Nursery plans will 'rapidly move forward' after threat of closure is lifted at village school

The chair of governors at a small village school has spoken of his relief after the threat of closure was lifted.
The threat of closure has been lifted at Compton and Up Marden SchoolThe threat of closure has been lifted at Compton and Up Marden School
The threat of closure has been lifted at Compton and Up Marden School

Compton and Up Marden Primary School avoided closure after the cabinet supported proposals for it to become a federation. Read more hereThe school has confirmed it has now advanced plans for an on-site nursery facility – Octagon Pre-school.

The spokesperson said: "Plans for this will now rapidly move forward with a start date anticipated as being the beginning of the next full academic year."

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Commenting on the lifting of the closure threat which has 'hanging over' the school for six months, the spokesperson said: "In a major announcement, the education department of West Sussex County Council has confirmed its considerable and ongoing support.

"The WSCC director of education has confirmed to the school that, in their case, the consultation process is finally over."

Ed Platt, chair of governors, said the school has been asked to 'look into federation with another school'.

He added: "This, of course we will do, but the future of the school is now firmly back on the hands of the school’s governing body”.

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“This WSCC consultation process into our school has created enormous concern amongst parents.

“Not knowing if there was going to be a school in the village at all from next September was a huge worry. Unfortunately, it has caused a few parents to vote on their feet – which is a great shame.”

Mr Platt confirmed prospective parents have been given a further period until February 14 to select Compton and Up Marden as their choice for their children’s future education.

“This is wonderful news for our school and for the local community," he said.

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"The massive support that we have received from parents and all other stakeholders has been truly outstanding.

“The online questionnaire ‘Have Your Say’ received almost 1,500 responses in total. Of those over 50 per cent were in support of no change for Compton and Up Marden Primary. That’s extraordinary but wonderful. Thank you everybody."