Merger plan for failing school to save money and improve results

Inspectors from the schools watchdog Ofsted have twice delivered damning verdicts on the quality of education offered under the current headteacher at Adwick Park Junior School, in Adwick, near Doncaster.

In March, the school was placed in “special measures” for the second time in its recent history, meaning immediate improvements are required to ensure its pupils are receiving adequate classroom experience.

Now council officials are planning to merge Adwick Park with nearby Adwick Washington Infant School, which has been classed as “good” by inspectors, in a bid to raise standards as quickly as possible.

A consultation process will be launched as soon as the proposal is given approval by Doncaster Council’s ruling cabinet tomorrow, with schools managers saying the merger is planned for January next year.

Chris Pratt, the director of children’s services in Doncaster, said: “This proposal would support school improvement and help to raise educational standards.

“Adwick Washington is currently graded by Ofsted as a good school and Adwick Park was categorised as a school in special measures in March 2012, for the second time under the leadership of the existing head.

“The proposal would entail minimal disruption for pupils and parents, with the expanded Washington school operating on the two existing sites, which are in close proximity.”

According to a report drawn up for councillors to examine tomorrow, “savings in excess of £100,000 may be achievable” under the plan, because Adwick Park’s current headteacher and some of its other staff would no longer be required.

The report says: “The proposal would require the leadership of the newly-extended Washington School under a single headteacher, the newly-appointed Washington headteacher, who was made aware of the potential amalgamation as part of a recent appointment process.

“The council has had a good track record in supporting displaced staff through its human resources section.

“The new headteacher could operate as an executive headteacher for the two schools from the start of the new school year in September 2012 as part of a formal working arrangement leading into the January 2013 amalgamation.”

According to the report there are “few other options” for the future, with the proposal ensuring the continuity of a school graded as good while closing a school put into special measures.

Mr Pratt said the savings achieved would help Doncaster Council in its bid to meet cuts demanded by the coalition Government in an ordered way rather than through “unplanned and unco-ordinated staffing reductions”.

Mr Pratt raised the possibility of similar action at other schools and said: “The sustainability of schools will continue to be threatened by financial pressures and the proposal will assist Doncaster towards achieving more viable schools to improve standards and value for money.

“If opportunities for more sustainable and efficient schools are not realised, unplanned and unco-ordinated staffing reductions would be more likely as schools continue to wrestle with potential deficits and budget reductions.

“Efficiencies derived here would ensure resources are more directly targeted to pupils and away from management and administration.

“It is recognised that the next few months will be an anxious time for the staff affected.

“Accordingly there is a commitment from relevant council officers to work with staff and their representatives to seek to allay concerns and to provide full and timely information.”

[email protected]