THE FUTURE AT NEWBRIDGE

1.         WHY ARE WE PUBLISHING THIS PAPER?

1.1             In September 2003 we began looking at the needs of all our primary schools. Each school is being reviewed alongside its partner schools in a particular area. The aims of each review are:

a)     improving educational standards;

b)     ensuring that resources (land, buildings, money and people) are used in the most effective way.

c)      aiming to provide improved facilities for children, school staff and the wider community.

d)     making the choice of the local school the natural and easy choice for parents / carers

1.2             North West Bath was the focus of our review between January and April 2005. Various documents were circulated to Headteachers, school Governors, local Councillors, and senior officers in the Education Service. A panel of Councillors known as the Overview & Scrutiny Panel held a public meeting at the Guildhall on 28th February 2005 where they heard Headteachers, Governors and local Councillors talk about whether changes were needed in the area and what might be of greatest benefit to children in the future.

1.3             The members of the Panel also visited all of the schools so they could see for themselves the facilities that are available to staff and children in this area.

1.4             The Overview & Scrutiny Panel produced a report and this was presented at a public session on 14 March 2005. A crucial recommendation of the Panel’s report was that the Council should consult people on the future of the two Newbridge schools. The Governors of both schools agreed that this was a positive move.

1.5             The Panel’s recommendation was included in a final paper written by Council officers and attached to a report presented to the Council Executive at the Guildhall on 6 April 2005. The Executive decided to go ahead and consult people on a potential merger between Newbridge St John Church of England Infant and Newbridge Junior schools. This paper is the first stage in the process.

1.6             The Council is not looking for a short-term solution. All those involved in the debate, and particularly the Council, need to be sure that decisions are not simply what suits us now but gives a good basis for a successful future for the coming generations of children in the area.

1.7             The Government also asks that when we think about changes to schools we consider the effect of any proposal on the togetherness or cohesion of a community.

1.8             Before looking at the possible change, readers will want to know that at the last count 468 children attend these two schools. The debate and decision on the proposal for change will have an impact on these children, the staff and the local community and this must kept in the forefront of everyone’s thinking.

1.9             Although the suggested size of the school (420 places) is fewer than the current numbers of children on roll we do not envisage children leaving the school other than at the normal time. We would expect the admission number to be set at 60, which is lower than the current admission level at either school, and this will lead to a natural and gradual reduction in numbers over the coming years.

1.10         We should also point out that regardless of whether the new school is a community school or a Church of England school there will be no change to admissions policy. Voluntary controlled schools have the same admissions policy as community schools.

3.         WHAT ARE WE ASKING?

3.1             We are asking whether you believe that Newbridge St John CofE VC Infant School and Newbridge Junior School should become one school. The aim would be for the new school to offer 420 places and admit sixty children per year.  

3.2             We are also asking for views on the timing of any change. We would expect any proposal to take effect from 1 September 2006.

3.3             We are also seeking views on the category of school. The infant school is a Church of England voluntary controlled school. The Junior school is a community school. In practical terms the difference is small as both schools have an obligation to provide Christian collective worship and also religious education as part of the national curriculum. In legal terms there is a significant difference and the school must fall into only one category.

5.       WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE BUILDINGS?

5.1       The Council does not believe that, in the short to medium-term, major changes are needed to the buildings although a study will be undertaken during this consultation period to identify any works which might be necessary to meet the needs of a ‘new’ school and make best use of the existing buildings.