PLANS TO merge an infant and junior school in Springhead have been rejected, Oldham Council has confirmed.
The proposed amalgamation of Springhead Infant and Nursery School with Knowsley Junior School was the subject of a public consultation process launched in July 2013.
The findings were sent to the Government’s Schools Adjudicator who has now notified the local authority of a decision to reject the plans.
Positive efforts are now focussed on talks with the heads of both schools and their boards of governors about working co-operatively together.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, said: “These proposals were made in good faith based on an aspiration to secure the best possible education provision and delivering benefits in how children made the transitions between each school.
“We accept this decision by the School Adjudicator and all parties are now focussed on the future.
“Both headteachers are committed to working closely with Oldham Council and seeking to create the smoothest possible future transition arrangements for children between two autonomous schools.
“For all of us here the welfare of pupils is – and always will be – the key factor in these discussions.”
