Ref: PR2178
Date: 31/03/09

Wakefield Council's cabinet is set to meet this month to discuss the future of Standbridge Primary School.

The cabinet agreed on a report to consult on the closure of the school in December and that process has now been completed.

Falling pupil numbers, as well as two out of three Ofsted reports which placed the school in a category of concern, meant the Council had to consider a closure option for the long term benefit of the pupils and families.

Cllr Pat Garbutt, Wakefield Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Our children and young people deserve the best education we can provide and this will be at the heart of any final decisions we reach.

"We fully believe this is in the best interests of education in the area, but it is vital that we listen to as many views as possible which is why we have undertaken such an extensive consultation with staff, parents and other interested parties.

"We are working around an ethos of our children, our future - and they deserve the best. That includes schools fit for the 21st century and the Council is committed to providing these across the district."

It is likely that the cabinet will consider a report which asks them to approve the publication of a Statutory Notice, setting out the intention to close Standbridge Primary School in August.

If Cabinet agree to this, a Statutory Notice to close the school will be published on 20 April 2009. This will involve a six week formal consultation period until 29 May 2009. The notice will explain the ways in which people can make their views known.

Should this go ahead, notices will also be placed within the school and in all local public buildings. Further information will also be available on the Council's website at www.wakefield.gov.uk - see related links

The final decision is expected to be taken in July 2009.

Ends