Review over fall in pupil numbers

From the Echo, first published Thursday 2nd Oct 2003.

CONCERN about falling pupil numbers has prompted a review of school provision in and around Blandford.

Headteachers and governors from all schools in the area have met with representatives from Dorset County Council to consider and suggest options for dealing with the growing number of spare places that are already affecting some schools and which are set to impact on others in the future.

Education spokesman at the council Coun Angus Campbell said: "We have a responsibility to provide a climate under which schools can plan with more certainty.

"Falling rolls, which are becoming a problem countrywide, have been identified in this area as developing to a level which could leave up to one-third of the school capacity as spare places.

"We have a duty to act if school places are at such a low figure as to cause concern because spare places cost money.

"This review has identified the need for action in the Blandford area.

"Over the next few months the council will be involving the community and its schools in this process."

Senior education officer Keith Armstead said empty school places meant planning difficulties for individual schools regarding how many teachers they could keep on.

Coun Campbell said pupil numbers were falling all over the country due to a drop in the birthrate and added that because homes in Dorset are so expensive young families may not be able to afford to live in the area.

He added that the council would be writing to parents with details of a consultation to discuss options to solve the problem, ranging from disposing of temporary classrooms at schools to a complete change from a three- to a two-tier education system.

Staff and parents with queries should contact the council's access and school organisation officer Phillip Farmer, rather than individual schools, by calling 01305 224577, emailing p.d.farmer-@dorsetcc.gov.uk or by writing to him at County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ.

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