Background
On 14th December 2017, Community Services Committee agreed that the Education Service would undertake the required preliminary consultation for both Ardchattan and Ashfield Primary schools.
Ardchattan Primary School was mothballed in 2014 with Council agreeing that if there were no registered pupils by the close of the registration period for session 2016/17 the Council would consult formally on the future of school provision at Ardchattan. In 2016 Community Services Committee approved the mothballing of Ashfield Primary School. Committee agreed that if there were no registered pupils by the commencement of session 2017/18 the school be considered for formal closure through the statutory process.
Neither Ardchattan Primary School nor Ashfield Primary School have had any pupils enrolled at either school since elected members approved their mothballing.
Timeline
Timeline for Pre consultation and consultation regarding Ardchattan and Ashfield Schools Proposals
Phase 1 : Pre consultation
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Week commencing 26th March | Options appraisals community meetings in Ardchattan and Ashfield Schools |
Phase 2 : Consultation
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 18th May | Public Consultation opens |
| Public meetings to be held in Ardchattan, Ashfield, Lochnell and Tayvallich Schools Education Scotland may choose to attend any of these meetings. Consultation with parents, staff and young people in schools. |
|
| 29th June | Public Consultation closes The proposal document is sent along with all other appropriate documentation to Education Scotland |
Phase 3 : Preparation of Education Scotland's Report
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 31st July | Education Scotland undertake a consideration of the process report on the educational aspects of the proposal. The expected timescale for this is three weeks. The report from Education Scotland would be expected by 31st July. |
Phase 4 : Preparation and publication of the consultation report
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 31st August | The Authority publishes the Consultation Report, ensuring all aspects of the process are included with particular reference to Rural Schools closure process. |
Phase 5 : Council takes decision
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 11th December Community Services Committee |
The Consultation Report goes to the Community Services Committee for a decision. Council must notify the Scottish Minister of the decision within six days. From the day the decision is made the Scottish Minister can call in the decision. The Scottish Ministers have an eight week period to decide if they will call in the Proposal. |