Impact of the models for our pupils and Education in the West
Impact for our children
We asked this question of Hadrian Learning Trust, the Council and the Diocese. They all admit that whatever the changes are our children will feel some impact as a result of any changes.
1. Partnership.
Our children have a Journey through education in this area, each stage as important as the next. Currently in the Hexham Schools partnership all the schools work very closely and staff regularly meet and moderate work against other schools. Our children have benefited from this success so any disruption, change or even ripping up the partnership will cause a big impact on the Journey our children take.
2. Transition.
Schools closing will impact ALL children in the area. If the closures are instant then children will require to be integrated into new schools, this will mean new friends, new teachers and new Journeys. Whilst the Council have stated they will take any steps possible to reduce this impact, whether in a school accepting new children or leaving a school, it is impossible to say that there will be no impact.
Likewise if the closure takes place over a few years, again there will be an impact - staff facing a loss of employment may choose to leave and lower income for closing schools as parents take children elsewhere may result in the loss of the high quality education services the schools can provide.
3. Loss of choice
Choice is very important, firstly it provides competition which can drive schools to excel, secondly what fits one child may not be right for another - one child may thrive in a small rural school environment, whereas another may prefer a bigger school. With only one choice of High School vocational or less academic children may struggle to find courses offered in a highly academic school and have to travel further from the area. The loss of choice may also impact on SEND children. It is very important to find a place where the parents and children are happy safe and comfortable. Reducing the choices available will reduce the chances of finding a suitable place.
4. Two Tier
A partial change from 3 tier schooling to 2 tier schooling will impact all our schools and all our children. As an academy Hadrian Learning Trust are holding a consultation separate to the County Council consultation. As such this gives the opportunity that they may move to a secondary school prior to the rest of the West Tyne area reaching a solution. This would give rise to a very difficult situation with schools facing an uncertain future.
Additionally changing a system from 3 tier to a 2 tier system will impact children. Most parents have chosen to take the path of first school to middle school then high school. If the system becomes 2 tier there is the potential that children may move from a small primary school into a school with 2500 pupils in it (very different to the step up they currently choose and expect).