Future of Birkenhead primary schools comes under council spotlight (From Wirral Globe)

Future of Birkenhead primary schools comes under council spotlight

12:34pm Wednesday 27th May 2009 in Search By Leigh Marles

Wirral Council will consider options for the future of primary schools in Birkenhead at its cabinet meeting tomorrow evening.

Councillors will study the findings of the Primary Places Review, which examined numbers of pupils attending central, south and north Birkenhead, Beechwood, Noctorum and Prenton.

The council says the reviews have taken place "in order to ensure Wirral is delivering value for money in its schools."

The authority is obliged by govenment to review its school places to make sure that across the borough, empty or surplus places stay below 10%.

It also has to consider taking action when a school has 25% or more surplus places.

One of the options could involve creating a new school for pupils currently attending Cathcart Street and Cole Street Primary Schools.

“We must make sure money spent on education is used in the best possible way. This means spending money on real children, not on empty places.

Cllr Phil Davies

The percentage of surplus places at Cathcart Street Primary is currently 48% and for Cole Street Primary it is 59%.

Another recommended option for consultation involves the closure of St Laurence’s Catholic Primary School – which currently operates at 64% surplus places.

As part of the report, it is also recommended to carry out a consultation regarding the transfer of Gilbrook Special School to larger premises at the former Arrowe Hill Primary School in Woodchurch.

Councillor Phil Davies, cabinet member for children’s services and lifelong learning, said: “We must make sure money spent on education is used in the best possible way. This means spending money on real children, not on empty places.

“It is right that there should be some surplus places for parental choice.

"However, in Wirral in recent years the number of primary age children has been falling and this means that some schools have become smaller, producing a significant surplus of empty places.

“When pupil numbers become too low, schools are also at risk of financial problems and may have to cut back spending on staff which puts more pressure on teachers.

“The number of empty places in some local primary schools in parts of Wirral is far too high. The Council must take action to reduce this.

“I am keen to hear the view of all key stakeholders as part of the consultation on the options set out in the report to cabinet.”