School Reorganisation Update

Following the end of the consultation period on 9th December 2011, we are writing to update you on the consultation findings which have now been published.

864 questionnaires were returned, the results of which are published on the Suffolk County Council Website: http://committeeminutes.suffolkcc.gov.uk/meeting.aspx?d=24/01/2012&c=The%20Cabinet

In summary:
Q4. Would you like to see a two-tier pattern of schools in the Thurston area?

Yes: 430= 53%
Maybe: 133 = 17%
No: 243= 30%

Q5. Have the booklet, website and meetings given you enough information about these plans?

Yes: 602 = 76%
No:  187= 24%

Q6. Have you had enough time to let us know your views?

Yes: 698 = 88%
No:  91= 12%

Having considered all the responses to the consultation, the Cabinet of Suffolk County Council met on 24th January and agreed to publish the statutory notices that would facilitate a move to a two-tier structure of education in the Thurston pyramid.

Notices will be published early in February stating the intention to change the age ranges of the first schools and upper school and to close the middle schools.  There is then a six-week statutory period during which further representations can be made to the Council. The Council’s Cabinet will make a final decision on 17th April 2012.  If at this stage the Council decides to proceed with reorganisation, our next step will be to produce detailed curriculum and staffing plans for the Thurston Partnership schools.

Finally, we would like to reassure you once again that, while planning for the future, we are committed to making sure that all children currently in our schools continue to receive the best possible educational opportunities.

On behalf of The Thurston Partnership