Combining infants and junior schools in south Liverpool allows “more efficient use of resources” it has been claimed.
Liverpool Council has taken a major step forward in the amalgamation of four schools into two in Aigburth and Garston after its cabinet agreed to publish formal plans to combine Sudley Infants and Junior into one provision, alongside Gilmour Infants and Junior across the city. The existing schools, subject to public response, would be discontinued and the new combined offer will operate from September 1.
The move to explore bringing the schools together as two primary provisions was brought about by the resignation of Ruth Thomas, headteacher at Sudley Infants, in December and retirement of Gilmour Infants’ head, Jayne Hathaway. The two Aigburth schools sit just 1,500 feet apart with Sudley Infants providing education for four to seven year olds and Sudley Juniors catering for those seven to 11.
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Less than half a mile divides the two facilities in Garston. Proposing the city council moves ahead with the publishing of statutory proposals to merge the schools, Cllr Tom Logan, cabinet member for education and skills, said the decision would provide “more efficient use of school resources” for children, staff and parents.
A four week consultation will now take place for stakeholders to have their say on the plans. A change management group will also be formed across the schools which will be composed of officers from school organisation, finance, human resources, school improvement and governor services to ensure there is a smooth transition
The new Sudley combined school would provide education for 840 pupils with an admission number of 120. A further 630 pupils will attend the new Gilmour school alongside its nursery class which can accommodate 26 children.
Consultation meetings were held at each of the existing schools with staff and parents outlining their views on the proposals. Documents accompanying the cabinet report said a main concern raised by all respondents was the timescale for decision making.
Further concerns were raised about the move being seen as a money saving exercise by the council and the potential of a larger school impacting pupil performance. The local authority said by bringing the schools together as one, it would deliver “continuity of education” which would ensure in most circumstances their child would not have to get to know another school, staff or policies.
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