Issued: 15 November 2001
Review Of Small Schools In Angus
A report highlighting the overwhelming viability of the majority of schools in Angus is to be considered by the Education Committee on Tuesday 20 November.
In particular the committee will be asked to re-affirm its commitment to three of the county's most remote schools, Glenisla, Lethnot and Tarfside.
However, it is proposed that further discussions take place with staff and parents at Kilry Primary School about roll projections and possible future options.
A report to the committee points out that Kilry currently has a roll of only 13 pupils, with the possibility of the roll falling further in the near future.
Education Convener Brian Milne commented: "The provision of primary education in Angus stands very favourably in comparison with that being offered in any other area. The very positive assessments of the quality of primary education in Angus being made by HMI attest to the sterling work being done by teachers in our schools.
"However this council, like every other authority in the country, must seek best value in all its services and ensure that its limited resources are spent wisely. In this context it is right and proper that the council should continually review its school provision in order to maintain a high quality of service across all its schools in the long-term.
"In the circumstances where the future viability of a small school is in doubt, it is preferable that the authority is proactive in identifying possible future difficulties before they become a reality. By opening early informal discussions with stakeholders at Kilry Primary School it is hoped to avoid prolonging any unnecessary uncertainty about the school's future."