Transition and Education
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Why is it necessary to close Hookergate?
The council has an obligation under the School Standards and Framework Act, 1998 (as amended by the Education Act 2002 and The Education and Inspections Act 2006) to comply with parental preferences regarding choice of school. Parents are allowed by law to express a preference to send their children to schools other than the designated school, (the one serving their area), or a denominational school.
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Why are all the students not moving at the same time to Ryton site?
The transition plan has been developed by the Headteachers of both schools and minimises the impact on the students learning. The ‘phased’ transition factors in the critical timing of options and exams and the opportunities for students to access a wider curriculum on the Ryton site.
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In the transition plan there is no mention of 6th form provision. Will there be a 6th form provision at Ryton and can places be guaranteed?
We confirm that there will be sixth form places at Ryton for all Hookergate students who will have access to the full range of courses on offer.
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Is there enough room at Ryton Comprehensive for transferring Hookergate pupils?
We are currently working with Ryton school leadership to determine the impact of the proposed closure of Hookergate on the existing teaching and other spaces, such as dining, social spaces etc. This will inform council spending decisions relating to accommodation requirements in preparation for beginning of the transition programme in September 2011.
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How will you keep parents informed of progress of your plans?
The latest Best for the West Newsletter is being distributed before the end of the term and it is anticipated that this will be a termly bulletin on the progress of the Council’s vision. Subject to the decision by Cabinet in September on the proposed closure we will be arranging contacting all parents in both communities to ensure active participation in the development of the Best for the West proposals.
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Will Ryton be re-named even though there a new school is not guaranteed?
The Governing Body of Ryton Comprehensive School is committed to developing a new identity independent of any new build. They are in favour of developing a new name and new uniform from September 2011for the School and will consult widely on this change.
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Can pupils/parents of Hookergate visit Ryton to view facilities?
Subject to the outcome of this consultation, we will be contacting all parents in both communities to ensure active participation in the development of the Best for the West proposals. There will be invitations to visit Ryton Comprehensive School and view the facilities and the Friends of Ryton Comprehensive School would like to issue an open invitation to all parents in the community to the next meeting at Ryton Comprehensive on 21st September 2010 at 7.30 p.m. at Ryton Comprehensive School.
Funding
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What is the impact of the Government’s decision to stop Building Schools for the Future (BSF) funding on the proposed closure of Hookergate?
The statutory consultations on the closure of Hookergate School will continue as planned. Most aspects of the proposed transition plan to merge Hookergate and Ryton can still be delivered (subject to consultation), and we will continue to consult on how we can deliver the best educational outcomes for children in the West of the Borough for the long term. The consultation asks people to confirm that they share the Council’s vision for the “Best for the West” and the ambition to build a new school on a new site.
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The Department of Education’s website stated that the proposed closure of Hookergate is ‘stopped’ – what does this mean?
The statement ‘stopped’ related only to BSF funding not the closure proposals. This list has been revised and reposted.
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If there is no capital, how are you going to deliver a new school on a new site?
The Education Secretary has announced a complete overhaul of capital investment in schools, including the end of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. This does not signal the end of capital investment in secondary schools. The Education Secretary has announced a review of how such projects are procured, and to identify which projects are high priority, will offer value for money and raise standards. The review group includes representatives from the public and private sectors, and is expected to report in September to inform the government’s spending plans for 2011-12 and beyond.
Site Issues
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What is the Council’s reason for building the school on a new site versus reinvesting on existing Ryton site?
15th September 2009 cabinet agreed that the Council’s preferred option for the review of secondary provision in the west should be based on developing a new, positive and inclusive vision of secondary education for the West Area that meets the needs of the whole community, both current and future generations. Following careful consideration of all the views expressed during the informal consultation on the proposals, it was considered that this vision could best achieved by retaining Ryton Community School, but developing its offer to the whole community by incorporating the best features and many strengths of Hookergate School.
A new school building was proposed, on a new site chosen to maximise opportunities for the whole of the West Area. The new building will be designed to the highest standards of environmental sustainability, reflecting the strong rural character of the area with many significant landscape features. The existing Ryton site was not "rejected" for financial or practical reasons. A new site was proposed because that would achieve the Council's vision.
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What has been the process for selecting the preferred site for the new school?
Eight sites within the Ryton / Hookergate catchment areas had been identified as possible locations for a new school in the West. Each of these sites has been examined by officers, and the Schools steering group against a standard set of criteria, which includes size, location, accessibility (pedestrian, public transport & vehicular), topography, known ground conditions, current use and ownership.
7 of the sites are considered to be unsuitable to take further due to one or more of accessibility, known ground conditions, topography, multiple ownership & current use. It is believed that the proposed site identified north of the Ryton/Crawcrook bypass at its junction with Woodside Lane is the best option to maximise the strong rural character of the area, with accessible road networks in an area maximising the opportunities to walk or cycle to school.
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How does the size of the proposed new site compare with the existing site?
The current Ryton Comprehensive site occupies 10.45 hectares, the proposed site is 9.95 hectares.
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What is the future use of the Hookergate site as there is a distinct lack of community facilities in the High Spen area?
The Council currently has no plans for the future of this site. The closure of Hookergate is a proposal and therefore subject to statutory processes before any decision is made to close the school, and therefore reuse the site.
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The highway and junction of the A695 with Woodside Lane is considered dangerous. Will you be taking the opportunity to resolve this problem due to the increased traffic to this area?
Yes – we will be looking at this as part of developing plans for a new school building.
Transport
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What will be the transport arrangements to and from existing Ryton site for current Hookergate pupils if the proposed closure proposal is implemented? When will discussions start with Nexus?
The Council has already commenced discussions with Nexus in relation to the development of the transport arrangements from throughout the Hookergate catchment area to both the proposed new site and the existing Ryton site. The aim is to have an effective service which not only provides a service to and from the site at the beginning and end of the school day, but is adequately serves the community through and beyond the school day.
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Will I get free transport to Ryton and the new site?
Students who live more than 3 miles away from the school (based on the shortest available route) will be entitled to free travel passes.
If your child has free school meals, or you are eligible for maximum Working Tax Credit for the relevant period you may be eligible for a free travel pass for over two miles.