Questions and answers – the future of Ridgmont Lower School
We know you may have questions about the recent announcement that our Executive Committee will be asked to approve the launch of the consultation on the future of Ridgmont Lower School. Here are some answers that may help you understand what this means and what happens next. It is early in the process and no decisions have been made yet, but we will update this page as new information is made available:
Is closure of the school being considered?
At this stage, a consultation has been approved for launch in September 2023 to consider all options, but no decisions have been made to date
We are taking this approach this principally because Ridgmont Lower School has a low number of children on roll and, according to our pupil place forecasts, this is expected to continue, which is impacting on the overall financial viability of the school.
The school, which teaches reception to year 4, has the capacity for 75 pupils, however, the number of children on roll at the school has reduced.
There were zero on-time applications for the reception year in September 2022 and the one on-time application received for the reception year in September 2023 has now been withdrawn
A low number of children on roll makes it increasingly difficult for the school to deliver a high standard of education.
Added to this, the school closed the 2022/23 financial year with a revenue surplus of £4,216. The previous year’s equivalent figure was £11,919. The budget submission for the 5 years from 2023/24 predicts an increasing in-year and cumulative deficit across all years rising from £50,517 to £445,928 by 2027/28.
Who makes the decision and what is the process?
No decisions have been made yet, but a public consultation on the future of Ridgmont Lower School will start on 5 September, 2023.
This will be a six-week consultation that will close on 17 October 2023 and we will notify parents via the school when this begins and how to provide feedback.
When the consultation closes, the feedback will be analysed and a report will form the basis of a further recommendation, which will go back before the Executive Committee in February 2024 with, if appropriate, revised proposals and a recommendation to launch a legally required statutory consultation.
If approved, a minimum of a four-week statutory consultation will seek stakeholder feedback. Again, when the consultation closes the feedback will be analysed and a report will form the basis of a final recommendation, which will go back to the Executive Committee. Councillors will be asked to either approve or reject the final recommendation.
How can you share your views?
There will be several ways to share your views as part of this consultation. More information will be provided on this page when we launch the consultation.
We will be hosting ‘drop in’ sessions for parents and carers at the school and one online. Officers will be in attendance. The dates of these will be:
- 7 September (3:30pm until 5:30pm) at Ridgmont Lower School
- 12 September (6:30pm until 7:30pm) online via Microsoft Teams
- 21 September (3:30pm until 5:30pm) at Ridgmont Lower School
What will happen to the school site?
No decisions have been made and none would be considered until the future of Ridgmont Lower School is determined. We don't own the school site. It is owned by the Duke of Bedford’s Estate.
When will the decision on the closure take place?
It is not determined whether or not Ridgmont Lower School will close. It is possible that it could remain open. It is important not to prejudge the outcome of the 2 public consultations.
Will the school still be open in September 2023?
Yes. No decision has been made and the school will continue to operate as normal.
What is the timescale for the first consultation?
- August 1, 2023 – Executive Committee
- September 4, 2023 – Have Your Say consultation starts (subject to approval)
- October 16, 2023 – Have Your Say consultation closes (subject to approval)
What will happen to your child if the school closes?
No decisions have been made yet, but we have a statutory duty to provide all children with a school place.
Will this be disruptive to your child’s education?
No decisions have been made yet. If the school were to close, our officers would ensure that disruptions are minimised.
Will you be able to get school transport for your child to get to a different school or a changed school?
We have a school transport policy for pupils and this policy will continue to apply. If the decision is to close the school, the Home to School transport team will be supporting parents and carers to consider their eligibility.
Will we listen to your feedback?
Yes. Everyone’s feedback will be considered, and the themes and issues will be represented in the report and could be reflected in the recommendations that may help shape the plan further. There will be 2 main opportunities to have your say: via an initial public consultation and then a legally required statutory consultation.