MP fears for Salt Way children's education (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

MP fears for Salt Way children's education

UNCERTAINTY surrounding the proposed closure of Salt Way School could be damaging the education of dozens of children, a Swindon MP will warn today.

Anne Snelgrove will urge ministers to intervene and examine the council's plans to shake up primary schools in West Swindon, including the expected closure of Salt Way Primary School.

She wants the government to clarify whether it is opposed to primary schools only admitting one form group of 30 pupils a year something she believes is central behind plans to shut Salt Way.

She will also warn that teachers at the school are already accepting new jobs at different schools despite the fact that no final decision on Salt Way's future has yet been made.

Before the debate, Mrs Snelgrove told the Adver: "I am concerned about Salt Way. Of course this will be affecting the children. How could it not?

"I want to know where they will go if the school closes and what parental choice there will be?

"I have had an assurance that the children will not be bussed around Swindon but where are the surplus places for them to take up?"

The South Swindon MP added: "I also want the government to clarify one-form entry.

"The LEA is saying that the government wants schools to be two form entry but if we believe in parental choice we should give the choice of small schools as well as big schools."

A Local Education Authority report sent to headteachers and school governors in January claimed that unless three schools close there will be 680 empty primary school places in West Swindon by 2009.

Currently there are around 450 spare places.

In April, Salt Way was earmarked for closure subject to a two-month consultation.

Education bosses are expected to outline the findings of the consultation today and hold meetings with parents, governors and staff.