Proposed School Closures (Consultation and Categories) Measure

Pre-ballot Information

Kirsty Williams

Policy Objectives of the Proposed Measure

This measure would:

i) Create a new category of ‘amalgamation’ alongside that of closure to facilitate genuine mergers between schools (for example an infant & junior into a primary) avoiding some of the steps required for a full closure;
ii) Require local authorities, prior to beginning any consultation process leading to closure, to consider and to publish the community impact of the closure of a school; and the community uses to which a closed school building could be put;
iii) Require local authorities to consult with all stakeholders including all education and other professionals, those representing local communities and both present (and where possible future) parents and pupils affected, including those at all nearby schools

Support received/Consultation

This is a practical response to representations received by the Assembly as a whole and by individual members to many school closure proposals across Wales, over the last 8 years.