Wokingham

A Junior and an infant school in Wokingham could be merged if a consultation into the proposal proves positive.

A six-week consultation period started on Monday for the amalgamation of Whitelocke Infant and Nursery and The Palmer Church of England (Aided) Wokingham Junior schools. If approved, the merger would create a Church of England Aided Status Primary School to serve children from three to 11 years old from September 2006.

A meeting for parents of children at both schools, staff and the wider community to raise questions and comments will be held on Thursday, December 8, at 7.30pm at the Cornerstone in Norreys Avenue, Wokingham. The proposal to merge the schools, both in Norreys Avenue, has been backed by the Oxford Diocese. Wokingham District Council executive members will be asked to support the proposal and consider feedback from the public consultation at their meeting on January 26.

According to the proposals, the new Wokingham primary school could have a significant number of benefits for pupils, parents and staff, including a comprehensive curriculum to help fill the gap between infant and junior school, easing the transition through the key stages of primary education. The merger would also allow for a sustainable number of pupil places for the future.

Wokingham Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for children’s services, said: “An amalgamation of these two schools could bring great benefits to local pupils, providing them with even better education opportunities. “If the proposals are agreed, the district council would work in partnership with the diocese and both schools to ensure that standards are raised even further and that teachers at the schools are offered continued professional development. “The public meeting will be an opportunity for parents to raise concerns or lend their support to these proposals and I hope as many people as possible will attend.”

Jenny Partridge, chairman of governors of Whitelocke Infant and Nursery School, Wokingham said: “The idea of one ‘through’ primary school on this site makes sense. “While both schools have been successful in their own right, this seems a sensible time to consider joining to become even more effective in the future. “A school that will take children on their learning journey from three to 11 years old is an exciting prospect.”

Karen Wellman, chairman of governors of Palmer Junior School, Wokingham said: “In the long history of the school, since the 18th century, there have been many changes. “We are particularly excited by this opportunity to take our caring Christian ethos into a new 21st century school.” If the proposal is approved a further six-week public consultation will take place in February and March.

get Wokingham ~ 1/12/2005