Cabinet to consider consultation on amalgamation of Chalkwell Hall schools

September 8, 2020

The council’s cabinet (item 13, Tuesday 15 September) is to consider starting a formal consultation on the potential amalgamation of Chalkwell Hall Infants School and Chalkwell Hall Junior School.

Both are local authority maintained schools and operate from the same site.

Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for children and learning, says: “Following the resignation of the junior school headteacher prior to the start of the new term, and as is usual practice, a review has started.

“This includes considering whether the potential amalgamation of both schools should be considered, in the best interests of the pupils and community.

“The cabinet report sets out that current Council policy supports amalgamation of separate infant and junior schools that operate on the same site where possible. It also highlights the potential benefits, including improved outcomes for pupils over time, and the fact that parents at the end of year two will no longer need to apply for admission to the junior school. The report also acknowledges the sensitivities of the process.

“It should be highlighted that this is only the very start of the process, and cabinet are only being asked to consider whether consultation should take place. If cabinet agree next week, the first stage would be to consult the community and relevant parties in the local area. This consultation would be over a four week period during term time in November 2020.”

If a consultation is agreed and takes place, the outcome would be considered at a future cabinet meeting, when a decision will be taken on whether to progress with the amalgamation of both schools.