Radical shake-up of Littlehampton primary schools proposed

Five of the town's infant and junior schools will be merged into just two "all-through" primaries, while Lyminster Infant School will also become a full primary school.

Along with the changes, West Sussex County Council has revealed that it will be investing 10m in primary education in Littlehampton, on top of the separate proposals to create a 25m-plus academy school to replace Littlehampton Community School.

Connaught Junior, Arun Vale Infant and Elm Grove Infant would amalgamate into one school, with a similar merger planned for Wickbourne Infant and Flora MxDonald Junior schools. If all goes to plan, the new school system would be running from September, 2011.

Lyminster Infant School will have an extra year group added each year until 2011, to become a primary school, and in the longer term, it is likely to relocate to a new site closer to major housing developments earmarked for the north of Littlehampton.

"Best way forward for children"

Head teachers have worked closely with the county council on the proposals, which are now out for public consultation until June 4.

Judy Grevett, head of Connaught, said: "I think this is the best way forward for the children of Littlehampton. All the research shows that thildren make more progress in all-through primary schools.

"I'm really pleased that the county council is at last investing in Littlehampton, with a significant amount of money.

"We, as heads, came up with a set of principles for the changes, and they have guided the process from the outset."

An eight-page booklet published this week sets out the background to the reorganisation, and there will also be three public meetings, all at 7pm, at Flora McDonald, on May 7, to discuss how proposals affecting the school and Wickbourne Infant School; at Connaught Junior, on May 13, on the proposals for Connaught, Elm Grove and Arun Vale; and at Lyminster Infant School, on May 19, to discuss its future.

Falling pupil numbers is one of the reasons behind the changes. The infant schools currently have places for 240 new children each year, but in January there were just 167 pupils on roll in the reception classes.

The plans envisage places for 180 children starting school annually, removing the "surplus" places, but still leaving scope for parental choice between schools, and with enough space for new children moving into the area.

The 10m investment in primary schools would come from the sale of surplus land on school sites, as well as the government's Every Child Matters Primary Capital Programme.

Savings made from merging the schools would initially be ploughed back into the reorganisation costs, but later would be retained in the county's general schools budget.

As well as speaking up at meetings, parents, residents and others wishing to comment on the proposals can fill in a feedback form in the booklet, Planning Littlehampton Schools for the Future, which is available at libraries and council help points, or use an online form at wsgfl.westsussex.gov.uk

Pat Arculus, county council cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "Your views are important to us and I would urge as many people as possible to let us know what you think.

"I can assure parents and the local community that we will listen carefully to your views on any plans for changes and improvements."

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