APPENDIX 5

Consultation responses for the BAWB Federation (of West Burton, Bainbridge and Askrigg Primary Schools) Reorganisation Proposals

	Do you have any comments about these proposals?	Do you have any comments about the proposal to merge the three school catchment areas into one larger area?	Do you have any comments to make about the increase in Published Admission Number (PAN) to 15?	In what capacity are you responding to this consultation?
1	With regards to changing age ranges at Bainbridge/Askrigg - this sounds sensible.   With regards to West Burton closing - I accept this not with my blessing but with a sense of resignation and loss. I understand the current situation makes the school unviable. However I believe that decisions made by the federation, by the local authority, and by governments ignoring or unwilling to address issues at the heart of rural communities have exacerbated the pressures felt by the school, as they have for other small rural schools.   I remember asking at a meeting before West Burton became part of the federation, 'What are the risks?' and being told that they had not foreseen any risks. The closure of West Burton school was always a risk. Unfortunately, I do not think the stakes of that closure have ever been as meaningful to the federation as they are to the village and community.   To that end, I would hate to see the federation simply lock the door and walk away. I would like to see a public acknowledgement of the special place and role that West Burton school has held in this community for such a long time. A special assembly at West Burton perhaps, or some kind of celebration, or even some kind of gift to the village from the federation to pay tribute to it. When a local school closes, there is a loss to be acknowledged, and a legacy to be celebrated.			Parent – West Burton
2	I think the proposals sound like a great solution	I think that makes sense to do	No comments	Parent - Bainbridge

Consultation responses for the Reeth and Gunnerside Schools Federation Reorganisation Proposals

	Do you have any comments about the junior and infant school proposal?	Do you have any comments about the proposal to merge the two catchment areas?	Do you have any comments to make about the increase in Published Admission Number (PAN) to 15?	In what capacity are you responding to this consultation?
1	This is the best response to an unfortunate situation - existing arrangements work very well for children and families and it is very frustrating that they have fallen foul of 'one size fits all' regulations that were put in place for entirely different reasons. The complications around transport leave many parents feeling a degree of uncertainty despite the best efforts of the schools.	It is essential for the proposal to work.		Parent
2	Yes, I think that it is an excellent proposal and should be adopted.	Once again, I can see only good coming from this proposal. The survival of education in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale will be dependent on a strong and bonded infant and primary provision. This proposal will bring that position to the children and families of the dales. Their community bond is strong and this plan only strengthens the unity of the people of the dales.	It is clear the increase in the Pupil Admission Number will allow for some expansion. This is so important when considering the future of the Federated School. There is ample capacity for this expansion at both places and increased numbers will allow a wider curriculum to be offered and the acquisition of more resources. This can only be a positive.	Member of the community for 32 years. Parent of three children who attended both Gunnerside and Reeth Schools some years ago.
3	I think this proposal is the way in which the schools will have to run with having a closest gate in catchment, due to your change of transport policy. If this did not happen this would be such bad news for the Dales.	This is an excellent idea then the change within the schools don't affect anyone living in the Dales and splitting up families across different parts of Swaledale, Wensleydale and Cumbria! There has some common sense applied to this decision.		Parent
4	I agree with the federated governing body's current proposals	This seems sensible	This seems entirely appropriate	Parent
5	It is so reassuring to learn that this proposal provides a solution to the extremely concerning issue this re-structure would have created under the new H2S Transport Policy. The discretion used here is refreshing and a huge relief. The importance of including the 'nearest gate in the federation' must not be underestimated in this decision.			Parent
6	Our schools federated in 2012, forming a partnership that has worked very well for over a decade. By teaching younger pupils at Reeth and older pupils at Gunnerside, we have been able to offer four classes, reducing the age range in each class and providing a larger peer group for pupils than would otherwise be possible, significantly improving the quality of education.    Since receiving advice on the need to comply with school admission and registration regulations, Governors have spent much time exploring ways to resolve the matter in a way that retains and secures current provision. Our Governing Board thinks that the infant and junior school model is the best solution. Educational provision and class structure will remain the same, largely as we know them. Financial sustainability will be retained and we will continue to benefit from our connection with the Methodist Church.	A key consideration for Governors has been maintaining community cohesion, serving the needs of pupils and families in our federation. Combining the two catchment areas will help to achieve this.    Previously, school transport eligibility has been a complicating factor with the infant and junior school model. Dialogue with Council officers has been helpful and the proposal to apply a ‘nearest gate in the federation’ catchment policy for our schools, through the Local Authority’s delegated discretion, is appreciated. Through this arrangement the Council will provide home school transport to all eligible pupils within the existing catchments of both our schools while our schools will retain responsibility for inter-site transport (which we think is sensible). The schools have funded inter-site transport for over a decade and the Governing Board is therefore confident that this arrangement is financially sustainable.	The increased Published Admission Number (PAN) reflects the combination of the current PAN for Reeth School (8) and that for Gunnerside School (7). With two cohorts taught in each class, we can often admit above the PAN, provided that pupils numbers are lower than the PAN in adjacent year groups.	The Governing Body of Reeth and Gunnerside Schools
7	Given that a change is legally required I feel the Governing Board’s proposal for this structure is one which will best support the sustainability of high quality education being available to families in Swaledale. The support of NYC to use discretionary eligibility for home school transport, in particular the application of a ‘nearest gate’ policy linked to the proposal, is, however, a key and integral part of the new structure being successful and is very important to the current school community and to the continuation of such a community in the area.	I fully support this part of the proposal which I believe retains the school community cohesion that has become a strength of the federation over the time that the schools have worked together.	This mirrors the current individual PANs of each school and is a logical step based on school leaders’ knowledge of previous admission rounds, school accommodation capacity and class teaching arrangements.	Staff member for a significant number of years and parent of previous pupils at the schools (Reeth enrolled).

Consultation responses for Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne Primary Schools Reorganisation Proposals

	Do you have any comments about the junior and infant school proposal?	Do you have any comments about the proposal to merge the two catchment areas?	Do you have any comments to make about the increase in Published Admission Number (PAN) to 20?	Do you have any comments about the proposal to change the category of Spennithorne from Voluntary Controlled to Voluntary Aided?	In what capacity are you responding to this consultation?
1	if there is to be limited people eligible for the school bus and children are expected to be across different sites according to age then a breakfast club needs to be run at each school. At present Kids day nursery serves as the breakfast club and uses transport to get the children to the correct school. If this is not going to be available then consideration needs to be given to those parents who have to start work before 0900. Children will be moved to a school with these provisions - such is already happening - if this is not taken in to consideration. Parents will not do 2 school drop offs for their children and will need the ability for wrap around care.	No	No	No	parent
2	I feel it is a good thing for the schools, they already run like this so it should all be fine. Hopefully we will get more support with County bus transport as well which will be better for the children.	Yes this is a very good thing, it should bring more security fro the schools and make applying for a bus pass easier.	I dont think it will make any difference. When my daughter started school there were only 6 children in her year group so they didnt get anywhere near the 20 proposed.	Not sure it will make any difference.	Parent
3	I have two kids at the federation, it would be lovely if they could be together the whole year.			With the right amount of support from the community this could be possible	Parent
4	We want it to stay the same why change something that works	I’m not happy about the proposal and I think they will get less children joining the schools	The numbers will go down		Parent
5	Constable Burton & Finghall Parish Council have no objections to the proposals.				Constable Burton & Finghall Parish Council
6	Middleham Town Council has concerns around how the option chosen affects home to school transport for those children affected				Town Council

Consultation responses for Synergy Schools Federation (concerning Leeming and Londonderry and Aiskew Leeming Bar Primary Schools) Reorganisation Proposals

	Do you have any comments about the proposal to amalgamate Leeming and Londonderry CP and Aiskew, Leeming Bar Church of England (VC) school?	Do you have any comments about the proposal to merge the two catchment areas?	Do you have any comments to make about the increase in Published Admission Number (PAN) to 15?	In what capacity are you responding to this consultation?
1	Feel this is a good thing, however unsure switching sites after Reception would be positive. Potential parent for Sept 26, and moving from pre school to primary, then again for year 1 would be very unsettling having to start again. Would also have a sibling joining 2 years later and having to do drop offs in multiple locations would be difficult.	No	No	Potential parent for Sept 26.
2	I am a parish councillor and resident of Leeming Bar. I have no school age children but often get comments from residents regarding the parking outside of the school by both both parents dropping and picking up children form school and the staff that work at the school. I am told that the staff park their cars on the roadside when there are spaces in the car park. Parents just ignore the road marking and park anywhere sometimes double parking blocking the road. While it is a nuisance for residents they are also concerned that a child gets injured.  I am also told that the gate that goes onto the Freeman's way estate is no longer used when children arrive or depart from school. I am also not happy with the new proposed name. The school is in Leeming Bar how can it be called Leeming.	As I am not a parent I feel I can't comment on this	No comment	Resident of Leeming Bar and also a parish councillor for the village
3	I understand the educational and financial reasons for amalgamating the two schools and agree that creating larger peer groups can bring benefits. Having a preschool and reception in one school, and the Year 1 upwards in the other does make sense in terms of separating EYFS provision and National Curriculum, this does support in providing the most suitable provision for the set age groups. It can assist with the transition from play based learning, to a more formalised approach. However, I have concerns about areas that have not been fully addressed in the proposal. Primarily, SEND provision. There is little detail about how support for pupils with SEND will be maintained or strengthened. It is important that the new structure ensures consistent provision across both sites, with appropriate resources, specialist input, and staff training. While bigger groups may improve social and academic opportunities, they may also reduce the individual attention some children require. Clear plans are needed to show how class sizes will remain manageable and how learning support will be provided. The small class sizes and mixed age groups was a big selling point to many parents. The proposal does not state whether staffing will be reduced as a result of the merger. Any reduction in teaching staff or teaching assistants could negatively affect behaviour management, inclusion, and SEND provision. Reassurance is needed that staffing will be maintained at levels that safeguard pupil wellbeing and ensure high-quality support.	Merging catchment areas is logical if the schools are to function as one. This can be beneficial for children to create new friendships with a wider range of children, especially when heading to secondary school were class sizes will be even bigger. However, children with SEND and younger pupils may face additional challenges with travel or transitions between sites. Additionally, parking is a concern when it comes to collection and drop off times, as well as attending school events.	An increase to 15 appears reasonable to allow for sustainable class structures. However, this must be matched with sufficient staffing and support to ensure that higher pupil numbers do not compromise individual learning needs, behaviour management, or pastoral care. In particular, early years and Key Stage 1 should have adequate adult-to-child ratios so that safeguarding and SEND needs are fully met.	Parent