Proposal to raise the age range of Clitheroe Edisford Primary School

Following the publication of statutory notices, a report on the proposal to permanently raise the age range of Clitheroe Edisford Primary School from 3-11 years to 4-11 years with effect from 1 April 2022, was considered on 3 March 2022. Since the required checks on the proposal had been made, confirmation that the legal requirements had been met and the statutory information had been provided, it was possible to consider the proposal on its merits.  In doing so, the factors that decision makers are required to consider in accordance with central government guidance were taken into account and it was agreed to:

  • Approve the proposal, as detailed in the statutory notice, to raise the age range at Clitheroe Edisford Primary School with effect from 1 April 2022; and
  • Approve that an appropriate statutory decision letter be sent out, as specified under legal requirements, to give the reasons for the decision to those who are to be informed of them. 

The report is available via the Cabinet Agenda for 3 March 2022.

If you would prefer to receive a hard copy of the report, please contact the Central Pupil Access Team on 01772 531676 or at Edisfordconsultation@lancashire.gov.uk

As the report that was considered on 3 March 2022 explains, the decision was reached after considering the full details of the proposal and the representations made during the representation period allowed by the statutory notice. 

In light of the local authority's consideration of the proposals against the statutory factors that decision makers are required to take into account when they decide proposals to close a school, the proposals were approved in the form in which they were published, on the grounds that:

(a) the local authority was satisfied that in consulting on the proposals and publishing them, the statutory requirements of the process were fulfilled;

(b) the proposal met the requirements of the factors to be considered by decision makers, as set out in Department for Education guidance;

(c) by the close of the representation period on 20 January 2022, three responses had been received by the local authority; and

(d) the local authority believes that the age range at Clitheroe Edisford Primary School should be raised from 3 to 11 years to 4 to 11 years with effect from 1 April 2022  due to:

  • a fall in nursery pupil numbers
  • the financial viability of the nursery. 

Since the decision has been taken by the local authority under Part 2 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, the local Church of England diocese and the local Roman Catholic diocese may appeal against the decision.

Appeals must be submitted to the local authority within 4 weeks of the notification of the local authority's decision.  On receipt of an appeal, the local authority must then send the proposals, and the comments and objections received, to the Schools Adjudicator within one week of the receipt of the appeal.

Under the same provisions of the above Act, notification of the decision and the reasons for making it are being sent to:

  • The Chair of the governing body
  • The Secretary of State
  • The Church and Diocesan authorities
  • The Schools Adjudicator
  • The Education and Skills Funding Agency