Schools "can't be left as they are"

West Sussex County Council has been working closely with the three head teachers of Fishersgate First School, and Manor Hall First and Middle schools in Manor Hall Road, Southwick, and their governing bodies since its proposal to close Fishersgate First and create separate infant and junior schools on the Manor Hall Road site was rejected by the independent schools adjudicator in November.

The new proposal is to create one primary school to be located on "split sites" in Gardner Road, Fishersgate, and Manor Hall Road.

Mark Dunn, West Sussex cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "This new proposal will keep schooling in Fishersgate, alongside the new children's centre, which is also being planned for the area.

"Doing nothing is not an option '“ we must make changes to bring these three schools in line with the proposals which have already been approved for the rest of the district's schools.

"We have listened to the suggestions made by the schools adjudicator and have incorporated them into our new proposals. I believe this new option addresses the concerns raised last year and provides the best way forward for everyone."

The reorganisation of first and middle schools in Adur into primary schools, so that pupils can leave at 11 to go to secondary school rather than the current age of 12, was approved last year.

The new primary school, which would be run by one head teacher, would cater for children aged between four and 11 and would offer places for 60 pupils per year. Parents of pupils attending the three schools have been sent a letter and consultation paper.

There will also be a "drop-in surgery" at Southwick Community Centre on Monday between 3pm and 7pm to give people a chance to discuss any concerns they may have with county council officers and representatives from the schools.

If there is support for the proposal, statutory notices will be published next month.

There will then be a further six-week consultation period, which will give people another chance to make comments.

The independent school organisation committee will meet at the end of March, 2007, to consider this new proposal and the comments received on it.

If approved, the proposal would come into effect from September, 2008.