Issue details

Proposed amalgamation of Littlehaven Infant School and Northolmes Junior School in Horsham

Littlehaven Infant School and Northolmes Junior School federated in September 2014 to become part of the Greenfields Federation. The schools share a Governing Body, Headteacher and two Assistant Headteachers.

 

It is proposed that the two schools are amalgamated to create an all-through primary school on the Northolmes Junior site with effect from September 2025.  This proposal would establish a Year R – Year 6 provision serving the local community, enabling families to benefit from a teaching and learning experience for their children located on one school site, offering Early Years to KS2 progression. 

 

An amalgamation of two schools takes place by increasing the age range of one school and closing another.  In this case, Northolmes Junior School would increase its age range from age 7 – 11 (Y3 – Y6) to become an age 4 – 11 (YR – Y6) all through primary school and Littlehaven Infant School would close from September 2025.

 

In accordance with the Department for Education’s guidance for making prescribed alterations to maintained schools a four-week informal consultation with all major stakeholders has been undertaken to obtain feedback regarding the proposals.

 

Following assessment of the outcome of the informal consultation, the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills will be asked to decide whether to publish statutory notices for a further four-week period seeking representations on the proposed amalgamation.  The Cabinet Member will also be asked to consider delegating authority to the Assistant Director (Education and Skills) to determine the outcome following conclusion of the statutory notice period.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 division;

Decision status: For Determination

Divisions affected: Horsham East;

Notice of proposed decision first published: 21/03/2024

Decision due: November 2024 by Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills (Cllr Jacquie Russell)

Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills (Cllr Jacquie Russell)

Contact: Vanessa Cummins, School Planning Officer Email: vanessa.cummins@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 23046.

Consultation process

Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the decision-maker, via the report author, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.’

Consultees

Parents and carers from the school communities involved

Governors, Leadership Team and Staff of the schools involved

Greenfields Federation

Members of the public

Diocese of Chichester and Diocese of Arundel and Brighton

Local Member

Horsham District Council

Crawley Borough Council

Neighbouring Schools

Local MP

Democratic Services Contact: Wendy Saunders Tel: 033 022 2253

Background papers

  • None