Future of Bubbenhall 'School' Annexe Still Uncertain

 

The Governing Body of Provost Williams Primary School put the Bubbenhall Annexe under threat in January following the issue of a consultation document. The document outlined an action plan to resolve the issues raised by a recent OFSTED inspection and outlines two options to address OFSTED's main Key Issue for Action:

 

Make more effective use of the financial resources and accommodation available to the school by rationalising them against its long-term strategic needs.

 

The two options put forward are:

 

Option 1; Retaining Bubbenhall Annexe

Option 2; Closing Bubbenhall Annexe

 

Within the last newsletter, it was stated that a final announcement was to be made by the Governing Body by the end of March. On the 24th March, all parents received a letter effectively stating that the decision was to be deferred until early May to enable the school's LEA representative, Colin James, to discuss the issue with elected members of the LEA on 30th March.

 

BAAG immediately sent letter to both the Chair of Education Committee & the County Education Officer outlining our case and to support us in retaining the annexe. After a length wait for the minutes of the meeting, they effectively stated that the Governing Body had a difficult decision to make but the status quo would be unacceptable.

 

This does not mean that the annexe has to close.

 

If the Governing Body can find ways to make more effective use of school resources, then there would be an argument for keeping the annexe open.

 

With information obtained by a parent, BAAG approached the Chair of Governors suggesting that the Governing Body approaches other more independent organisations such as the Early Years Department of the LEA, The Small Schools Forum, The Association of Small Schools, The Pastoral Education Inspectorate.

 

The reply to the letter stated that the Governing Body had already approached the Early Years and Pastoral Inspectorate soon after the OFSTED report was released. They were also soon to meet a representative of the Association of Small Schools.

 

On Tuesday 4th May, The Governing Body came together to have a final discussion and decision. At the end of the discussion, the Governing Body was unable to reach a majority decision. As all members of the Governing Body were in attendance, it must be assumed that the Chair of Governors did not make his casting vote.

 

In a letter to the parents, the Chair of Governors stated that they would have further discussions with the Diocese and the LEA in a final attempt to identify and explore any other practical way of resolving Key Issue 1. The Governing Body will meet again on 15th June where they must make a final decision.

 

For further information, contact:

 

Nigel Tuckey

Bubbenhall Annexe Action Group Co-ordinator

17 Home Close

Home 301799 Mobile 07971 378226

E-Mail: [email protected]

 

For the latest information and the final result, look up the BAAG web site at:

http://www.fortunecity.com/x-stream/hackers/3