School head speaks out

Jenny Aldridge from Freshbrook First School has spoken out after West Sussex County Council last week announced its decision on which schools in the district will close and which will be merged into primary schools under the major reorganisation of education in Adur.

It is proposed that Freshbrook First School in Grinstead Lane will close and merge with Thornberry Middle School on its site in Freshbrook Road, Lancing.

A children's centre will be built on the Freshbrook First School to provide nursery education and support and advice to parents.

Mrs Aldridge said: "We appreciate that these are still proposals but we are proud of our nursery school here and feel that if the school is merged with Thornberry, parents in the area won't get the nursery education support they currently get for their children now. I would like the school to remain and become an infants school."

Earlier this year, the county council approved a system of new primary schools in Adur, with the age of transfer to secondary school being changed to 11 from 12. The independent Schools Organisation Committee will take a final decision on the plans in September. If approved, the changes will happen by September, 2008.