Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Havering Council proposes merging Squirrels Heath Infant and Junior Schools in Gidea Park into one primary school for ages 4-11 to streamline education.
The infant school would be closed and the junior school’s age range would be lowered in September 2025 if the application is approved.
The courses would still be dispersed over the current location of the infant and junior schools, and the combined school would still have a total capacity of 630 students.
The proposed unified primary school would immediately accept all of the students enrolled in Squirrels Heath Infant and Squirrels Heath Junior Schools.
The Havering Council claims that the headteacher of Squirrels Heath Infant School has a “natural opportunity to review the organization of the school” because they want to move at the conclusion of the summer term.
Residents’, parents’, and employees’ opinions will be gathered until March 24th as part of the council’s public consultation on the idea.
After that, it will choose whether to move the plans to the statutory stage of the procedure, which entails a second consultation and the issuance of a statutory notice.
June 2025 will see the ultimate decision.
By establishing a single school structure, the goal is to improve educational opportunities and simplify operations.
Parents, employees, and locals are all welcome to participate in the consultation.
The ultimate decision of the merger will be influenced by the input received from this consultation.
The advantages of a merger, such as eliminating the need for parents to apply for a spot in the junior school, are outlined in a document that was filed with the council consultation.
“Parents would only need to apply for a place in Reception and would not need to apply for a Year 3 place if the proposal is approved,” the consultation document stated.
This will eliminate the requirement to transfer information at the conclusion of Key Stage 1 and allow for consistent contact with parents throughout the primary period.
It went on to say that there is “strong evidence” that students “perform better” when they attend the same school consistently.
According to the study, staff members may find the changes “unsettling,” but the council will discuss “all staff and their unions” and staff interests will be “considered carefully.”
Both Squirrels Heath Infant and Squirrels Heath Junior School have been contacted for comment.
The Havering council said that if anyone has more information, or has to voice their opinion, they can visit https://consultation.havering.gov.uk/education/squirrels-heath-amalgamation/.
What are the potential benefits of merging Squirrels Heath infant and junior schools?
Instead of having to switch schools at age 7, children can have a smooth educational journey that lessens the stress and any disruptions that come with shifting schools.
By adopting a single vision and set of practices for all age groups, a combined school may guarantee uniformity in instructional strategies and school regulations.
In addition to improving staff-parent communication, this consistency can benefit the educational experience as a whole.
By pooling resources and contracts, operating as a single institution can result in cost savings. This could make it possible to allocate funds for educational infrastructure and programs more effectively.
A single governing board can simplify administrative duties and decision-making procedures, enabling more targeted school management.
Opportunities for professional development inside a single school setting can help teachers and staff, which may result in better teaching methods and more teamwork.