in November 2004).Proposals dependent on disposal of land for their implementation may notreceive full approval until consent for their disposal has been received.Proposals may, however, be approved conditionally under Regulation 9 of theEducation (School Organisation Proposals) (England) Regulations 1999conditional upon the acquisition of a site or playing fields.New Voluntary Aided School – Promoter liabilities44. For proposals for a new voluntary aided school the Decision Maker musthave a statement (Form 18), signed by the promoters, that provides evidencethat the Governing Body will be able to meet their financial responsibilities forall future building work.Views of Interested parties45. The Decision Maker must consider the views of all those affected by theproposals or who have an interest in them including parents, residents, pupils,staff, other schools and colleges, diocesan bodies and other providers, LAs,the LSC (where proposals affect 14-19 provision) and the Early YearsDevelopment and Childcare Partnership or any local partnership that exists inplace of an EYDCP (where proposals affect early years provision). Thisincludes statutory objections and comments submitted during therepresentation period (and before proposals are accepted as valid theDecision Maker will need to be satisfied that the legal requirement to consulthas been met).Community cohesion and race equality46. The Government wants to promote ethnic, religious and culturaltolerance and respect between different groups of people living and working2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

together. Tensions can grow where ethnic groups have segregatedthemselves from each other - whether by choice or circumstance - in housing,work, leisure and education. The Government is therefore committed toimproving community cohesion: the uniting of people of different races,cultures and faiths in a common sense of belonging and pride in a sharedcivic identity. The areas which appear to be most successful in unitingdifferent communities are those which combine an emphasis on sharedvalues and common citizenship with a positive approach to celebratingdiversity.47. To realise the benefits of our multi-cultural society there is a need forpositive action to promote community cohesion. Schools have a key part toplay in this by providing opportunities for young people from differentbackgrounds to learn from each other; by encouraging, through their teaching,an understanding of, and respect for, other cultures and faiths; and byactivities in the community which help to build bridges between differentethnic groups.48. When considering proposals for new schools the Decision Maker mustconsider whether the proposals will help to promote community cohesion.This will need to be considered on a case by case basis, taking account of thecommunity that the new school will serve and the views of different sectionswithin the community. There is no single model of school inclusiveness whichcan be applied to all circumstances - prime consideration should be the needsof the particular local community. Examples of matters which the DecisionMakers might consider are: how the school proposes to meet its statutory dutyto promote racial equality, how it will encourage good citizenship, if the schoolis to have a religious character how it will deliver RE both in its own faith andother faiths, how it will address ethnic minority achievement issues and theneeds of bi-lingual learners, if it has a religious character whether it will givepriority to pupils of other faiths/denominations or to a specified group ofapplicants regardless of faith/denomination and its plans for partnershipworking with other schools. Some examples of partnership working are set outin Section 549. Promoters of new schools must include in their proposals informationabout how the school will tackle religious, racial and cultural division, andcontribute to well-being across the community. Where proposed newmaintained schools already exist as independent schools, information aboutwhat they are already doing and contributing will also be relevant.50. The Decision Maker will need to consider the views of the localcommunity, the commitment of the new school promoters and their ownassessment of the robustness of the proposed means for achievinginclusiveness. Proposals for new faith schools should be judged on the samebasis as proposals for other schools. The Local Government Association'sGuidance on Community Cohesion should also be referred to by thosedrawing up proposals for changes in school organisation. Proposals should beprepared against the background of the initiatives and documents referred to2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

in that guidance, including the Local Strategic Partnership’s communitystrategy.51. The Decision Maker must ensure that a proposed school does not intendan admission policy which would disadvantage pupils such as Gypsy andTraveller pupils and asylum seeker pupils where the need to provide for suchpupils is likely to arise.Accessibility52. Difficulties with transport can prevent people participating in learning orrestrict their choice of the quality, subject matter or type of learning theyattend. In considering proposals for the reorganisation of schools, DecisionMakers should satisfy themselves accessibility planning has been properlytaken into account that e.g. in cases such as school closures and the locationof new schools. Facilities are to be accessible by those concerned anddisadvantaged groups not disadvantaged further, particularly by the cost oravailability of transport to places of learningEqual opportunity issues53. The Decision Maker must consider whether there are any sex, race ordisability discrimination issues that arise from the changes being proposed,for example, that where there is a proposed change to single sex provision inan area, there is equal access to single sex provision for the other sex to meetparental demand. In considering proposals for an existing independent schoolto become maintained the Decision Maker must be satisfied that if the schoolis co-educational it will provide equal opportunities for boys and girls.Rural schools and sites54. In considering statutory proposals to close a rural school, the DecisionMaker should have regard to the need to preserve access to a local school forrural communities. There is therefore a presumption against the closure ofrural schools. This does not mean that no rural school should ever close, butthe case for closure should be strong and the proposals clearly in the bestinterests of educational provision in the area. In order to assist the SOC,those proposing closure must provide evidence to the SOC to show that theyhave carefully considered:• The transport implications of rural school closures, including thewelfare and safety of the children, the recurrent cost to the LA oftransporting pupils to a school further away, the quality and availabilityof transport links to the alternative provision, the effects on road trafficcongestion, and the environmental costs of pupils travelling further toschools.• The overall and long term impact on local people and the community ofclosure of the village school and of the loss of the building as acommunity facility.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

• Alternatives to closure including the potential for federation withanother local school to increase the school’s viability; the scope forExtended School or children's centre status to provide local communityservices and facilities e.g. child care facilities, family and adult learning,healthcare, community internet access etc.55. It is the responsibility of the Decision Maker to decide whether a schoolis to be regarded as rural for the purpose of considering proposals for closureunder this guidance and in particular the presumption against closure. TheDepartment's register of schools - Edubase - includes a rural/urban indicatorfor each school in England based on an assessment by the Office for NationalStatistics. The Decision Maker should have regard to this indicator. Where aschool is not recorded as rural on Edubase, the SOC may nonetheless wishto consider evidence provided by interested parties that a particular schoolshould be regarded as rural. The Office for National Statistics have introducednew rural/urban indicators, and may be prepared to advise in cases of doubt,as may the Countryside Agency.56. Where a school is situated on more than one site, proposals are requiredto close one of the sites if any of the other sites is a mile or more away from it.The Decision Maker should take into account the same sort of factors indeciding whether to approve the closure of one of the sites of a rural school,and there is a presumption against their closure also, particularly whereschools have recently been amalgamated and there has been anunderstanding that education would continue on the site.Travel to School57. In deciding statutory proposals, the Decision Maker should bear in mindthat proposals should not have the effect of unreasonably extending journeytimes or increasing transport costs, or result in children having to negotiatesignificant barriers such as railway lines or major roads. Proposals shouldalso be considered against Government objectives to reduce trafficcongestion and promote alternatives to the car through the School TravelPlanning process58. When considering proposals to close a school in a deprived area,Decision Makers should have particular regard to the transport arrangementsproposed by those bringing forward proposals, the quality of the transportlinks between the communities served by the school and the site of thealternative provision, and the possible effect of the proposed arrangements onpupil unauthorised absence and staying-on post-16.Extended schools59. As part of the Every Child Matters agenda to improve outcomes for allchildren the Government wants all schools to provide access to a core offer ofextended services by 2010, with half of all secondary schools and a third of allprimary schools doing so by 2008. The Government's vision for extendedschools is set out clearly in the Extended Schools Prospectus available at2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

www.teachernet.gov.uk/extendedschools. The core offer will comprise of:8am-6pm childcare/varied menu of interesting activities all year round;parenting support including family learning; swift and easy referral to a rangeof specialist support services; and community access to the school's sports,arts and ICT facilities including adult learning. Where the provision ofextended services are a feature of proposals (e.g for a new school) thisshould strengthen the case for their approval.Impact on Community60. In some areas, a school may already be a focal point for family andcommunity activity, and its closure may have wider social ramifications. It mayalso provide extended services for a range of users. In considering proposalsfor the closure of such schools, the effect on families and the communityshould be considered. The information presented by those bringing forwardproposals to close such schools, particularly when they are in receipt offunding as part of regeneration activity, should therefore show evidence thatoptions for maintaining community facilities in the area have been considered.The views of other relevant agencies and partnerships with responsibility forcommunity and family services should be taken into account, alongside thoseof the local police, Government Offices and Regional Development Agencieshaving responsibility for the New Deal for Communities.Foundation body61. Foundation and Voluntary schools may establish foundation bodies to beresponsible for the land and assets of a group of schools. Proposals maytherefore include a reference to plans to establish a new foundation body orjoin an existing body. Where the proposals include a reference to the need toestablish a new foundation body, an approval should be conditional upon theSecretary of State approving the establishment of that body by a certain date.Federation of schools62. Schools may become federated under a single governing body. Whereproposals for a new school include plans for a new federation, or to join anexisting federation, any approval should be conditional upon the school beingaccepted into the federation or the federation coming into being by a certaindate.School playing field issues63. The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 set out thestandards for school premises, including minimum areas of team gameplaying fields to which schools must have access. Decision Makers shouldsatisfy themselves that the proposals include provision that ensures that thesestandards are met unless the Secretary of State has agreed exceptionally to arelaxation in their case.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

Land tenure arrangements64. For new voluntary aided schools it is desirable that a trust holds thefreehold interest in the site. Sites of certain voluntary schools are held ondiocesan general trusts, or by religious orders on their general trusts andthese arrangements may apply to new schools. Other arrangements canprovide for sites to be held on specific trust for the purposes of the school.Where there are no existing established arrangements, promoters of newschools should consider creating a specific trust.65. Where the trustees of the proposed VA school hold or will hold aleasehold interest in the site, the Decision Maker will need to be assured thatthe arrangements provide sufficient security for the school. A leaseholdinterest under a specific trust would do so where the lease is for a substantialperiod - normally at least 50 years - and where it avoids clauses which wouldallow the leaseholder to evict the school before the termination of the lease.The lease should also avoid provisions which would obstruct the governingbody or the headteacher in the exercise of their functions under the EducationActs, or place indirect pressures upon the funding bodies.66. The Department will consider the land tenure arrangements in decidingwhether grant-aid can be offered in principle for the establishment of a newVA school. The Department will offer advice as necessary to the promoters onhow far the proposed arrangements are acceptable and this advice can bemade available to the Decision Maker. For proposals to change a school’scategory to VA the SOC will need to refer to details of proposed land tenure inthe prescribed information to satisfy itself that proposed arrangements aresatisfactory.67. Promoters of new foundation or voluntary controlled schools, and anygovernors seeking a change of category to such, should discuss their landtenure arrangements with the LA. The LA should provide assurance to theSOC that land tenure arrangements will be satisfactory.Independent schools68. If the proposal is from an existing independent school the DecisionMaker will need to consider whether the school has, or would have, a range ofsuitable staff to meet the school’s needs, including teachers with qualifiedteacher status, and whether the premises will be suitable for the purpose of amaintained school.Early Years provision69. In considering any proposals involving changes in early years provision,the Decision Maker should consider whether the proposals will integrate preschooleducation with childcare services and/or with other services for youngchildren and their families; and should have particular regard to the views ofthe Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

70. In deciding whether to approve any proposals to close a nursery school,the Decision Maker should be aware that nursery schools generally offer highquality provision, and have considerable potential as the basis for developingintegrated services for young children and families. There should be apresumption against approval of such proposals unless the case for closure isstrong, the proposals are clearly in the best interests of local children andfamilies, and the LEA can show that it has duly considered:• the quantity, quality, value for money and convenience to parents (inhours offered) of provision at the individual nursery school, andproposed replacement provision;• the impact of the potential loss to the locality of the nursery school’sexperience and knowledge in delivering early years education;• alternatives to closure, such as developing the nursery school tosupport the development of integrated services for young children andtheir families, including through Government programmes such as theNeighbourhood Nursery Initiative, Sure Start, Early Excellence Centresand Children’s Centres.71. In deciding whether to approve any proposals to close a nursery class,the Decision Maker should consider whether the alternative provision willmaintain or enhance the standard of education provision. Alternative provisioncould be with providers in the private or voluntary sectors.Infant class sizes72. Local education authorities and schools have a legal duty to ensure thatno infant class of 5, 6 and 7 year olds with a single teacher contains morethan 30 pupils (apart from a few very limited exceptions, which relate tochildren with special needs or those offered places outside the normaladmissions round). Before approving any statutory proposal affecting infantclasses, the Decision Maker should ensure that its implementation will notcompromise the Authority’s ability to meet the class size limit.14-19 provision and collaboration73. The Government has published proposals to develop 14-19 as acoherent phase of education in which young people remain committed tocontinuing learning after the age of 16. To that end, it wants young people tobe able to choose from a broad range of general and vocational options fromthe age of 14 and to be able to progress through learning at a pace that isright for them. Where necessary, it expects that this should be achievedthrough increased collaborative working between local providers, includingschools, colleges, training providers and employers.74. Where a proposal relates to provision for 14-16 year-olds, the DecisionMaker should consider the extent to which it will extend the range of optionsavailable to students in this age group and enhance the opportunities forcollaboration between relevant local providers.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

16-19 schools75. The Learning and Skills Act 2000 allowed the establishment ofmaintained schools which provide full-time education suitable for therequirements of pupils over compulsory school age but do not provideeducation suitable for the requirements of pupils of compulsory school age.Arrangements for the publication of proposals for the establishment of 16-19schools are broadly as for other maintained schools.16-19 Provision - General76. The Learning and Skills Act 2000 entitles all 16-19 year olds to furthereducation and training. Schools and colleges must offer high quality provisionthat meets the diverse needs of all young people, their communities andemployers. 16-19 provision should be organised to ensure that, in every area,young people have access, within reasonable travelling distance, to highqualitylearning opportunities across schools, colleges and work-basedtraining routes.77. In September 2003 Ministers set out their five key principles for thereorganisation of 16-19 provision, following requests from partners (includingLSC and LAs) for more clarity on Government expectations. Decision Makersshould therefore consider all proposals for changes to 16-19 provision in thecontext of these principles.78. Details of the five key principles can be found in ‘Principles underpinningthe organisation of 16-19 provision’ booklet -http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=5233. Briefly they are:• quality - all provision for all learners should be high quality, whatevertheir chosen pathway;• distinct 16-19 provision - all young people should be attached to a 16-19 base which will meet the particular pastoral, management andlearning needs of this age group;• diversity to ensure curriculum breadth – well-managed collaborationbetween popular and successful small providers will enable them toremain viable and to share and build on their particular areas ofexpertise;• learner choice – all learners should normally have local access to highquality 16-19 provision in a range of settings and any proposals forchange to this provision should take into account the views of allstakeholders;• affordability, value for money and cost effectiveness - proposals forchange should include how any capital and recurrent costs and savingswill lead to improved educational opportunities.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

ADDITION OF SIXTH FORMS BY “HIGH-PERFORMING” SCHOOLS79. There should be a strong presumption in favour of the approval ofproposals for a new sixth form where:• The school is a high-performing specialist school that has opted for avocational specialism; or• The school, whether specialist or not, meets the criteria for “highperforming”, and does not require capital support.80. Where a new sixth form is proposed by a specialist school that has metthe “high performing” criteria and which has opted for a vocational specialism,capital funding will be made available from the new 16-19 Capital Fund.Specialist schools wishing to apply to the 16-19 Capital fund should contactthe Learning and Skills Council.81. There should also be a strong presumption in favour of proposals for anew sixth form where the school, whether specialist or not, is assessed asmeeting the DfES criteria for "high performing" and does not require additionalcapital resources.82. The presumption will apply to proposals submitted to the SOC within:• 12 months from the date a school is informed that it has achievedvocational specialist status; or.• 12 months from the date a school is informed that it meets the DfEScriteria for “high performing”;whichever is the latest.83. Schools wishing to open a sixth form under these circumstances shouldconsult and publish its proposals as soon as possible. The school shouldensure that, in forwarding its proposals to the local school organisationcommittee, it provides a copy of the notification from the DfES that it meetsone of the criterion in paragraph 79 above.84. It is important that any new school sixth form works in partnership withother providers to ensure young people have access to a wide range oflearning opportunities. In assessing proposals from “high performing” schoolsto add a sixth form, decision-makers should have regard to the importance ofcollaborative working.85. “High performing” schools seeking to add sixth forms are subject to thesame special procedures as secondary schools seeking to expand. Thefollowing timetable will therefore apply.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

86. In addition, the governing bodies of all secondary schools bringingforward proposals to add sixth forms will be able to attend the SchoolOrganisation Committee meeting at which their proposals are to be discussedand make representations. They will also be able to appeal to the Adjudicatorif their proposals are rejected by the SOC.LSC proposals to close inadequate 16-19 provision87. The Learning and Skills Act 2000 (as amended by the Education Act2005) gives the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) powers to propose theclosure of sixth forms requiring significant improvement at all categories ofschool (by proposing to change the school’s age range to stop at 16); and topropose the closure of a 16-19 school placed in special measures or requiringsignificant improvement of whatever category, including special schools.88. A sixth form is deemed to require significant improvement if Ofstedjudges that it is failing to give students an acceptable standard of education,or in relation to its provision for pupils over compulsory school age the schoolis performing significantly less well than it might in all circumstancesreasonably be expected to perform. A 16-19 school may require specialmeasures if the school is failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard ofeducation and the persons responsible for leading, managing or governing theschool are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessaryimprovement in the school. A 16-19 school may require significantimprovement if although not requiring special measures it is performingsignificantly less well than it might in all circumstances reasonably beexpected to perform.89. The LSC powers to close are triggered only where, having had twoconsecutive adverse reports from Ofsted, a school has failed to turn its 16-19provision round. Where the sixth form is proposed for closure there should bea presumption to approve these proposals, subject to evidence beingprovided by the LA and other interests that the development will have apositive impact on standards.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

LSC powers to propose the reorganisation of 16-19 provision90. The LSC may make proposals for the reorganisation of post-16 provisionin an area, including changes to school sixth forms. The proposals may bemade in response to the findings of an area inspection, or in order to meet atleast one of three relevant objectives:• to increase participation amongst 16-19 year olds• to increase the achievement of 16-19 year olds• to expand the range of learning opportunities available to 16-19 yearolds.91. LSC reorganisation proposals may include changes to provision in sixthform colleges and other FE settings in addition to schools and all decisionswill be made by the Secretary of State. School Organisation Committees willbe consulted and their comments on the proposals, and any objections orcomments by interested parties, must be passed by the LSC to the Secretaryof State within one month of the end of the objection period when theproposals are submitted for decision.Conflicting Sixth Form Reorganisation proposals92. Where the implementation of reorganisation proposals from the LSCconflict with other published proposals put to the School OrganisationCommittee for decision, the Committee will be prevented by the SchoolOrganisation Proposals by the LSC for England Regulations 2003 frommaking a decision on the related proposals until the Secretary of State hasdecided the LSC proposals (see paragraph 8-9 of Section 3). If proposalscome before the Adjudicator he or she should similarly delay a decision untilthe Secretary of State has taken a decision on the LSC proposals.Special educational needs provision93. Section 14 of the Education Act 1996 provides a general duty on LAs toensure sufficient primary and secondary school places. The same sectionalso requires LAs to have regard to the need to secure that specialeducational provision is made for pupils with special educational needs.Indeed almost every school in the country will have some children on roll whohave special educational needs (SEN). So there are likely to be SENimplications in every school reorganisation. School reorganisation providesopportunities for LAs to consider the most effective ways of ensuring thatappropriate SEN support is delivered to pupils wherever it is needed. Thismay be in mainstream schools, in specialist resourced provision within theschool or in a specialist unit attached to, or co-located with, mainstreamschools, or in special schools.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

94. When considering proposals for the reorganisation of special educationalneeds provision the Decision Maker should have regard to:• the statutory duty placed on Local Authorities, under section 315 of theEducation Act 1996, to keep under review their arrangements forspecial educational needs provision;• the elements of the Local Authority’s Children and Young People’sPlan relevant to special educational needs, and in particular theAuthority’s plans for promoting inclusion (that is, for educating a higherproportion of pupils with statements of special educational needs withina mainstream setting);• the particular SEN factors mentioned in Section 2.9.95. Some children with special educational needs will also be disabled, andsome disabled children, though they may not have special educational needs,may have particular access requirements. From September 2002 schools andLAs are under a statutory duty under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 toincrease the accessibility of schools for disabled pupils. LAs are required toprepare accessibility strategies and schools are required to prepareaccessibility plans. These strategies and plans must show how the LA orschool plan to:• increase the extent to which disabled pupils can participate in theschool curriculum;• improve the physical school environment;• improve the delivery to disabled pupils of written information in differentformats.Change of school category96. The Government’s five-year strategy and the White Paper - HigherStandards, Better Schools for All - envisages a system of “independentspecialist schools”, based on the expectation that community and voluntarycontrolled (VC) schools increasingly will seek to change category tofoundation. Regulations have been introduced enabling the governing bodiesof most community and VC secondary schools to decide their own proposalsto change category to foundation, and the Department has consulted onextending these arrangements to primary schools. Any proposals to changethe category of a school falling to the SOC to decide should be considered ontheir individual merits. A school cannot gain, lose or change a religiouscharacter by changing category. To do this a school must close and open as anew school.97. In deciding such proposals the Decision Maker must take into accountthe restrictions on changing category prescribed in the regulations:• if the school proposes to change to the voluntary aided category,evidence must be provided that the governing body are able and willingto meet their financial responsibilities for building work after theproposed implementation date (Form 18 should be provided);2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance

• the change of category cannot authorise a school to establish, join orleave a foundation body; and• a foundation, voluntary aided and voluntary controlled school may notbecome a community school and a foundation special school may notbecome a community special school unless the required transferagreement is entered into (i.e. regarding the land or buildings owned bythe trustees and/or governing body).98. Where the change of category will lead to a change in admissionarrangements those bringing forward proposals should also ensure that allinterested parties are consulted on the proposed arrangements at an earlystage. These parties should include schools and parents of children alreadyat, or likely to attend the school. In considering proposals for a change ofschool category the Decision Maker may not modify proposed admissionarrangements. These fall to be dealt with under the normal admissionsconsultation arrangements.Implementation99. Where as a result of a voluntary aided (VA) school changing categorythe Local Authority becomes responsible for the implementation of previouslyapproved statutory proposals in respect of the VA school which have not yetbeen fully implemented, the Department would continue its support of anyagreed capital costs for those proposals, and would be prepared to considerapplications from an LA to meet its share of any capital costs which previouslyfell to the governing body. LAs would also be able to publish statutoryproposals to be relieved of the duty to implement approved proposals inrespect of the school in its previous category. The Decision Maker woulddecide any such proposals under the provisions of paragraph 5 of Schedule 6to the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.Conditional approvals100. Some proposals to become a foundation school may involve becominga member of a group foundation and may only be approved conditionally i.e.upon the Secretary of State approving the establishment of the newfoundation body, or agreeing to the school joining an existing groupfoundation by a specified date. All such change of category proposals willrequire conditional approval and therefore cannot be determined by the localauthority. They must be referred to the School Organisation Committee fordecision and then passed to the adjudicator if the SOC cannot agree aunanimous decision.101. Where it is necessary for a trust to be established or for an existing trustdeed to be varied for the school to change category, any approval must alsobe conditional upon this occurring by a specified date.2007-07-17 – SOC – Decision Makers Guidance