Saturday, March 24, 2007
Suffolk County Council today voted in favour of moving to a stage two review of school organisation in Suffolk, with a preferred option of an all two-tier school system.
The decision was made following intense debate about the proposals for change at the full Council meeting in Endeavour House.
Councillor Jeremy Pembroke, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: "This is an important day for education in Suffolk. This is not just about schools in the three-tier areas, it is about raising standards everywhere. It gives us a framework to ensure that all pupils, now and in the future, have the opportunity to maximise their potential.
"We undertook the year long-review because we were concerned that standards in our schools were not as high as they should be. We consulted widely and have carefully evaluated all the evidence and views submitted. At today's council meeting we had a long and thorough debate on all the issues, before reaching our decision.
"Every child matters in Suffolk. That is why we had to act now. Today's decision was a brave decision, a tough decision and above all the right decision."
The debate included an amendment to the policy framework for school organisation, which forms the basis of the stage two review.
The amendment means that all areas of the county will have the flexibility to consider the 'all-through' school option, where there are compelling local reasons, when they carry out consultations during stage two.
The stage two review will see stakeholder groups set up in each area as part of a phased implementation plan. These groups will be made up of parents, teachers, governors and young people, who will be able to shape the changes in their communities.
However, although the county council will move quickly to take this forward, to make sure that uncertainties can be dealt with, there will be no immediate changes to education in Suffolk.
Councillor Patricia O'Brien, portfolio holder for Children, Schools and Young People's Services, said: "I understand that people may have concerns about how change may be implemented. But I must reassure everyone that we will manage the process carefully to protect the well-being of every child in the school system.
"We will also make sure that all schools in the three tier system, wherever they are in the phased implementation plans, will have the support they need to continue to provide a high quality education. This includes making arrangements to retain and develop our talented school staff.
"Reviewing the way our schools are organised has been passionately discussed across the whole county. It reflects the desire of everyone to provide our children and young people with the best possible start in life. We must harness these passions now to make change work."
If people have any further questions about the School Organisation Review, they can visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/sor or email sor@cyp.suffolkcc.gov.uk or call 08456 031842.
