Consultation proposal by North Lanarkshire Council
Report by HM Inspectorate of Education addressing educational aspects of the
proposal to review part of the catchment areas of Gartcosh and Chryston
Primary Schools.
1.
Introduction
1.1
North Lanarkshire Council proposes that the Mount Ellen area, currently
zoned to either Gartcosh Primary School or Chryston Primary School, be rezoned
exclusively to Chryston Primary School from August 2011. The Learning and
Leisure Services Committee approved consultation on these proposals in
November 2010. The council extended the consultation period to take account of
difficulties associated with adverse weather conditions in December 2010.
1.2
Under current catchment arrangements, which have existed for many years,
Mount Ellen parents have had the option of enrolling their children at either Gartcosh
Primary School or Chryston Primary School. The Mount Ellen housing area is
equidistant from both schools.
1.3
Based on the council’s projections, the role at Gartcosh Primary School will
exceed the school’s capacity from August 2011. Whilst the number of children
affected by the proposal in any one year is likely to be small, for example,
approximately two or three children in 2011, the cumulative total over the seven
years of primary education would be significant.
1.4
Several children from Mount Ellen currently attend Chryston Primary School,
which has ample capacity to accommodate all of those children who might be
affected by the council’s proposal over coming years. The proposal does not affect
children’s transfer to secondary schooling since both schools fall within the
catchment for Chryston High School.
1.5
The council believes the proposal offers an essential but short-term solution to
capacity issues in Gartcosh Primary School. The area around Gartcosh has seen
substantial housing development in recent years, putting pressure on the limited
accommodation in the school. Gartcosh is designated as one of the council’s
Community Growth Areas, and further house building is expected when economic
conditions permit. The school building dates from the early 20th century, and the
current site does not lend itself to extension or adaptation sufficient to address
projected capacity demands. The council believes that the only appropriate
long-term solution to the school’s capacity issues is to build a new school, but this
option is unrealistic in the current economic climate.
1.6
The report from HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) is required under the
terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. It has been prepared by
HMIE in accordance with the terms of the Act.
1.7
HM Inspectors undertook the following activities in considering the
educational aspects of the proposal:
1

consideration of all relevant documentation provided by the council in relation
to the proposal, specifically the educational benefits statement and related
consultation documents, comments from parents and others;

attendance at the public meetings held on 10 and 11 January 2011 in
connection with the council’s proposal; and

visits to Gartcosh Primary School and Chryston Primary School, including
discussion with relevant individuals and groups.
1.8
HMIE considered:

the likely effects of the proposal for children and young people of the schools;
for any other users; children likely to become pupils in future years; and for
other children and young people in the council area;

any other likely effects of the proposal;

how the council intends to minimise or avoid any adverse effects that may
arise from the proposal; and

benefits which the authority believes will result from implementation of the
proposal, and the council’s reasons for coming to these beliefs.
2.
Consultation process
2.1
North Lanarkshire Council undertook the consultation on its proposal with
reference to the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.
2.2
Overall, stakeholders from both schools understood and accepted the logic of
the council’s proposal. They recognised the pressure on accommodation at
Gartcosh Primary School, and the need to take prompt action to address the issues
in the short term. They agreed with the council’s view of the constraints of the
current accommodation and site at Gartcosh Primary School, and supported strongly
the longer term aspiration for a new school. They understood, however, that a new
school was unlikely in the prevailing economic conditions. Stakeholders accepted
that there was high-quality accommodation available at Chryston Primary School,
sufficient to the needs of the council’s proposal.
2.3
A few stakeholders in Gartcosh Primary School expressed regret that the
proposal would result in a break in the tradition of successive generations of some
families attending the school. Stakeholders recognised the need for the council to
adhere fully to its policy on placing requests. However, some expressed the wish
that council officials might look favourably on placing requests, which might be
submitted for some specific children affected by the proposal, at least in the initial
transition period. Some stakeholders were concerned to ensure that children
affected by the proposal received appropriate pastoral support, and that any
children’s additional support needs were fully addressed. A few stakeholders were
disappointed that discretionary places for free transport to Gartcosh Primary School
2
might not continue to be available. These places are currently offered, where space
permits, on the free bus transport provided for pupils entitled under the council’s
policy.
2.4
Stakeholders identified some clear benefits which should derive from the
proposal. These included avoiding overcrowding in Gartcosh Primary School, and
improved access to resources, for example, computing facilities, for the children
remaining in the school. The proposal would also safeguard the limited flexible
accommodation remaining in Gartcosh Primary School, allowing a better quality of
education for the pupils. Some stakeholders also believed that, in time, the fact that
all the children from Mount Ellen would attend Chryston Primary School could lead to
a further strengthening in the sense of community in Mount Ellen. The closer access
to the facilities in Chryston High School, for example, for physical education, science
and craft subjects, could also be beneficial for the children affected by the proposal.
Some stakeholders commented on the general benefits from balancing the roll in
both schools in this way, at a time when the council might be seeking further
efficiencies in its school estate. Stakeholders in Chryston Primary School, including
pupils, staff and parents, were positive about the proposal. They were committed to
welcoming the new pupils, integrating them fully into the school community and
meeting their pastoral and learning needs.
3.
Educational aspects of the proposal
3.1
The proposal should have no adverse effect on the experience of children in
the two schools and should bring a number of benefits. The proposal should prevent
overcrowding of accommodation or further pressures on other resources in Gartcosh
Primary School. Non-denominational pupils living in Mount Ellen would now attend
one local school, contributing to developing an even stronger sense of community.
3.2
HMIE inspection reports from recent years identify a number of strengths in
provision in both schools. The report on Chryston Primary School confirms the high
quality of education which pupils receive, ensuring no deterioration in the educational
experience of those additional children who would now come from Mount Ellen.
Pupils would have access to high-quality accommodation and facilities, in Chryston
Primary School and, at appropriate times, in Chryston High School.
3.3
The council’s arrangements for children’s transition from pre-school provision
to primary school are effective with respect to both Gartcosh and Chryston Primary
Schools. The council has expressed its commitment to ensuring extra support for
children transferring from pre-school to P1 in Chryston Primary School wherever
necessary.
3.4
The proposal should help safeguard the educational resources available to
children and young people, in both Gartcosh and Chryston Primary Schools, but also
across the whole of the authority. There would be no adverse effects on the facilities
available to the wider communities.
3.5
The council has made clear its commitment to ensuring appropriate support
for the children affected by its proposal, for example, in respect of their pastoral and
educational needs, and to avoiding any adverse effects on their experience.
3
3.6
The council takes a positive view of the quality of education provided by both
schools, based in part on the information from HMIE inspection reports and partly
from the knowledge of its own staff. The council’s proposal is likely to lead to a
number of educational benefits as described in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.5 above.
4.
Summary
4.1
The council’s proposal will bring a number of important educational benefits to
the children attending both schools, and those who will do so in coming years. The
proposal offers an effective solution to a pressing issue, which appropriately focuses
on ensuring a positive and improving educational experience for the children in both
Gartcosh and Chryston Primary Schools.
4.2
The council has demonstrated its commitment to work with children, staff,
parents and other stakeholders to support a positive transition to the proposed new
arrangements. Council staff should continue to engage with stakeholders to
encourage their positive support for the proposed change, should it proceed.
4.3 The council and all stakeholders recognise that the proposal offers only a
short-term solution to the capacity issues in Gartcosh Primary School. The council
should consider how best to address these issues in the longer term, for example,
through continuing to develop plans for replacement accommodation for Gartcosh
Primary School, in the context of its wider educational and economic planning
framework.
HM Inspectorate of Education
February 2011
4