The 2006 primary school review resulted in the following proposal based on:
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views expressed during consultation;
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the need to limit disruption to children and staff as far as possible;
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trends in parental preference;
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current and projected pupil numbers;
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the need to remove 2000 empty school places;
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the age and condition of school buildings;
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local geography and travel to school distances;
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the need to continue replacing out-dated school buildings.
The Cabinet Report outlines proposals to:
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close three schools, which will help secure the future of Gateshead's primaries and create the least possible disruption whilst still offering parental choice and no closure will happen before September 2007;
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downsize 12 schools with plans to look for alternative uses for excess and temporary accommodation on school sites.
In the longer term, the proposal also suggests two mergers of four schools and a continuing policy of combining infant and junior schools. However, no amalgamation will happen before September 2007 and further consultations will take place before these plans progress.
The proposal retains around ten percent spare capacity in primary schools to reflect any possible changes in the population.