Plan meets Council's priorities

Today, the County Council’s Cabinet agreed that the revised draft School Organisation Plan be developed to meet the Council’s education expectations. It re-emphasizes the commitment to early years education, the management of surplus places, and encourages schools to become a larger part of their community through the Extended Schools Initiative. 

The School Organisation Plan covers a 5 year period. Local Education Authorities must consult with all partners on the content of the plan. The draft plan will be published towards the end of August then there will be an 11 week period during which representations can be made. 

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says 

“Cumbria County Council believes that Education is fundamental to securing social and economic development. The bulk of our expenditure goes into the Education Service. This draft School Organisation Plan properly addresses the many issues concerning both secondary and primary schools over the next 5 years. It looks at the management of school places in both these sectors and identifies the importance of actively managing this issue in schools to make sure that the savings made are redirected towards educational provision. It looks at developing a strategy and support to schools to deliver the Extended Schools Initiative throughout Cumbria so schools can play a bigger part in their local community. It also looks at continuing, where possible, to have all through primary schools instead of separate infant and junior schools as well as continuing to extend early years education and child care services for the under 5s. All in all this Plan makes sure that while working in partnership with schools, government agencies and other interested parties we continue to raise educational standards and skills levels for the young people in this County.”