Perthshire school closures to be discussed at PKC summit

Aug 24 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ANXIOUS parents will find out tomorrow if the potential closure of four Perthshire schools is likely to proceed.

Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee will meet to discuss the future of Logiealmond Primary, Straloch PS in Enochdhu, Strone of Cally PS and Calvine’s Struan Primary.

A report compiled by John Fyffe, the executive director of the council’s education and children’s services department, reveals that elected members will be asked to sanction an ‘options appraisal’ on each venue.

Following the “detailed investigations”, permanent closure could be on the cards for the rural schools.

The group catered for a total of 20 children in September last year, when Mr Fyffe was drawing-up his report.

A PKC spokeswoman said current and projected pupil rolls, future housing developments, and the distance and capacity of neighbouring schools would be taken into account before a final decision is taken.

“The next stage of the process is to undertake detailed appraisals to determine the options for each school, as well as an assessment of the educational and social benefits to pupils,” she continued.

“School staff and parents have already been informed of the situation.”

Committee convener Liz Grant insisted the authority were right to consider closure.

“What is most crucial to us is to deliver a high-quality educational experience for every pupil, with a broad and balanced curriculum,” she declared.

“And we have to consider how this can best be provided both now and in the long-term.

“If approved, work will progress on the options appraisal and educational benefit reports for each school, with these coming back to the committee in due course.

“Depending on the outcome of those reports, consultation with communities may then take place.”

But Cllr Grant insisted: “At this time, we have reached no conclusions about the schools’ future.”

Cllr Grant’s Blairgowrie and Glens ward includes both Straloch and Strone of Cally schools.

Mr Fyffe’s submission states that, with a projected roll of just three pupils until the year 2016/17, Strone of Cally was officially mothballed at the start of this month, with potential pupils being sent to Kirkmichael Primary School.

The other schools to be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting remain open.

Cllr Barbara Vaughan labelled the move “disgraceful” and said education bosses needed to look at themselves in the mirror.

With plans to provide free breakfasts for pupils at certain schools set to be rubber-stamped, she called on the council to rethink its priorities.

The Conservative politician said: “Before giving any consideration to closures, the SNP/Liberal Democrat administration should demonstrate to all parents where their priorities lie – are they in retaining schools or providing free breakfasts?”