RDC(3) RRSWB7

Rural Development Sub-Committee

Inquiry into Reorganisation of Schools in Rural Wales

Response from Nick Tuffnell

22/06/2008

I am writing to express my deep concern about the 'rush' to close small rural schools in Wales (and beyond). The argument seems to be very largely, if not entirely, about economics and the perceived waste of resources as time and time again it is shown that small schools can and do offer high quality education. Whilst, in basic simple accounting terms, smaller schools can be shown to cost more per child compared to much larger schools they may very well be offering good value when the costing takes a wider perspective of the school within the rural community and account is taken of the total demand on the local authority resources by those living in that community. I am sure that there is plenty of research to show that families wish to have access to a good Local school no matter where they live. So schools play an essential role in the rural community if we wish those communities to be vibrant and to maintain a representative mixture of ages within the population. Without the schools they are in danger of becoming dormitory villages or areas purely for retirement.

Schools must be seen in the broad context of a policy for administration of rural areas so that the true comparative cost can be established and then the future of small rural schools can be decided upon rationally, openly and with proper consultation and debate.

Nick Tuffnell
Head Teacher
Franksbridge C P School