Press Statement from the Local Authority

November 21, 2016

STATEMENT  RE: Pott Shrigley Primary School proposed consultation

Cheshire East Council leader Councillor Rachel Bailey said: “Cheshire East Council takes its responsibilities and support for rural schools very seriously and will work with key local stakeholder groups to ensure the best outcomes we can for pupils, their families and the local community.

“The recommendation of the governing body is to ask the council to undertake a public consultation on the future of the school. This request will result in the council commencing a period of informal engagement with various stakeholders, ensuring that the local community plays an active role in shaping future education provision.

“The council is planning engagement activities with local community groups and the school, including teaching staff, parents and pupils of Pott Shrigley CofE, to understand the challenges and options, both in terms of ensuring sustainable, high-quality education for children and to consider opportunities to mitigate the impact on the local community.

“To demonstrate our commitment to our rural schools, we are setting up a cross-party panel of councillors, led by Cllr George Hayes, to enable local stakeholders to provide us with their views. I am ever conscious of Cheshire East’s determination to keep rural schools open and this is something which has already been reflected in conversations with David Rutley MP and ward councillors Howard Murray and Jos Saunders. These discussions with local elected members will continue throughout the process.

“Formal consultation will then follow, which will again consider potential mitigation of the impact to this rural community. A decision on whether to amalgamate will not be taken until this process has concluded and all feedback considered.”

ENDS