Herefordshire provision of schools consultation
From Dr Sharon Menghini and Councillor Philip Price:
Please note that this consultation will end on 2nd November 2009.
Following agreement at a meeting with Cabinet Members, Head Teachers and Chairs of Governors in December 2008 the Schools Task Group was established to consider the way forward for the planning of Herefordshire provision of schools.
Great emphasis was placed upon the need to continue to engage schools and their local communities in the debates as we move forward. It was agreed that it was important to ensure we continue to plan for and provide a high quality education system for our young people, that gave them the very best opportunities for their lives in the 21st century and build upon the excellence and good practice that we already have in our county.
It was also acknowledged that the pressures of falling rolls and financial constraints meant that the status quo was not an option but at the same time that there is great variety and diversity across the county which would need to be taken into account in any future plans. Bearing all of this in mind, it is a complex and sensitive task that we all face.
The Schools‟ Task Group, made up of School Head Teachers, Governor representatives, local officers and chaired by David Brown an independent chair has met on several occasions. This paper is the result of their deliberations. Heads and Chairs have already had early sight of the paper prior to this formal consultation and broadly speaking, it has been well received.
An easy to read version is being prepared and will be published shortly. We are now consulting on this paper with schools, stakeholders and the public before the Cabinet Meeting in November which will outline the messages from the consultation and inform future planning.
We hope that you will take the time to read and debate the content with colleagues and have encouraged schools to engage with their local parents and communities as much as possible to ensure that the broadest discussions can take place and everyone has an opportunity to take part.
Please send in your response sheet either as individuals or groups as explained later in the document. We look forward to receiving your replies.
Responses to the consultation can be submitted:
through the
web consultation link www.herefordshire.gov.uk/consult ;
via email to schoolstaskgroup@herefordshire.gov.uk ;
via post to: F. Lennon Children & Young People’s Directorate,
PO BOX 185, Blackfriars Street, Hereford. HR4 9ZR
