781219 - Southend PS - Proposal Paper 9.8.23
Argyll and Bute Council · 24 August 2023
Back to Community Services Committee — 24 August 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Argyll and Bute Council Education Review of Education Provision Southend Primary School PROPOSAL DOCUMENT: August 2023 Appendix A
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2 Proposal for the closure of Southend Primary School SUMMARY PROPOSAL It is proposed that education provision at Southend Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024. The catchment area of Castlehill Primary School shall be extended to include the current catchment area of Southend Primary School. Reasons for this proposal This is the best option to address the reasons for the proposal which are; Southend Primary School has been mothballed for 2 years. The school roll is very low and not predicted to rise significantly in the near future. Along with several other rural Councils, Argyll and Bute is facing increasing challenges in recruiting staff. At the time of writing there are 16.29 fte vacancies for both teachers and headteachers in Argyll and Bute. Whilst the school is mothballed, the building is deteriorating with limited budget for maintenance. The annual cost of the mothballing of the building is £27,270. This document has been issued by Argyll and Bute Council in regard to a proposal in terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 as amended. This document has been prepared by the Council’s Education Service with input from other Council Services. DISTRIBUTION A copy of this document is available on the Argyll and Bute Council website: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/school-consultations-and-proposals A summary of this document will be provided to: The Parent Councils of the affected schools The parents of the pupils at the affected schools Parents of children expected to attend an affected school within 2 years of the date of publication of this Proposal Document The pupils, deemed to be of suitable age and maturity to be able to communicate a view on the proposal, at the affected schools The teaching and ancillary staff at the affected schools The trade unions representatives of the above staff Argyll and Bute Councillors – Ward 1 (South Kintyre)
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3 Campbeltown Community Council and Southend Community Council Community Planning Partnership Relevant users of the affected schools The Constituency MSP List MSPs for the area The Constituency MP Chief Superintendent, Police Scotland Chief Executive, NHS Highland Chief Executive Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) Area Commander, Fire Scotland Education Scotland A copy of this document is also available from: Council Headquarters, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT Education Offices, Argyll House, Dunoon, Argyll, PA23 8AJ Campbeltown Public Library, Kinloch Road, Town Centre, Campbeltown, PA28 6EG Lochgilphead Service Point, 1A Manse Brae, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RD Castlehill Primary School, Ralston Road,Campbeltown.PA28 6LE Dunaverty Hall, Southend, Campbeltown, Argyll & Bute, PA28 6RF
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4 This document is available in alternative formats or in translated form for readers whose first language is not English. If you would like this document in another language or format, or if you require the services of an interpreter, please apply to the Executive Director, Argyll and Bute Council Headquarters, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT. Jezeli chcieliby Pañstwo otrzymaO ten dokument w innym jzyku lub w innym formacie albo jeeIi potrzebna jest pomoc Uumacza, to prosimy o kontakt z nami.
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5 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 On 10th June 2021, Argyll and Bute Council approved the mothballing of Southend Primary School. The council agreed that officers would prepare a review of the school’s mothballing for the Committee’s June 2022 meeting at which members could decide on a continued period of mothballing or request Officers begin a preliminary exercise with a view to starting the pre- consultation process to consider the future options for Southend Primary School. Southend Primary School Mothballing Decision: https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=548&MId=14218& Ver=4 1.2 On 22nd August 2022, the Community Services Committee agreed that the Education Service would undertake the required preliminary consultation and an Options Appraisal for Southend Primary School. https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=548&MId=14784& Ver=4 1.3 The Community Services Committee received a report on 9th March 2023 providing details of the Options Appraisal for Southend Primary School; carried out in accordance with the preliminary requirements set out in Section 12A of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, as amended. The Committee agreed to note the outcome of this consideration of the preliminary requirements and requested that officers formulate a draft proposal for consideration at the meeting of the Community Services Committee on 24th August 2023 which, if approved, would subsequently trigger the formal consultation process under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=548&MId=15032& Ver=4 1.4 The statutory process for the closure of a rural school is laid out in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 as amended by the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. The Act, as amended, introduced a presumption against closure of a rural school and details specific requirements which the education authority is required to follow if they are formulating a proposal to close a rural school. This includes the introduction of certain preliminary requirements which must be satisfied prior to the formulation of a proposal. 1.5 In addition, the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 sets out a new right for community organisations to request the transfer of local assets into local community ownership/management. This may be something that the Community wish to consider as part of or as a consequence of this process. Public bodies including Councils must consider such requests and make a decision within six months of receiving a valid request.
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6 1.6 Southend Primary School has had zero pupils enrolled since elected members approved its mothballing. 1.7 There is a requirement to have special regard to the rural schools factors prior to formulating a proposal to close a rural school. In particular it is necessary to consider any reasonable alternatives before considering closure. It is also necessary to consider the impact on the wider community of a potential closure and the impact of any different travel arrangements. These factors have been considered in the preliminary requirements which were undertaken prior to this proposal being written. A full assessment of the preliminary requirements is set out in the Options Appraisal, which is attached as Appendix 5. 1.8 A new Corporate Plan (2023-2027) was agreed by the Council on 29th June 2023. The Plan contains the new set of Council Priorities. The Argyll and Bute Corporate Plan 2023-2027 states its vision of a successful and vibrant Argyll and Bute with a growing population and thriving economy. The area has a rich mix of remote, rural and island communities. The Council will use its strong track record in partnership working, at all levels, to secure the best possible outcomes. In the Corporate Plan for 2023-2027, through the agreed priorities, the Council will ensure: Children and young people will attain and achieve at all stages We will improve outcomes for our children and young people Our schools are effective, sustainable learning environments Continued support for all of our children and young people with additional support needs across Argyll and Bute, within our schools and other service areas We will support connections to, from and within Argyll and Bute Recognition of the importance of marine connections to and from our island and mainland communities and our role in maintaining these links We will reduce our carbon emissions We seek to increase availability of all types of housing, including affordable homes We build up and strengthen our communities as attractive, vibrant places to live, work and do business We make assets work now while we plan for and invest in the future We commit to working in partnership wherever we need to as well as calling on others, with responsibility, to take the action that is required to safeguard Argyll and Bute’s success 1.9 The Council, as an Education Authority, has a statutory duty in terms of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 to make adequate and efficient provision of school education across their entire area for the current school population and future pattern of demand. This is reflected in “Our Children, Their Future” which is the Education Vision and Strategy for Argyll and Bute Council.
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7 2 PROPOSAL 2.1 It is proposed that education provision at Southend Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024; and that the catchment area of Castlehill Primary School shall be extended to include the current catchment area of Southend Primary School. Reasons for the Proposal 2.2 This is the best option to address the underlying reasons for the proposal which are: Southend Primary School has been mothballed for two years. The school roll fell to zero as parents were choosing to place their children in schools outwith the Southend catchment area. The school roll is not predicted to rise significantly in the near future. Along with several other rural councils, Argyll and Bute is facing increasing challenges in recruiting staff. At the time of writing there are 16.29 fte vacancies for both Head Teachers and Teachers in Argyll and Bute. Whilst the school is mothballed, the building is deteriorating with limited budget for maintenance. The annual cost of the mothballing of the building is £27,270. Additional Considerations The Council needs to allocate its resources in a way that ensures the quality of all of its services; This proposal will bring educational benefits and assist in ensuring that the Education budget is more sustainable into the future. This proposal document contains an Educational Benefits Statement; The costs per pupil in under-occupied schools are excessively high; Schools in the Council area are expensive to maintain and operate. Retaining unnecessary accomodation is a serious drain on the resources of the Council and diverts spending from areas that directly affect the educational attainment of pupils; and There is no realistic possibility at present of the Council being able to bring its whole school estate up to a satisfactory condition. The present condition is unsustainable and can only be improved by reducing the extent of the estate. 3 PRELIMINARY REQUIREMENTS 3.1 The Council is required to consider the future of Southend Primary School, as it has been mothballed for two years. The Council have considered the
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8 reasons for making this proposal, and have also considered other viable alternatives, the likely effect on the community and the likely effect of different travelling arrangements as a consequence of this proposal. Financial implications have also been considered. Some of these figures have been recalculated since the Options Appraisal was produced. 3.2 The Council considered how the implementation of this proposal would impact on the education of the children affected. The Council also considered the impact on the children who currently live in the catchment area but attend other schools, as well as children who may potentially live in the catchment area in the future. 3.3 The place of the school in the community was also considered, in terms of the impact this proposal would have on the sustainability of the community itself. Since the mothballing of the School, the community has not used the school or the school grounds. Dunaverty Village Hall is used as the community hub and is situated more centrally within Southend village. 3.4 Impact on the environment was taken into account during the initial pre- consultation process. This included a consideration of the transport implications if this proposal was to be implemented, as children would have to travel by bus to attend Castlehill Primary School. 3.5 Four options were presented to the local community by the Council for consideration during the pre-consultation phase, as required by section 12A of the 2010 Act. 3.6 Of the four options which were considered by the community and the Council; (d) is the option favoured by the Council, as it was considered it most adequately addressed the reasons for the proposal. a) Re-open Southend Primary School, b) Continued Mothballing of Southend Primary with pupils zoned to Castlehill Primary School, c) Re-open Southend Primary School and realign its catchment area, d) Close Southend Primary School and realign its catchment area to Castlehill Primary School (The Proposal). When considering the above options; the positive educational benefits of Castlehill Primary School; alongside the factors of projected low pupil numbers, the challenges in recruiting teaching staff and the considerable expenditure needed to bring the building up to standard at Southend Primary School; in addition the lack of local support for reopening Southend Primary School - option (d) was considered the most appropriate response to the underlying reasons behind consideration of this proposal. 3.7 Following from an initial Options Appraisal which was presented to the Council’s Community Services Committee on 9th March 2023, it was agreed that the preliminary requirements were satisfied enabling the draft proposal to be formulated, with the option to close Southend Primary School and realign
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9 its catchment area to Castlehill Primary School being identified as the most adequate means of addressing the reasons for possible proposal. 3.8 During the preliminary consultation regarding the future options for Southend Primary School there were a range of viewpoints gathered from parents, young people and members of the community. 3.9 The community reflected that Southend Primary School had been an integral part of the community, and there were contrasting views on the options for the future of Southend Primary School. However, it was felt that the mothballing of the school and the building not being used at all was having a bigger negative impact on the community. Southend community felt that they benefitted greatly from vibrant use of their local hall. A re-purposing of the school building could potentially have a very positive impact on the sustainability of the community if the proposal were to progress. 3.10 Closing the school would have no impact on staff or pupil travel from the current arrangements since mothballing. There would be no alteration to the current environmental impact. Alternatives to the Proposal 3.11 The community engagement process prior to the drafting of this proposal considered the views of members of the community and also considered any other alternatives to the closure of Southend Primary School. Full details from the community engagement and the findings from the preliminary requirements, are set out in Appendix 5. 3.12 In conclusion, after the pre-consultation with the community, the Council feels that the proposal to close Southend Primary School and realign its catchment area to Castlehill Primary School is the most reasonable means to address the underlying reasons for considering the future of Southend Primary School. Further detail is provided in relation to educational benefits, travel, environmental impact, community impact and financial impact below. 4 ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSAL 4.1 It is proposed that education provision at Southend Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024. The catchment area of Castlehill Primary School shall be extended to include the current catchment area of Southend Primary School. 4.2 Southend Primary School has been mothballed for 2 years. The school condition is deteriorating with limited budgets for maintenance. The school roll is currently zero and is not predicted to rise significantly in the near future. The annual cost of the mothballing of the building is £27,270.
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10 4.3 Along with several other rural Councils, Argyll and Bute is facing increasing challenges in recruiting staff. At the time of writing there are 16.29 fte vacancies for Head Teachers and Teachers in Argyll and Bute. 4.4 The Council needs to allocate its resources in a way that ensures the quality of all of its services. 4.5 This proposal will bring educational benefits and assist in ensuring that the Education budget is more sustainable into the future. 4.6 The costs per pupil in under-occupied schools are excessively high. 4.7 Schools in the Council area are expensive to maintain and operate. Retaining unnecessary accomodation is a serious drain on the resources of the Council and diverts spending from areas that directly affect the educational attainment of pupils. 4.8 There is no realistic possibility at present of the Council being able to bring its whole school estate up to a satisfactory condition. The present condition is unsustainable and can only be improved by reducing the extent of the estate. 4.9 As part of the preliminary requirements in the drafting of this proposal, the Council considered four options. The favoured option by the Council is (d), as it was considered it most adequately addressed the reasons for the proposal. a) Re-open Southend Primary School; b) Continued Mothballing of Southend Primary with the pupils zoned to Castlehill Primary School; c) Re-open Southend Primary School and realign its catchment area; d) Close Southend Primary School and realign its catchment area to Castlehill Primary School (The Proposal). 4.10 Having considered these other alternatives the Council does not consider them to be viable alternatives to the closure proposal, and will proceed to consult on the proposal to close Southend Primary School and extend the catchment area of Castlehill Primary School to include the current catchment area for Southend Primary School. 4.11 The Council has undertaken an appraisal on impact if this proposal was to be implemented. 4.12 This includes an assessment of: The school roll and predicted school roll; Teacher numbers; and The condition of the building. 4.13 The Council has carefully considered and reviewed the steps it has taken to address the underlying reasons for the proposal (as outlined at Section 2.2, above), prior to formulating this Proposal Paper.
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11 4.13.1 In relation to the decline in the school roll, and no material increase being predicted in the forthcoming years, the Council mothballed the school two years ago as a result of a change to the School’s circumstances – i.e. the school roll falling to zero as of April 2021. The Education Authority therefore decided to mothball the school as a temporary measure – in order to monitor the situation and assess whether there was any likelihood of the school roll increasing to the extent that the School became viable again in the near future. The mothballing was subject to review at least annually and the Education Service undertook to review the position should any further school age pupils move into the catchment area and/or if they demonstrated a sufficient level of demand for the School to justify its re-opening. As mentioned above, the School has been mothballed for two years, and its roll is not predicted to rise in the forthcoming years to a level which would make the School suitable for re-opening. As there has been no material change in circumstance evidenced, and having kept the position under review via mothballing for two years, the Education Service are of the view that matters should now move forward in the form of a statutory closure consultation in order to determine the future of Southend Primary School. This approach aligns with that suggested by the Statutory Guidance for the 2010 Act, and Paragraphs 63-65 in particular. Further details in relation to the School roll are set out at Section 5 of this Proposal Paper. 4.13.2 In relation to the underlying reason for this proposal in regards to recruitment of teachers, the issues that have been faced by the Education Service regarding the recruitment of teachers to Southend Primary School are detailed at Section 6 of this Proposal Paper. Since 2020, in order to address this particular issue, and prior to formulating this proposal, the Education Service have offered a number of posts across the Authority area on a permanent basis to a locality, rather than to a temporary school, as an attempt to increase the likelihood of attracting a permanent post. The Council has also entered into a strategic housing agreement with social housing partners to support staff with sourcing accommodation (which is a particular pressure in remote areas of Argyll and Bute), as well as offering relocation packages. Furthermore, the Education Service continues to work with UHI Argyll to recruit more local candidates for teacher training. Notwithstanding these efforts, the recruitment of teaching staff within Argyll and Bute remains a considerable challenge, hence why it is still a main underlying reason for this closure proposal. 4.13.3 In relation to the underlying reason for this proposal concerning the condition of the school premises, the school property will continue to deteriorate whilst it remains mothballed. As mentioned at Paragraph 4.13.1, above, there is currently no evidence to suggest that the School will become viable for re-opening in the near future. Whilst the School remains mothballed, it costs the Council £27,270 annually. Accordingly,
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12 the Education Service are now seeking approval to proceed with a statutory closure consultation which, if subsequently implemented, will allow the Education Service to use any savings generated to the benefit of the other occupied schools and pupils within the Education Authority’s area. It would also allow for any plans for other uses of the School property to be progressed, as it will need to be permanently discontinued as an educational establishment in the first instance. Further details about the condition of the school building are set out within Section 7 of this Proposal Paper. 4.14 The Council has also undertaken an assessment of likely educational benefits or effects which this proposal may have if implemented on: The pupils of any affected school; Any other users of the school’s facilities; Any children who would (in the future but for implementation) be likely to become pupils of the school; and The pupils of any other schools in the Council area 4.15 In addition, the Council has also considered how to minimise or avoid any adverse educational effects that may arise from the implementation of this proposal. 4.16 The Council has also taken special regard to the following factors if this proposal was to be implemented, as Southend Primary School is classified as a very remote rural school. Likely effect on the local community to be assessed by reference to: o The sustainability of the community; and o Availability of the school’s premises and other facilities for use by the school community. Likely effect caused by different travelling arrangements by reference to the effect caused by such arrangements on: o Environmental impact; and o The schools pupils and staff and other users of the schools facilities. 4.17 Finally, the Council has also considered the financial implications of implementation of the proposal and information on this is set out later in this document. 5 SCHOOL ROLL 5.1 The information in relation to the school roll as shown below is drawn from the yearly pupil census which takes place in September each year. Past pupil numbers are historic data from past pupil censuses. Pupil projections are
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13 based on 3/5 years intake and updated post P1 registration. School rolls by their very nature may fluctuate slightly on an ongoing basis due to changes in pupil numbers as a result of pupils moving to and from the catchment area and parents/carers exercising their right to consider placing requests. The school roll of Southend Primary School has seen a considerable decline since 2017. Table 2: Southend PS Castlehill PS Roll Roll Capacity 50 459 2005-06 46 289 2006-07 41 276 2007-08 38 257 2008-09 33 243 2009-2010 32 218 2010-2011 27 195 2011-2012 22 189 2012-2013 22 178 2013-2014 18 180 2014-2015 17 184 2015-2016 16 188 2016-2017 18 182 2017-2018 5 197 2018-19 6 210 2019-20 7 205 2020 -2021 0 203 2021 -2022 0 194 2022-2023 0 189 Predicted Roll Table 3: Southend PS Castlehill PS Roll Roll Capacity 50 459 2023-2024 0 189 2024 -2025 8 180 2025-2026 8 173 *A prediction based on information available in March 2023. Southend information based on prediction available at December 2019
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14 5.2 In 2019-2020 the school roll dropped to 3 as a result of parents choosing to place their children in schools more central to Campbeltown. 5.3 There are currently 9 pupils who live within the Southend catchment area who are attending Castlehill Primary School. In addition, 1 pupil within the Southend catchment area attends Dalintober Primary School and 1 pupil attends Drumlemble Primary School. There continues to be no school aged children enrolled for Southend Primary School. Parents of school aged children are continuing to place their children in schools within the Campbeltown area, primarily Castlehill Primary School. 5.4 The school roll is not predicted to rise significantly in the future. The area around Southend is a small settlement and is not identified for growth in the Local Development Plan: Local Development Plan | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk) 5.5 There are no housing allocations and only two live planning permissions for residential development within the Southend catchment area. The adopted 2015 Local Development Plan (LDP) contains one allocation for housing in the Southend Primary School Catchment Area. This allocation is for 14 units and is in Southend itself (reference H-AL 14/8). No planning applications have been approved on this allocation (as at 30/4/2023). 5.6 The adopted LDP is due to be replaced by Local Development Plan 2 during 2023. Housing allocation H-AL 14/8 was not included in Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (PLDP2) which was subject to public consultation. The lack of inclusion of this allocation was not objected to during the public consultation and as such it is not subject to the current examination of the plan being carried out by Reporters. It is therefore highly unlikely that it will be included in Local Development Plan 2 once adopted. 5.7 The adopted LDP and PLDP2 also contain Potential Development Areas (PDAs) which are areas where specific development opportunities may be supported through the life of the LDP where known constraints can be overcome. There are no PDAs for Housing in the Southend Primary School Catchment Area in the adopted LDP or PLDP2. 5.8 Planning consents not on allocated or PDA sites are known as ‘windfall’ consents. In terms of windfall planning consents for dwellings in the Southend Primary School Catchment Area, there are: 0 x Planning consents for dwellings still within the normal 3 year consent lifespan. 2 x Planning consents for 1 dwelling each that are older than the normal 3 year consent lifespan but currently appear to be ‘under construction’. These would therefore likely be considered as ‘extant’ and in which case could be completed (construction timeframes are unknown).
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15 5.9 There are no adopted LDP or PLDP2 Business and Industry allocations or PDAs in the Southend Primary School Catchment Area. 6 TEACHER NUMBERS 6.1 Teacher numbers are improving nationally, with a 6.3% increase in the number of teachers nationally from 2016 - 2022. In Argyll and Bute there has been a 3.1% reduction in the fte number of teachers from 2016- 2022. 6.2 As the school has been mothballed for over 2 years, the issue of recruitment of staff has not improved. At the time of writing this report there are 16.29 fte vacancies for class teachers in Argyll and Bute. Schools within the area have struggled to recruit staff, particularly in relation to Head Teachers and supply staff. Despite a sustained effort to secure staff, there is no reason to think that staffing would not continue to be a considerable challenge for Southend Primary School. 6.3 At the current time, if the proposal was to be accepted, there would be no impact on staffing levels at Castlehill Primary School. 7 CONDITION OF THE BUILDING 7.1 Argyll and Bute Council’s School Estate Management Planning process identified in 2022 that the condition of Southend Primary School was satisfactory and graded a B. Outlined in the Options Appraisal (Appendix 5 – section 6.3) are the full financial details in reference to costs for the re-opening the building or continuing to retain the building as mothballed. 7.2 As part of the consultation process the Council would be open to discussion with the community in regard to the future of the building. This might involve the transfer of the building to a recognised community group through the provisions of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 or some other agreed mechanism. This may provide the community with an opportunity to utilise the building as a driver for community benefit and potential regeneration that could also enhance the sustainability of the community. EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS STATEMENT 8 Assessment of likely educational benefits on pupils 8.1 If this proposal is implemented, the Council believes that there will be considerable educational benefits arising from this. These centre around; Learning and teaching; Meeting learners needs; Broadening the range of opportunities; and The environment for learning.
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16 8.2 This statement focusses on Castlehill Primary School, which is the school pupils from the Southend Primary School catchment area have previously attended from June 2021. 8.3 The principles of Curriculum for Excellence recognise the professionalism of teachers and the importance of this in exercising the freedom and responsibility associated with broader guidance. This means that schools are able to design their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their children and community. There are no specific educational benefits from reopening Southend Primary School as all schools implement Curriculum for Excellence ensuring effective learning and teaching that is matched to the needs of children, however the closure of the school and continued attendance of pupils at other schools allows children to experience a curriculum that is matched to their needs. 8.4 Southend Primary School is set within a very remote rural area (Scottish Government classification). Castlehill Primary School is situated within the town of Campbeltown, the central location has allowed the school to benefit from a range of community partners and strong links with Campbeltown Grammar School. Learners benefit from the relationships formed within the school community that helps support their transition to secondary school. Families benefit from education that is close to their place of work and support networks. 8.5 Castlehill Primary School is situated next to Campbeltown Nursery Centre. The partnership between Campbeltown Nursery Centre and Castlehill Primary School provides a strong transition process for the children moving from Nursery into Primary one, through liaison between the two settings. 9 Learning and Teaching 9.1 The curriculum includes a broad range of experiences which are planned for children and young people through their education, to help every child and young person to develop knowledge, skills and attributes for success in learning, life and work. In Castlehill Primary School, children are encouraged to be eager and active participants who are engaged, resilient and highly motivated during their learning. Children know that their views are sought, valued and acted upon. The work that has been undertaken in this has been evidenced through the school’s Rights Respecting Schools journey, achieving Bronze accreditation. 9.2 The learning environment encourages high level of achievement, providing a wide range of opportunities for children to achieve their full potential within the four contexts of learning. In Castlehill Primary School children benefit from being part of a social context in which they can build relationships with different groups and individuals, develop social skills, meet challenges and exercise responsibilities as members of a social group. They are able to interact and socialise with groups of children of their own gender, take part in
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17 team activities and move with their peers to secondary school. Castlehill Primary School has achieved Bronze recognition in its Nurture approach as part of Argyll & Bute’s OCTNE strategy. Through the Options Appraisal process, one pupil reported that they had increased opportunities as a result of being at a larger school. Another pupil reported that they were less stressed now because of the transport arrangements in place. 9.3 There is a continual challenge for all schools to deliver a school improvement agenda and deliver effectively the principles and outcomes of curriculum for excellence. The National Improvement Framework priorities include raising attainment for all, and closing the gap between the most and least disadvantaged children. 9.4 The principles of Curriculum for Excellence recognise the professionalism of teachers and the importance of this in exercising the freedom and responsibility associated with broader guidance. This means that schools are able to design their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their children and community. 9.5 At Castlehill Primary School, staff are challenged and supported through a range of continuous professional development and review opportunities gained by working and learning with a range of colleagues. Castlehill Primary School is part of the Mid Argyll and Kintyre Cluster and is also part of a shared headship that includes Carradale Primary School and Drumlemble Primary School. This means that staff can be supported together, moderation and tracking of pupil progress is enabled and staff work across stage appropriate groups. Colleagues within Castlehill Primary School are able to support and challenge each other on a daily basis. The whole staff are able to bring a range of talents and skills to benefit outcomes for learners. 9.6 Castlehill Primary School encourages a nurturing environment and positive relationships. This is particularly evident in the playground and in the dining room when groups of children are together in a social context. The school works actively with partners to develop the support offered to pupils. Examples of this includes Active Schools, Bikeability, Roots of Empathy and the Royal Highland Trust. 10 Meeting learners’ needs 10.1 Through the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), practice model, meeting the needs of every child continues to be a priority and teachers carefully plan and assess to ensure each child has the opportunity to reach their potential. Careful tracking and monitoring procedures are in place to evidence pupil progress. This includes professional dialogue with teachers, learning discussions with children, classroom observations, assessment and looking at pupil work. 10.2 The school also has planned meetings and discussions with parents. These discussions between home and school improve parental engagement whilst
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18 focussing on next steps for learning. Where appropriate, intervention is put in place, while working effectively with other agencies and parents to ensure the needs of each child are met. Most children are achieving national expectations in reading, writing, listening, talking and numeracy. Health and Wellbeing continues to develop within the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) programme, which supports positive behaviours and relationship within the school. 10.3 The staff, parent body and partner groups also bring opportunities for increased collaborative working. This applies both in terms of the wider curriculum and within aspects of the curriculum that may be enhanced by staff individual expertise e.g. PE, language, science, expressive arts teaching. 11 Broadening the Range of Opportunities 11.1 Children are offered a range of active, planned experiences which help them develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes which they need for their mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing both now and in the future. 11.2 There is also a strong transition planning process between Castlehill Primary School and Campbeltown Grammar School, which involves increased opportunities for children to participate and to make new connections. 11.3 Children are provided with a variety of experiences to develop their sense of responsibility, independence, confidence and enterprising attitude. 11.4 Across the school, children are engaged with learning and contribute well in lessons. Staff promote positive relationships at all levels, the impact of this being that children enjoy good relationships with their peers, young leaders feel confident and entrusted to take these developments forward. 12 Environment for Learning 12.1 Castlehill Primary School is a suitably-equipped and well supported school, situated in the town of Campbeltown. The entire building is well maintained. The school has a large playground area that wraps around the school building. The building has facilities for pupils and visitors with special access needs. 12.2 The children maintain links with friends who live in their own village as well as creating links with children from the town. These relationships also extend into clubs and activities that take place in Campbeltown out-with the school day. 12.3 Southend Primary School is 8.7 miles from Castlehill Primary School. Any mitigating effects around the adverse weather and transport issues are outweighed by the benefits of this proposal.
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19 12.4 In summary, there are a range of educational benefits for pupils if this proposal was to be implemented, as summarised in the paragraphs above. There are benefits for the development of social and emotional skills, as well as the educational benefits resultant from access to a more diverse curriculum. The learning environment in Castlehill Primary School also offers children the opportunity to participate in a wider range of active learning strategies. 13 Assessment of likely educational benefits on other users of the school’s facilities Implications for staff 13.1 If this proposal is implemented, there will be no new implications for teaching and ancillary staff in Castlehill Primary School. 13.2 If this proposal is implemented, the Council does not envisage any adverse effects from the proposal in respect of staffing. Should issues arise however, these will be mitigated through the Council Educational Management Team support structure. Early Learning Centre Users – Pre Five Children 13.3 The close location for Campbeltown Nursery Centre and Castlehill Primary School enables a strong transition process between the nursery and the school and includes joint early level learning every week. 14 Assessment of likely educational benefits on any children who would (in the future but for implementation) be likely to become pupils of the school. Existing and future pupils 14.1 Children who may live in this catchment area in the future will benefit from the broad range of educational opportunities which are presented through this proposal, as detailed above. 14.2 There would be positive educational benefits associated with this proposal. The management arrangements of the school would be strengthened and there would be opportunities for increasing the range of the curriculum and increasing the use of active pedagogies. 14.3 The proposal could increase the roll of Castlehill Primary School and would thus extend the peer group for all pupils, present and future. The larger school should be able to support a wider range of social and extra-curricular activities. 14.4 Pupils who would otherwise have attended Southend Primary School, which consists of one large open plan classroom, library, active play area and snug, would benefit from daily interaction in a larger peer group and from improved
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20 educational arrangements as described above. Pupils in the combined school will have more shared experiences and opportunity for friendships. This will enhance their confidence and make the transition to secondary easier. Larger year groups make the provision of specialist services more viable and provide enhanced opportunities for school trips. Castlehill Primary School meets all the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. 15 Assessment of likely educational benefits on the pupils of any other schools in the Council area 15.1 The current mothballing of the school has had an indirect effect on other pupils in Argyll and Bute. The reduction in the running costs for the school means that this is a saving to the Council, which is not taken from elsewhere. If Southend Primary School was to close, the current mothballing costs being incurred would be re-directed and therefore indirectly benefit other school pupils in Argyll and Bute. 15.2 There are no other significant impacts from this proposal on other pupils in the authority or who attend other schools, in either a positive or a negative way. Placing requests 15.3 This proposal will not affect the right of parents to request that their child attend a school of their choice rather than the designated school in whose catchment area the family lives as provided by the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. 16 Consideration of how to minimise or avoid any adverse effects that may arise from the implementation of this proposal 16.1 The main adverse effect from this proposal would be the length of the journey to school for children who live in the Southend Primary School catchment area. However, children who previously lived in this catchment area and attended Castlehill Primary School made this journey, and families in the area do not feel this is a major consideration. Funded school transport would also continue to be provided for pupils should this proposal be implemented. Pupil and parent feedback from the community engagement event provided positive feedback with regards to transport arrangements. 17 Summary of educational benefits statement 17.1 Educational benefits of this proposal, such as the ability for children to participate in a broad range of experiences, the development of the strategic leadership of the head teacher in taking forward improvements in learning and teaching, and the ability to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of the children are significant benefits to this proposal. During the pre- consultation phase, these benefits were explored in detail and details from the
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21 community engagement and the findings from the preliminary requirements, to include the alternative proposals and the authority’s assessment of other likely effects of the proposal and the reasons for that assessment are attached as Appendix 5. 17.2 Whilst the positive educational benefits are numerous, there is one negative aspect identified which arises from the children attending Castlehill Primary School. This negative aspect is principally around the fact that children have to travel by either bus or car to school. However it is considered that the positive aspects of this proposal outweigh the negative aspect of some travelling for children. It is worth noting that the broad and very rural area that Southend covers, requires pupils to travel to and from school by bus or car. There is no pavement running from Southend village to Southend Primary School. 18 FACTORS FOR RURAL SCHOOL CLOSURES 18.1 The Council has taken special regard to the following factors in relation to this proposal as Southend Primary School is classified as a very remote rural school. The likely effect on the local community if this proposal is implemented 18.2 The Council has made an assessment on the sustainability of the community should this proposal be implemented and considers that this may have a positive impact. 18.3 The Scottish Government focuses on four key areas of importance to rural communities; a strong and diverse rural economy, harnessing traditional strengths and with an appetite for change, thriving rural communities where everyone can enjoy a decent quality of life, where the young are not forced to leave their communities to get on and where the vulnerable are no longer excluded, strong, community focused public services that are accessible, of the highest possible quality and with the greatest possible choice, a rural Scotland whose natural and cultural heritage flourishes in all its diversity 18.4 In rural communities, the challenges and opportunities are largely defined by the local area and can often best be met by a bottom-up, community-led response. Strong community leadership is vital to articulating local priorities and driving forward change and growth. 18.5 There is the potential if this proposal is implemented to capitalise on the existing will and drive in this community, with opportunities for local leaders to enable them to organise, motivate and inspire their neighbours. The
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22 opportunity for the local community to acquire this building could be key to helping to make this community an independent, resilient place to live. Management of assets such as Southend Primary School may be an important step in building community confidence, promoting growth and enabling communities to realise their aspirations. 18.6 Research1 has shown that when communities feel empowered, there is: greater participation in local democracy; increased confidence and skills among local people; more people volunteering in their communities; and greater satisfaction with quality of life in the neighbourhood. 18.7 Within Southend there is Dunaverty Village Hall which is used for community events. Almost all people who attended the preliminary consultation strongly stated the school building not be allowed to fall in to further disrepair. There was a strong feeling that the building should be used to support tourism or provide opportunities for outdoor learning for children and young people. 18.8 It is considered that formal closure of this school could have a positive impact on the wider community, and may lead to an increase in other users of the facility which may lead to an improvement in economic growth. It was felt that the building not being in use, reflected negatively on the community. 18.9 Indeed, the school closure may help to empower the local community should the community wish to undertake an asset transfer process for the building. This could have a positive impact on community sustainability. Formal closure would mean that these plans could potentially be progressed by the community who are already considering future uses for the building. This may enhance community life by giving a community enterprise focus. On the availability of the school’s premises and its other facilities for use by the community 18.10 During the pre-consultation phase, members of the community had varying opinions on the closure of the school. All members of the community were strongly of the opinion that continuing to mothball the school or extending the catchment area were not options. Within Southend there is Dunaverty Hall which is used for community events. All people who attended the pre- consultation meeting felt that the school building should be retained for community use and not allowed to fall in to further disrepair, as that would adversely impact on the aesthetic of the community. 18.11 It is accepted that a school closure may have an adverse effect on a community, but a community hub could be an asset to the community. If the local plans for the building progress, this could have a positive impact on the sustainability of the community and in particular the availability of the school’s premises and other facilities for use by the community. Formal closure of the 1 https://www.gov.scot/policies/community-empowerment/
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23 school would mean that these plans could potentially be progressed by the community. The likely effect caused by any different travelling arrangements 18.12 The travel distance (AA route finder) from Southend Primary to Castlehill Primary is 8.7 miles via the B842. Travel time is approximately 14 minutes. The travel arrangements have been in place for almost two years. Travel is an accepted aspect of living in the Southend community. 18.13 Implementation of the proposal would have no effect on the current travel arrangements of staff and pupils. The closure of Southend Primary School, in terms of current travel arrangements would have a neutral effect on the environment. There is no current annual transport cost for pupils to travel to Castlehill Primary School. 18.14 It is anticipated that the effect on the travel arrangements of staff and other users of the facility would not differ materially from that of the pupils accessing the school. Environmental impact 18.15 Currently nine pupils travel to Castlehill Primary School from the Southend Primary School Catchment area. Therefore, this option would have a neutral environmental impact on the current position and would have no impact on the current travel arrangements for staff and pupils. 18.16 If this proposal was to be implemented there would be little or no impact on the natural environment. 19 FINANCIAL IMPACT 19.1 The full breakdown of the financial analysis is detailed in Appendix 4. Some of this information has been recalculated since the Options Appraisal was prepared. In particular the annual cost of mothballing the school has been recalculated from £5,936 to £27,270. This information gives details on the estimated cost if Southend Primary School was still to be an occupied and operational establishment. However, as Southend Primary School is currently mothballed, the cost for the mothballing is estimated at £27,270 per year. Should the school be reopened, occupied and operational, the running costs per year are estimated at £299,054. 19.2 Column 2 of Table 1 at Appendix 4 shows the projected annual running costs of Southend whilst Column 3 shows the additional impact on Castlehill Primary as the receiving school. The annual recurring savings (or costs) are shown in Column 4. 19.3 The main elements included within a school budget are teacher employment costs (i.e. basic salary costs plus related employer’s National Insurance and
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24 Superannuation contributions plus any relevant individual allowances); Local Government employee costs and an allocation for discretionary expenditure incurred by the school (i.e. educational equipment, materials, staff travel, etc.). Teacher staffing budgets are calculated on an annual basis and within the primary sector are determined, taking cognisance of the SNCT class size maxima, by the number of classes required to provide for the specific number and age of the pupils in each school. When a school ceases to be operational the teacher staffing budget is adjusted (at the appropriate time), per entitlement information from Education HR, with the staffing budget resulting in a nil value. 19.4 In line with the national priority of maintaining teacher numbers, the Education Service operates on the basis that supernumerary teachers are redeployed and therefore their salary costs still exist with an increase to the receiving school’s budget. Some of the costs noted in column 3 of Table 1 will not directly impact on Castlehill Primary School but they will be a cost to the Authority as a whole, for example school transport, and the costs of maintaining the teachers employed in Southend Primary School. 19.5 There are currently no annual transport costs for pupils to attend Southend Primary School. Transport costs per year to attend Southend Primary School, if it were to be reopened, are estimated at £131,238.48 per year. There is no change to the transport costs for pupils to attend Castlehill Primary School due to the service route in place. 19.6 Table 2 contains the notional 30 year lifecycle costs that would arise based on the GIA of the various schools irrespective of the number of pupils accommodated. Lifecycle costs are representative of the cost needed to keep the building in a good state of repair. The cost over the next thirty years therefore to maintain Southend Primary School is £465,114 and for Castlehill Primary School this is £3,400,423. 19.7 Table 3 contains the annual running costs during mothballing of Southend Primary School and these are estimated at £27,270 per year. This includes non-domestic rates, utility costs, insurances, etc. If the school was to be formally closed, this would allow the Council to take steps towards selling the school to a third party or local community. 19.8 The transfer of pupils from Southend Primary to Castlehill Primary School would impact on the council’s Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) allocation for Castlehill Primary School Teaching Staff as there would be a reduction in the Percentage of Primary Pupils in Small Schools. This reduction is estimated at £22,569. However Argyll and Bute Council is supported through the floor mechanism so would not see a reduction in their overall funding. 20 EQUALITY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT The Council as a public authority has a duty under the Equality Act 2010, the Public Sector Equality Duty 2011, the Fairer Scotland Duty (Part one of the
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25 Equality Act) and the Islands (Scotland) Act (2018) to have due regard to their provisions when making strategic financial decisions. This is done through assessing the potential impact of the decision on equality through Equality and Socio-Economic Impact Assessments (EQSEIAs). The Council will undertake the process of assessment during the consultation process in respect of this proposal to ensure that due regard is given to such matters in the decision making process. 21 CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS 21.1 Prior to formulating a rural school closure proposal under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 (the 2010 Act), as amended, the Education Authority must satisfy the preliminary requirements set out in Section 12A of the 2010 Act. The Authority has previously identified its reasons for formulating a possible proposal, considered whether there were any reasonable alternatives to the possible proposal as a response to those reasons, and assessed each of the options in accordance with Section 12A(2)(c) of the 2010 Act. After considering a paper addressing these preliminary requirements, the Education Authority decided on 9th March 2023 that, having specific regard to the reasons for formulating a prospective closure proposal, the option to close Southend Primary School and redraw its catchment area to Castlehill Primary School is the most appropriate response to the specific reasons for the potential proposal. 21.2 This document was considered by the Council as Education Authority on 24th August 2023 when it was agreed that it should be adopted as a relevant proposal and issued as a basis for consultation. No decision will be taken by the Council on the proposal contained in this paper until after the end of the consultation period. The Council will then receive a report on the consultation and will reach a view on the proposal. 21.3 A summary of this document will be issued free of charge to all of the consultees listed on page 2 of this document and it will also be published on the Council’s website: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/school-consultations-and-proposals 21.4 As part of a consultation process, the Education Authority must publish the proposal paper, advertise it and notify Education Scotland and all of the relevant consultees as prescribed by Schedule 2 of the 2010 Act, inviting them to make representations on the proposal. The consultation period will be from 31st August 2023 until the close of business on 27th October 2023 which lasts for a minimum of 6 weeks and includes at least 30 school days. 21.5 A public meeting will be held at Southend Primary School on 27th September 2023 at 6.00pm. Anyone wishing to attend the meeting and participate is welcome to do so. The meeting will be convened by the Education Authority and the Education Authority will present reasons for bringing forward the
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26 proposal. There will be an opportunity for questions to be asked and comments to be made. A note will be taken so that comments can later be summarised and considered. However, the Education Authority will also consider written comments which should be sent to Education Services, School Consultations, Argyll & Bute Council, Argyll House, Dunoon, Argyll, PA23 8AJ and should be received no later than 5.00pm on 27th October 2023. 21.6 Written representations may be made on the proposal and the alternatives to the proposal. Written representations may also suggest other alternatives to the proposal. 21.7 Following the close of the consultation, the Education Authority will provide Education Scotland with copies of the written representations submitted, a summary of the oral representations made at the public meeting and any other relevant documentation. This will allow Education Scotland to prepare a report on the proposal within a period of 3 weeks. 21.8 After receiving Education Scotland’s report, the Education Authority will then prepare and publish a Consultation Report in accordance with Sections 9, 10 and 13 of the 2010 Act. The Education Authority will thereafter make its final decision on whether to implement the proposal. The decision will be published a minimum of 3 weeks after publication of the Consultation Report. If the Education Authority makes a closure decision, it shall notify the Scottish Ministers within 6 working days of that decision and publish the fact that the Scottish Ministers have been notified, and that representations can be made to them. The Education Authority would also be required to publish a notice on its website of the decision to implement the proposal and why it has been satisfied that closure is the most appropriate response to the reasons for formulating the proposal. 21.9 The Scottish Ministers will have a maximum of 8 weeks to call in any closure decision made by the Education Authority in certain circumstances. This 8 week timeframe would consist of an initial 3 weeks from the date of decision, during which representations can be made to the ministers, and a further 5 weeks for the Scottish Ministers to decide whether to issue a call in notice. During this period the Education Authority will not proceed to implement any closure decision. 21.10 If the Scottish Ministers call in a closure proposal, it is referred to the Convener of the School Closure Review Panels. The Convener must constitute a School Closure Review Panel within 7 days for determination. The Education Authority may not implement a closure decision in whole or in part until the Panel has made its determination. It will usually issue a decision within 8 weeks of the Panel being constituted. 21.11 If the School Closure Review Panel refuses to consent to the closure decision, or following publication of the Consultation Report the Education Authority decides not to implement the closure proposal, the Education Authority cannot publish a further closure proposal in relation to the school for 5 years, unless there is a significant change in the school’s circumstances.
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27 22 CONCLUSION 22.1 It is proposed that education provision at Southend Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024. The catchment area of Castlehill Primary School shall be extended to include the current catchment area of Southend Primary School. 22.2 It has been assessed that the proposal is the most appropriate means of addressing the underlying reasons for formulating it, which are: Southend Primary School has been mothballed for two years. The school roll is currently zero and is not predicted to rise significantly in the near future. Along with several other rural Councils, Argyll and Bute is facing increasing challenges in recruiting staff. At the time of writing there are 16.29 fte vacancies for teachers and head teachers in Argyll and Bute. Whilst vacant, the condition of the school premises will continue to detriorate, with limited budgets for maintenance. The annual cost of the mothballing of the building is £27,270. Other Considerations The Council needs to allocate its resources in a way that ensures the quality of all of its services. This proposal will bring educational benefits to all present and future users of the affected schools and assist in ensuring that the Education budget is more sustainable into the future; The costs per pupil in under-occupied schools are excessively high; Schools in the Council area are expensive to maintain and operate; Retaining unessecary accomodation is a serious drain on the resources of the Council and diverts spending from areas that directly affect the educational attainment of pupils; There is no realistic possibility at present of the Council being able to bring its whole school estate up to a satisfactory condition. The present condition is unsistainable and can only be improved by reducing the extent of the estate. DOUGLAS HENDRY Executive Director with responsibility for Education Councillor Yvonne McNeilly Policy Lead for Education
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28 For further information contact: Jennifer Crocket Chief Education Officer/ Head of Education: Wellbeing, Inclusion and Achievement Jennifer.Crocket@argyll-bute.gov.uk Rosie Mackay Education Manager Rosie.mackay@argyll-bute.gov.uk 9th August 2023 APPENDICES Appendix 1 - Consultation Letter Appendix 2 - Response form Appendix 3 - Maps Appendix 4 - Financial template Appendix 5 - Options Appraisal
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29 Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra Ghàidheal agus Bhòid Executive Director: Douglas Hendry Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA318RT Telephone: 01436 657674 Fax: Our Ref: Ref: If phoning or calling please ask for: e-mail: Rosie.Mackay@argyll-bute.gov.uk Council Website: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk Southend Primary School Dear Consultee, Review of Education Provision Notice and Summary of Proposal for closing Southend Primary School Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010 Background Argyll and Bute Council, through its Education Service, aims to realise ambition, excellence and equity for all. The Council is consulting on a proposal to close Southend Primary School. This notice provides a summary of a proposal that you may have an interest in or are required to be notified of, giving you key information about the proposal. The Council is conducting a public consultation process. This will commence on 31st August 2023 and will conclude on 27th October 2023. This is the period within which you will be able to make written representations to the Council in respect of the proposal. If you wish your view to be taken account of in the consultation exercise you must submit your written representation within this period. This notice and summary provides further information on where a full copy of the proposal may be obtained or referenced and also advises on how you can make written representations to the Council. The Council will hold a meeting where officers will be able to provide information on the proposal. The details of the public meeting are contained in this notice and summary. It is important that everyone we are consulting tells us what they think of the proposal. Please read this notice and summary and then consider the contents of the proposal document. You can then tell us what you think of the proposal by making APPENDIX 1
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30 written representation and/or by attending the public meeting. This notice and summary tell you how to do that. The Proposal It is proposed that education provision at Southend Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024. The catchment area of Castlehill Primary School shall be extended to include the current catchment area of Southend Primary School. Reasons for this proposal This is considered to be the best option to address the reasons for the proposals which are; Southend Primary School has been mothballed for 2 years. The school roll is very low and not predicted to rise significantly in the near future. Along with several other rural Councils, Argyll and Bute is facing increasing challenges in recruiting staff. At the time of writing there are 16.29 fte vacancies for both teachers and headteachers in Argyll and Bute. Whilst the school is mothballed, the building is deteriorating with limited budget for maintenance. The annual cost of the mothballing of the building is £27,270. The Council’s education strategy Our Children Their Future Together we will realise ambition, excellence and equality for all. Raise educational attainment and achievement for all, Use performance information to secure improvement for children and young people, Ensure children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed, Equip young people to secure and sustain positive destinations and achieve success in life, Ensure high quality partnership working and community engagement, Strengthen leadership at all levels. Alternatives to the Proposal The following alternatives to the proposal were considered at the preliminary pre- consultation stage of this process; a) Re-open Southend Primary School, b) Continued Mothballing of Southend Primary with the pupils zoned to Castlehill Primary School, c) Re-open Southend Primary School and realign its catchment area, d) Close Southend Primary School and realign its catchment area to Castlehill Primary School (the Proposal).
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31 Written representations may be made on those alternatives as well as on the proposal. Written representations on the proposal may suggest other alternatives to the proposal. What will we do? We will consult with people by: Providing a notice of the consultation and a summary of the proposal to the relevant consultees this is that notice and summary Placing an advert in the local press Putting information on our website https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/school- consultations-and-proposals Holding a public meeting to explain the proposal Ask parents, carers, children, young people, teachers, support staff and others to tell us what they think of the proposals. What to do now? Please read the full proposal document Please attend the Public Meeting which will be held on 27th September 2023 at 6.00pm in Southend Primary School. Let us know what you think by: Letter to: Education Services School Consultations Argyll & Bute Council Argyll House Alexandra Parade Dunoon PA23 8AJ Returning the attached response sheet by post or by; Email to: argyllhousereception@argyll-bute.gov.uk What next? Whilst the Council is engaging in a consultation process in relation to this proposal that does not mean that the proposal will go ahead. It does mean that the Council is engaging in a consultation process to seek your views on the proposal. All the points raised during the consultation will be carefully considered and Elected Members will then decide if the plan should go ahead. If the suggestion goes ahead, any children from Southend Primary School catchment area would be educated at Castlehill Primary School.
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32 Please note that this summary document is for convenience only. Full details of the consultation can be obtained from: Council Headquarters, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT Education Offices, Argyll House, Dunoon, Argyll, PA23 8AJ Campbeltown Public Library, Kinloch Road, Town Centre, Campbeltown, PA28 6EG Lochgilphead Service Point, 1A Manse Brae, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RD Castlehill Primary School, Ralston Road,Campbeltown.PA28 6LE Dunaverty Hall, Southend, Campbeltown, Argyll & Bute, PA28 6RF It is also available electronically via our website: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/school-consultations-and-proposals Yours faithfully, Douglas Hendry Executive Director with responsibility for Education
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33 APPENDIX 2 Argyll and Bute Council Education RESPONSE FORM I wish my response to be considered as confidential with access restricted to Elected Members and Council Officers of Argyll and Bute Council. Proposal It is proposed that: Education provision at Southend Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024. The catchment area of Castlehill Primary School shall be extended to include the current catchment area of Southend Primary School. This part of the form must be completed for a valid response: Name: (please print) Address: Post Code: I agree/do not agree (delete which does not apply) that my response can be made publicly available Signature: Date: YOUR INTEREST: (please tick) Parent Child / Young Person Staff Other * Elected Member / MSP / MP Member of Community Council *Other: (please specify) Please state your views on the proposal (continue overleaf if necessary)
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34 APPENDIX 3 - MAPS MAP OF CURRENT PRIMARY SCHOOL CATCHMENT AREA
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35 MAP OF PROPOSED CATCHMENT AREA
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36 APPENDIX 4 – FINANCIAL TEMPLATE Table 12 Name of School Southend Primary Projected annual costs for full financial year 2023/24 Additional financial impact on receiving school Castlehill Primary Annual recurring savings (column 2 minus column 3) School costs Employee costs - teaching staff 104,390 0 104,390 support staff 20,272 0 20,272 teaching staff training (CPD etc) 0 0 0 support staff training 0 0 0 Supply costs 3,030 0 3,030 Building costs: property insurance 1,062 0 1,062 non domestic rates 1,422 0 1,422 water & sewerage charges 165 0 165 energy costs 18,307 0 18,307 cleaning (contract or in-house) 395 0 395 building repair & maintenance 4,600 0 4,600 grounds maintenance 53 0 53 facilities management costs 0 0 0 revenue costs arising from capital 0 0 0 other - refuse collection; telephones 1,585 0 1,585 School operational costs: learning materials 2,911 199 2,712 catering (contract or in-house) 11,062 1,625 9,437 SQA costs 0 0 0 other school operational costs (e.g. licences) 0 Transport costs: home to school 131,238.48 0 0 other pupil transport costs 0 staff travel 0 2 These figures have been calculated based on Skipness Primary school roll the last full year prior to mothballing.
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37 SCHOOL COSTS SUB-TOTAL 300,492 1,842 298,407 Income: Sale of meals -1,438 -1,177 -261 Lets 0 0 External care provider 0 0 Other 0 0 SCHOOL INCOME SUB-TOTAL -1,438 -1,177 -261 TOTAL COSTS MINUS INCOME FOR SCHOOL 299,054 647 298,407 UNIT COST PER PUPIL PER YEAR 27,187 72 27,128 Table 2 Capital costs School proposed for closure Southend Primary Receiving school Castlehill Primary Capital Life Cycle cost 465,114 3,400,423 Third party contributions to capital costs 0 0 Table 3 Annual Property costs incurred (moth-balling) until disposal property insurance 1,062 non domestic rates 1,422 water & sewerage charges 165 energy costs 1,101 cleaning (contract or in-house) 0 security costs 0 building repair & maintenance 1,950 grounds maintenance 53 facilities management costs 0 Other, employee costs; equipment lease and alarm rental 21,517 TOTAL ANNUAL COST UNTIL DISPOSAL 27,270
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38 Table 4 Non-recurring revenue costs TOTAL NON-RECURRING REVENUE COSTS 12,725 Table 5 Impact on GAE The Primary Indicator determining the GAE allocation for Primary School Teaching Staff is based on the number of primary school pupils with the Secondary Indicator being the percentage of pupils in small schools (roll < 70 pupils averaged over 2 years). The additional pupils from Southend will maintain the roll of Castlehill above the small school threshold. There will be a loss of small school GAE for those pupils attending Southend equating to approximately £22,569. Argyll and Bute Council, however, is supported by the floor mechanism therefore any calculated reduction in GAE would not have an actual impact on the overall GAE allocation. 22,569 GAE IMPACT 22,569