The School Organisation (Establishment and Discontinuance of Schools) Regulations 2013

Regulation 11

SCHEDULE 2 Information to be included in discontinuance proposals

Contact details

1.  The name and contact address of the local authority or governing body publishing the proposals and the name, address and category of the school it is proposed that should be discontinued.

Implementation

2.  The date on which it is proposed to close the school or, where it is proposed that the closure be implemented in stages, the dates of and information about each stage.

Reason for closure

3.  A statement explaining the reason why closure of the school is considered necessary.

Pupil numbers and admissions

4.  The numbers (distinguishing between compulsory and non-compulsory school age pupils), age range, sex, and special educational needs of pupils (distinguishing between boarding and day pupils) for whom provision is currently made at the school.

Displaced pupils

5.  A statement and supporting evidence about the need for school places in the area including whether there is sufficient capacity to accommodate displaced pupils.

6.  Details of the schools or further education colleges at which pupils at the school to be discontinued will be offered places, including—

(a) any interim arrangements;

(b) the provision that is to be made for those pupils who receive educational provision recognised by the local authority as reserved for children with special educational needs; and

(c) in the case of special schools, the alternative provision made by local authorities other than the local authority which maintain the school.

7.  Details of any other measures proposed to be taken to increase the number of school or further education college places available in consequence of the proposed discontinuance.

Impact on the community

8.  A statement and supporting evidence about the impact on the community of the closure of the school and any measures proposed to mitigate any adverse impact.

Rural primary schools

9.  Where proposals relate to a rural primary school designated as such by an order made for the purposes of section 15, a statement that the local authority or the governing body (as the case may be) considered section 15(4).

Balance of denominational provision

10.  Where the school has a religious character, a statement about the impact of the proposed closure on the balance of denominational provision in the area and the impact on parental choice.

Maintained nursery schools

11.  Where proposals relate to the discontinuance of a maintained nursery school, a statement setting out—

(a) the local authority’s assessment of the quality and quantity of the alternative provision compared to the school proposed to be discontinued and the proposed arrangements to ensure the expertise and specialism continues to be available; and

(b) the accessibility and convenience of replacement provision for local parents.

Sixth form provision

12.  Where the school proposed to be discontinued provides sixth form education, the effect for 16 to 19 year olds in the area that the closure will have in respect of—

(a) their educational or training achievements;

(b) their participation in education or training; and

(c) the range of educational or training opportunities available to them.

Special educational needs provision

13.  Where existing provision that is recognised by the local authority as reserved for pupils with special educational needs is being discontinued, a statement as to how the local authority or the governing body (as the case may be) believe the proposals are likely to lead to improvements in the standard, quality and/or range of the educational provision for these children.

Travel

14.  Details of length and journeys to alternative provision.

15.  The proposed arrangements for travel of displaced pupils to other schools including how the proposed arrangements will mitigate against increased car use.