CLOSURE of island primary schools will be discussed by Education in October. But it is likely that the States will be asked to make the final decision.
St Andrew’s, the island’s second-smallest, has been consistently targeted by politicians who think closing a school would be the best way to make savings.
Hunter Adam, a member of the Education Department, believes that two parish primaries could be shut. He raised the issue again in the States last week.
‘There’s plenty of capacity in the other schools for those children. That would save Education money, around £500,000,’ he said.
Deputy Adam said it would be a tough decision to close a school, but deputy Treasury and Resources minister Jonathan Le Tocq laid down a challenge to Education in the debate.
‘Consolidation in the primary sector is long overdue,’ said the deputy, who challenged the Education minister back in 2004.
‘It seems to me the current council does not have the courage at the moment to consolidate in the way it should be doing.’
Education minister Martin Ozanne said it was a very complex issue: ‘We have to look at birth levels in different areas of the island.
‘Look at the number coming into some rural areas: they seem to be fluctuating all the time at the moment. There’s been discussions about St Andrew’s, but this year the school had a much higher intake of youngsters and it could be that other rural schools have a higher intake from September.
‘It’s very difficult to come to conclusions. We’re working on that, but it has to be realised that if there’s a reduction in the number of primary schools in the island, it may not be only St Andrew’s affected.’
Money would need to be spent on the schools to which pupils were moved.
Extra classrooms, toilets and even sports facilities could be needed, said Deputy Ozanne.
Deputy Education minister Wendy Morgan feared the States was becoming split on parish lines over the closures issue.
‘Education is going to have to present you with some very difficult decisions to make,’ she said.
‘We do have to do things we’re not going to like doing, but are the best for the economies of the education service and best delivery.’
West district deputy David De Lisle remains concerned about any further rationalisation.
‘I emphasised… the need at the primary level to retain our community schools, particularly as enrolments continue to grow in this sector of education.
‘It makes good common sense to keep the young children close at hand within their home area rather than bussing them miles to larger, centralised schools.’
* In January there were 4,565 pupils in primary education in the island.
The smallest States-run primary is Forest with 158 pupils, while St Andrew’s has 162 in seven year groups. The largest is Hautes Capelles, with 537 pupils.
Article posted on 3rd August, 2007 - 12.00am
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