NYNEHEAD SCHOOL CLOSURE IN BEST INTERESTS OF LOCAL CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY

Conservatives at County Hall have reviewed the Liberal Democrat decision to close Nynehead School and have decided not to reverse it, concluding that closing Nynehead School will be in the best interests of local children, and of the wider community as a whole.

Commenting on the issue, John Osman, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, said, "Although Nynehead School has been rated as good by Ofsted, at the end of this term there were only 23 pupils on the rolls. With no new pupils due to join this September and with 4 pupils having left in the summer, these numbers clearly confirm the appropriateness of the decision that was made.''

Councillor Osman continued, "It is my clear view that children currently at Nynehead are more likely to have a better education at Oake, where the new and existing school accommodation is going to create an enhanced learning environment. In addition, we have the support of the local diocese, and, whilst I recognise there are some parents of children at Nynehead who still oppose the closure, the community as a whole, the head teacher, the governors and the local councillor reluctantly understand the reasons for this decision.''

Asked how this fitted in with pre-election statements on local schools, he said, "Our policy on small, rural schools remains unchanged from that on which we were elected. We will support them where their retention is financially and educationally viable and is the clear will of the local community. Having to close a school of any size is always a difficult decision, but we recognise that the interests of the local children and the community of Nynehead will be better served by enhancing the education facilities at nearby Oake.''

ENDS

For more information, please contact John Osman, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group and Cabinet Member, Children & Young People at Somerset County Council: johnosman@aol.com / 01749 676333.

Ref: 21Jul09