MERGER COULD BE THE FUTURE FOR TWO SOUTH BRISTOL SCHOOLS

Knowle Park Infant and Junior Schools could become one school with one headteacher in the current building.

At a consultation meeting for parents and other interested parties on 21 November the council is to propose a merger of the two schools in line with its policy, which has seen seven amalgamations implemented last year.

The council is confident that there are a number of benefits in amalgamation which include:
- more efficient budgets
- a wider range of staff expertise
- the opportunity for children to stay in one school from age 4 to 11, with siblings attending the same school for longer
- increased professional development for staff
- smoother transitions from the Foundation Stage through Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2
- more subject specialists and a broader curriculum for children.

A temporary governing body, including members from the existing bodies, would oversee the transition and new staffing structure.

The council has a policy of moving towards a pattern of all-through primary schools across the city, rather than separate infant and junior schools.

When opportunities arise, such as the resignation of a headteacher, it considers the possibility of amalgamating the two schools to form a primary school. There is strong evidence that primary schools attract more high quality applicants than infant or junior school headteacher posts and performance in primary schools at the end of Key Stage 2 is better.

Knowle Park Infant and Junior Schools both currently have acting headteachers. The junior school advertised the headteacher post a number of times over the last year, but has been unsuccessful in making an appointment. The junior school governing body therefore decided to approach the infant school about the possibility of amalgamating the schools to form a primary school. 

In the summer of 2006 Knowle Park Infant School was put into Special Measures as a result of an inspection by Ofsted. This was followed by the resignation of the headteacher. The governing bodies of Knowle Park Infant and Junior Schools have discussed the options available to them and decided to consult on amalgamation to create a new primary school.
 
Councillor Jos Clark, Executive Member for Children, said:  "we already have merged schools which are very effective both financially and educationally.

But it is important to listen to parents and others with a stake in this before proceeding. We need everyone to fully understand the thinking behind a merger and to satisfy ourselves that they are happy with this approach for Knowle."

Ends

Press release issued: November 16 2006