Issue - meetings

Recommendations: 

That having undertaken the required preliminary checks, the Executive resolve that the four key issues listed in paragraph 7.3 of the report have been satisfied, and there can be a determination of the following proposals:

i.     To cease to maintain (to close) Woodfield Community Primary School from 31 December 2022

ii.     To make the catchment area of Woodfield Community Primary School a shared catchment area for both Bilton Grange Primary School and Grove Road Community Primary School from 1 January 2023

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director for Children & Young People’s Services providing the Executive with information upon which to make a decision on proposals published by North Yorkshire County Council to close Woodfield Community Primary School in Harrogate from 31 December 2022, together with the future arrangements for the School’s current catchment.

County Councillor Annabel Wilkinson introduced the report and provided an overview of the issues that had led to the proposed closure, together with an outline of the proposed revisions to the catchment areas.  She also confirmed the previous decision of the Executive to enter in to a consultation period and the outcomes of that consultation.

It was noted that there had been a late objection submitted

County Councillor Paul Haslam expressed concern that negative comments on social media had been the catalyst for the Ofsted inspection, which had led to the school becoming subject to special measures.  He suggested it would be worthwhile carrying out a review of the events.  Members expressed sympathy that external factors had eventually led the closure proposal, and noted the impact of negative unrefuted social media was a national issue.  In response, Stuart Carlton - Corporate Director for Children & Young People’s Services confirmed he would be happy to meet with Cllr Haslam and the Chair of Governors.

County Councillor Annabel Wilkinson thanked the School’s leadership team and its governors for all their hard work in trying to find an alternative solution to close, but having accepted that the Executive had no option but to follow the legislation, Executive Members

Resolved – That:

i.     The four key issues listed above in paragraph 7.3 of the report had been satisfied and there could be a determination of the proposals

ii      Woodfield Community Primary School cease to be maintained from 31 December 2022

iii.    The catchment area of Woodfield Community Primary School be made a shared catchment area for both Bilton Grange Primary School and Grove Road Community Primary School from 1 January 2023.