Suffolk County Council's Cabinet confirmed today its decision to
close Cookley and Walpole Primary School, near Halesworth.
However, pupil education and welfare will remain the top
priority at the Church of England school near Halesworth until the
end of the summer term. The closure of the school will lead to the
catchment area around Cookley and Walpole Primary School being
absorbed into the catchment area for Bramfield Primary School.
Patricia O'Brien, portfolio holder for Children, Schools and
Young People's Services, said: "This decision, to close Cookley and
Walpole, was a difficult decision to take. The council is committed
to rural schools but there is also a duty to make sure children
have the best possible education and social environment.”
Parents of children at Cookley and Walpole will be guaranteed a
place at Bramfield from September 2008, with free transport.
Parents who are undecided are being invited to visit any schools
they are considering and speak to headteachers. The council does
not provide free school transport to out-of-catchment schools to
meet parental preference. It is hoped that the Stepping Stones
Pre-School, which has run at Cookley and Walpole Primary School,
will relocate to Bramfield Primary School.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
- Discussions about the future of the Cookley and Walpole Primary
School building have not yet reached a conclusion.
Media contact:
Mike Sherburn, press officer, 01473 264397,
mike.sherburn@comms.suffolkcc.gov.uk
Councillor contacts:
Patricia O'Brien, Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and
Young People's Services, 01394 448085,
patricia.obrien@councillors.suffolkcc.gov.uk
Tony Lewis, Labour lead for Children and Young People's
Services, 07889 338836,
tony.lewis@councillors.suffolkcc.gov.uk
Julia Truelove, Liberal Democrat and independent Group
spokesperson for Children & Young People, 01449 678652,
julia.truelove@councillors.suffolkcc.gov.uk