School Organisation in Hethersett

Overview

Planning for growth in Hethersett

Changes to the way the primary schools are organised.

Norfolk County Council has a duty to ensure a sufficient supply of school places to respond to housing growth and other demographic changes. We are responding to the major housing allocation of 1200 dwellings in Hethersett by proposing a major change to the way the primary phase of schooling is organised in the area. At the heart of this proposal is a brand-new school building in the new development area.

Our proposals involve changes of age-range at Hethersett Woodside Infant and Nursery School and at Hethersett (Church of England) Voluntary Controlled Junior School, so that both become full 2-11 primary schools with nurseries and the relocation of Woodside Infant and Nursery School to a new site in the major housing area north of the area.

The Headteachers and Chair of Governors of the two schools involved, along with representatives from the Diocese of Norwich, have been part of the discussions with us about the future provision of schools in the area. It is now time to seek a wider range of views, which is why we are holding this consultation exercise.

What we are proposing

At the moment, Hethersett children start their statutory education in Year R at the Infant School and have to transfer to the Junior School after three years.   We are proposing to change this pattern so that all children in Hethersett can attend one of two all-through primary schools (from Reception to the end of Year 6).  We will do this by:

•  Extending the age range of Hethersett Woodside Infant and Nursery School, to become an all-through Primary school for up to 420 children (60 pupils in each year group). This school will be known as Hethersett Woodside Primary School and will include provision for pre-school children.  The school will move into a new school building, on the site allocated for a primary school in the new development north of Hethersett.  This building could be expanded further if future pupil numbers require it.

• Extending the age range of Hethersett CE VC Junior School, to become an all-through Primary school for up to 420 children (60 pupils in each year group). Provision for pre-school children will be included. This school will be known as Hethersett CE VC Primary School.   New accommodation will be provided by the County Council for Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils.  A feasibility study on the expansion needs for Hethersett VC Primary will be undertaken in 2017.

Why we feel the changes are important

The County Council and Governors believe that these changes would benefit all children and young people in Hethersett because:

• They will provide sufficient places for the emerging pressure on primary places in the area and will allow for some expansion in the future.

• Norfolk County Council’s policy on school organisation is to favour all-through primary schools where these are achievable.

Consultees might also like to be aware that as part of the agreement with the developer of the new Hethersett and Cringleford housing, additional land and funding for building works to increase the capacity of Hethersett Academy will become available in the future.

There are a number of considerations that Norfolk County Council take into account when considering changes to the organisation of schools.  These include school leadership, performance, impact on the community, diversity of provision, need for places, travel, early years provision and special education provision.  The overall driving force is, however, always ensuring any change is in the best interest of children’s education and achievement. 

The earliest the change could happen is 1^st September 2019.

We will be holding drop-in events where you can come and find out more about these proposals, by attending any of the dates below:

• Tuesday 20^th June, 9 – 10am, at Hethersett Woodside Infant and Nursery School
• Wednesday 21^st June, 6 – 7pm, at Hethersett CE VC Junior School
• Monday 26^th June, 6 – 7pm, at Hethersett Woodside Infant and Nursery School
• Tuesday 4^th July, 3.15 – 4.15pm, at Hethersett CE VC Junior School

If you are unable to attend these events but would like to comment on our reorganisation proposals please:

• complete the attached form and hand it to the school office
• or write to School Organisation Team, FREEPOST IH 2076, Floor 8 (Bay 29), County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2BR, or email schoolreview@norfolk.gov.uk
• or access our online survey:  https://norfolk.citizenspace.com/childrens-services/hethersett

We need all responses by 21^st July 2017.

Why your views matter

We want to know what you think of our proposal. 

What happens next

This informal consultation period ends on 21 July 2017 and at the end of that period, the results will be analysed and the Executive Director of Children's Services will be asked to decide whether to issue a formal Public Notice, or not.  The outcome will be published on this website.