Issue - meetings

Recommendation – That the Executive resolves that:

i.    the issues listed in section 9 of the report have been satisfied and there can be a determination of the proposals.

ii.   That the following proposals be determined:

a)  To cease to maintain Skelton Newby Hall CE VC Primary School with effect from 31 August 2023.

b) To extend the catchment area of Kirby Hill CE VC Primary School with effect from 1 September 2023 to include the area currently served by Skelton Newby Hall CE VC Primary School.

Considered – a report of the Corporate Director for Children & Young People’s Service seeking determination of the proposal to cease to maintain Skelton Newby Hall Church of England, Voluntary Controlled Primary School with effect from 31 August 2023, together with the future arrangements for the School’s current catchment area.

Councillor Annabel Wilkinson introduced the report and provided a brief background to the issues affecting the school that had resulted in the proposal to close the school.

It was noted that a public submission had been received from Mr Guy Critchlow, Chair of Skelton cum Newby Parish Council, as follows:

“Thank you again for the opportunity to share a statement from the community of Skelton on Ure.

I would like to remind us of the start point when considering the closure of a rural school as per the Government guidance issued in January this year. The Government “expects all decision makers to adopt a presumption against the closure of rural schools … the case for closure should be strong and clearly in the best interests of educational provision in the area.”

I want to address North Yorkshire Council’s two key justifications for closing our school.

Pupil Capacity - Whilst the national picture is for a declining number of primary school pupils over the next five years, decisions must be based on the local picture. Within five miles of our school there are 800 new houses under construction which are targeting young families, with planning permissions in place for more. Boroughbridge Community Primary School is at capacity, noted by the Chair of Governors in his submission to the consultation. Roecliffe Primary School is close to capacity and over-subscribed in the early years, and Kirby Hill Primary School already exceeds the Council’s projection for 2025. On this basis alone, we would argue that the Government test for closure of a rural school is not met.

Lack of pupils in Skelton – The Council also argues there are no pupils at Skelton Newby Hall. Context is important here. This is not a natural state of affairs. The reason there are currently no pupils at the school is the combined result of the failure of the federation as well as a managed wind down. Despite what is stated in the Council documents, our school has not been marketed to the local area, there has been no effort to understand the success & failure of attracting & retaining pupils, a performance leading to a downgraded Ofsted rating of ‘Requires Improvement’, all of which lie at the heart of the school’s current situation.

As a Parish Council we have a duty to not only stand up for our local community but also speak out when we see decisions being made on false pretences. We have presented to you separately our material concerns about the capacity of the governing body to be in a competent and informed position to make the decision which has started this consultation process. The lack of understanding and attention to Skelton’s position, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 247