Views sought on need for extra reception class places

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Milnrow Parish Primary School reception class

Rochdale Borough Council is asking parents to comment on its plans to address the need for extra reception class places.

The borough's School Organisation Plan is being updated and using trends in admissions and birth rates in the borough it has identified that in the primary sector there will be a need for extra reception class places across the borough for the next four years.

Across the borough there will be a predicted shortfall in September 2011 of 123 places, rising to 173 in 2012.

A draft plan has been sent out to schools, parents and governors to gather views on a number of key areas including:

• how many extra places reception class places are needed
• where the extra places be provided within the four townships

Councillor Teresa Fitzsimons, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families said: “The Authority has a statutory duty to ensure there are sufficient school places, and there is a clear need for extra reception class places in the borough. We want to gather as much feedback as possible on the current plans in order to identify where we can best provide the additional places to meet the future needs of our children and their families. Please take a few minutes to read the letter or go to the website and reply with your comments.”

The deadline for comments is 14 January 2011. Comments can be made by visiting www.rochdale.gov.uk/consultations or by contacting the School Organisation and Development Team Leader on 01706 925016.

At the end of the consultation period a report will be prepared for Cabinet with proposals on how we intend to meet the need for extra reception class places.