Review of Primary School Provision

THIS REPORT RELATES STIRLING COUNCIL TO ITEM ON THE AGENDA

CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE EDUCATION

9 May 1997 NOT EXEMPT

REVIEW OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PROVISION

1 PURPOSE

1.1 This report provides details of a comprehensive review of primary school provision within the Stirling Council area which has been undertaken and brings forward proposals for rationalisation in the West Stirlingshire and Dunblane areas.

2 SUMMARY

2.1 At the meeting of Stirling Council on 6th March, 1997, when the revenue budget for 1997/98 was set, the Director of Education was asked to bring forward proposals for a primary school rationalisation programme as part of Education Services budget reduction measures.

2.2 As a consequence of the above, a comprehensive study of all primary schools was undertaken and evaluated against the following criteria :-

• Curriculum balance and peer group support

• Current and projected pupil rolls

• School capacities

• Condition of buildings

• Alternative schools - distance and capacity

2.3 Using the above criteria, five primary schools were identified for further detailed studies to establish their ongoing viability :-

• Inversnaid

• Kinlochard

• Kincardine-in-Menteith

• Kinbuck

• Holy Trinity -2-

2.4 These studies have concluded that there are sound educational and financial grounds for a review of primary school provision in the West Stirlingshire and Dunblane areas resulting in the closure of Kinlochard and/or Inversnaid, and Kinbuck primary schools.

2.5 The consultation documents relating to the proposed closures of Kinlochard and/or Inversnaid primary schools as a consequence of school rationalisation in West Stirlingshire area and Kinbuck primary school in the Dunblane area are attached as Appendices 1 and 2.

3 RECOMMENDATION(S)

3.1 It is recommended that the Children’s Committee adopt the proposals that :-

3.2 Kinbuck primary school be closed with effect from 27th June 1997 and that the pupils from the school transfer to Newton Primary school from session 1997/98.

and either Option 1

Inversnaid and Kinlochard primary schools be closed with effect from 27th June 1997 and that the pupils from these schools transfer to Aberfoyle primary school from session 1997/98

or Option 2

Kinlochard primary school be closed with effect from 27th June 1997 and that the pupils transfer to Aberfoyle primary school from session 1997/98

or Option 3

Inversnaid primary school be closed with effect from 27th June 1997 and that the pupils transfer to Kinlochard primary school from session 1997/98.

3.3 It is also recommended that :

• The appendices attached to these reports be issued as consultation documents and made available to all interested parties.

• Public meetings be arranged in the schools by the Director of Education to explain the reasons for the proposals and hear the views of the communities.

• All interested parties, including relevant school boards are invited to make written comments on the proposals to Gordon Jeyes, Director of Education, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET no later than 12th June 1997.

• The Director of Education prepare a report on the result of the consultation for consideration at a future meeting of the Council. -3-

4 CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 At its meeting on 6th March 1997, the Council requested that the Director of Education bring forward proposals for a primary school rationalisation programme as part of Education Services budget reduction measures for 1997/98.

4.2 As a consequence of this decision, a comprehensive study of all primary schools was undertaken and evaluated against the following criteria :-

• curriculum balance and peer group support

• current and projected pupil rolls

• school capacities

• condition of buildings

• alternative schools - distance and capacity

4.3 Attached as appendices 3 and 4 to this report is an analysis of all primary schools showing :-

• existing pupil rolls - zoned and placing requests

• number of classrooms / teaching areas

• school capacity

• percentage occupancy

• distance from nearest school

• appropriate commentaries

4.4 Using the above criteria, five primary schools were identified for further detailed studies to establish their ongoing viability

• Inversnaid

• Kinlochard

• Kincardine-in-Menteith

• Kinbuck

• Holy Trinity

4.5 As a consequence of these detailed studies it has been concluded that in the cases of Kincardine-in-Menteith and Holy Trinity primary schools there are a range of considerations that support their continuing viability.

4.5.1 Kincardine-in-Menteith Primary School -4-

4.5.2 Kincardine-in-Menteith primary school sits at the crossroads of the A84 to Doune and the A872 to Thornhill. It is an isolated position serving the local farming community and is not associated with any particular village or settlement.

4.5.3 The school consists of 2 classrooms, a general purpose area and ancillary accommodation. It has a capacity for 50 pupils. The school’s current roll is 35 pupils, 8 of whom attend on placing request. The school is currently running at 70% capacity. The projected pupil roll is on a steady incline and should reach 40 pupils by the year 2000 (80% capacity).

4.5.4 The nearest alternative primary school is in Doune, 2½ miles away. Doune primary school consists of 6 classrooms and ancillary accommodation. It has a capacity for 150 pupils. The current roll of the school is 127 pupils, 8 of whom attend on placing request. The school is currently running at 85% capacity. The projected pupil roll is on a steady incline and, taking potential housing developments into account, should reach 147 by the year 2006 (98%).

4.5.5 In conclusion, although the school is not ideally situated and is not associated with any particular village or settlement Kincardine-in- Menteith primary school continues to be viable. The school is currently operating at a high occupancy level which is projected to increase further over the next few years. The nearest alternative primary school in Doune is also running at a very high occupancy level which is projected to increase further over the next few years. It is unable to accommodate the transfer of pupils from Kincardine-in-Menteith primary school.

4.6 Holy Trinity Primary School

4.6.1 From available records it would appear that the school was founded in 1851 and named the Holy Trinity Episcopal School after the Church in Barnton Street. All late 19th century records refer to the “Episcopal School”.

4.6.2 It is understood that the pupils currently attending the school are not attached to the Episcopalian Church and reasons for their attendance are not related to religious beliefs.

4.6.3 The school does not have a defined catchment area and the pupils who currently attend the school reside in the catchment area of 10 different primary schools.

4.6.4 The school consists of 4 classrooms, a general purpose area and ancillary accommodation. It has a capacity for 100 pupils. The school’s current roll is 63 pupils (63% capacity).

4.6.5 16 pupils (25% of the current school roll) reside in the zoned area for Allan’s primary school.

4.6.6 Allan’s primary school at present has 80 placing requests. Consequently it does not have the capacity to accommodate the 16 pupils who are zoned for the area and who would expect to transfer to the school in the event that Holy Trinity primary school closed. -5-

4.6.7 Whilst it would not be possible to achieve the closure of Holy Trinity primary school in the near future due to current capacity problems at Allan’s primary school, further consideration needs to be given to the long term future of the school on the basis that :-

• it serves no defined catchment area

• an understanding that pupils’ attendance is no longer attributed to religious beliefs and Episcopalian teaching is not provided as part of the curriculum.

• with the exception of Allan’s primary school, pupils can easily be accommodated within their zoned schools, and within Allan’s, pupils could be accommodated were it not for the high proportion of placing requests in that school.

4.6.8 It is noted that the present arrangements complicate the efficient planning of education in this area of the town unnecessarily.

5 POLICY IMPLICATIONS

5.1 The recommendations outlined in this report contribute to the following aims of the Council.

• To promote equality

• To encourage lifelong learning

• To promote social and economic inclusion

• To enhance diversity and promote quality services

6 CONSULTATIONS

6.1 The attached consultation documents on the proposed rationalisation of primary school provision in the West Stirlingshire and Dunblane areas will be made available to all interested parties and public meetings will be arranged by the Director of Education to explain the reasons for the proposals and to hear the views of parents, staff and local communities.

6.2 All interested parties will also be invited to submit written comments on the proposals to the Director of Education

7 RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

7.1 Employees

7.1.1 The proposed closure of Kinlochard and/or Inversnaid, and Kinbuck primary schools will have implications for teaching and support staff. -6-

All staff would be consulted about their future as would the appropriate trade unions.

7.2 Home to School Transport

7.2.1 Free home to school transport would be provided to those pupils transferring to other schools as a consequence of the proposed closures in accordance with the Council’s Home to School Transport Policy.

7.3 Finance

7.3.1 Net revenue savings ranging from £31,123 and £44,366 in financial year 1997/98 and ranging from £57,562 and £82,562 per year thereafter depending on which options are agreed.

7.3.2 Capital receipts ranging from £117,000 to £192,000 at current market values could be achieved, depending on which options are agreed.

8 BACKGROUND PAPERS

8.1 Attached as appendices 1 to 4. -7-

Author(s) Name Designation Tel No/Extension

Ian Robertson/Derek Cullen Head of Planning and 2642 Resources/Principal Officer

Approved by Name Designation Signature

Gordon Jeyes Director of Education

Date Reference

REVPRIM.DOC -8-

APPENDIX 1

STIRLING COUNCIL: EDUCATION SERVICES

CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT

Report by Director of Education

SCHOOL RATIONALISATION IN THE WEST STIRLINGSHIRE AREA

This document has been issued by Stirling Council for consultation in terms of the Education (Publication and Consultation etc) (Scotland) Regulations 1981 as amended. -1-

STIRLING COUNCIL : EDUCATION SERVICES

Consultation Document

Report by the Director of Education Services

School Rationalisation in the West Stirlingshire Area

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Education Authorities have faced a series of challenges arising mainly from the policy of the Government to extend choice and accountability across public services.

These have included:

• the introduction of the right to placing requests which allows parents to apply for the enrolment of their child in a school of their choice outside the designated local catchment area

• the introduction of devolved school management

• the introduction of the 5-14 curriculum development programme and the standard grade of the Scottish Certificate of Education

• the Higher Still curriculum initiative

• nursery voucher scheme

• the promotion of the Private Finance Initiative

But whilst these changes in agenda are being addressed, education authorities have to respond also to the challenge posed by demographic change over the last 20 years.

1.2 The past 20 years has seen a significant reduction, nationally, in the primary school population without a corresponding reduction in the costs of running and maintaining school buildings.

1.3 A declining birth rate caused primary school rolls nationally to fall each year between 1976 and 1987. There was a small recovery after 1988, but the peak of this recovery in 8 years time will remain 28% lower than the total in 1976. Following this peak, further reductions are forecast into the 21st Century as a result of birth rate projections.

1.4 This means that an increased proportion of school budgets is spent on vacant pupil places rather than on education of the children who are in attendance, leading to increased unit costs per pupil without educational advantage. These considerations have led Stirling Council to examine the possible closure of Inversnaid and Kinlochard primary schools. -2-

1.5 Closure or amalgamation of schools can bring benefits of better value for money. Typically these benefits could be:

• re-investment of savings from rationalisation in the education service for:

- broader, better planned curriculum - improved facilities at receiving schools as a result of providing for increased rolls

• achieving better management of school buildings by making alternative use of surplus capacity

- creation/expansion of facilities for nursery education - provision of community education - community use - use by other Council services

• disposing of part or the whole of the school building, thereby raising valuable capital receipts

2. PRESENT SITUATION

2.1 Inversnaid Primary School

2.1.1 The original school building comprised a classroom and a school house, built in 1880. It was modernised in the late 1960s and extended by the addition of a general purpose room and a school kitchen. The general purpose room serves as a resource area, dining room, staff room and school office. No sizeable area is available for physical education.

2.1.2 The school is in overall good condition, internally and externally, although the electrical installation requires upgrading.

2.1.3 There is a tarmac drive leading to the school which is shared with the school house (sold to the headteacher) and a further private house in front of the school.

2.1.4 The school has a roll of 3 pupils, with no placing requests and a capacity for 15 pupils.

2.1.5 It serves a sparsely populated rural area in the most westerly part of the Stirling Council area, bordering on Loch Lomond. All the pupils have some distance to travel each day.

2.1.6 The position of the school and its delineated area are shown in the map attached as Appendix 1(a).

2.1.7 The nearest schools to Inversnaid are Kinlochard primary school which is 10 miles away and Aberfoyle primary school which is 14.25 miles away.

2.2 Kinlochard Primary School

2.2.1 The school consists of 2 classrooms, one of which is used as a resource room, a dining room and servery, an office/staff room and sanitary accommodation. -3-

2.2.2 The school is a stone building with a traditional slate roof and is in good condition. The main entrance doors are due for replacement and there is evidence of structural cracking at the front of the kitchen. The timber extension, built in the 1960s and used as a classroom, requires to be double glazed.

2.2.3 Internal decoration is in fair condition although the sanitary areas require to be upgraded.

2.2.4 The school was rewired around 1978 and is in reasonable condition.

2.2.5 The total number of places available is 50. The existing roll is 8, with no placing requests.

2.2.6 The school services the village of Kinlochard and the surrounding area. The position of the school and its delineated area are shown in the map attached as Appendix 1(b).

2.2.7 The nearest school is Aberfoyle primary school which is 4.25 miles away.

2.3 Aberfoyle Primary School

2.3.1 The school is a sandstone building in overall good condition although regular repairs are required to weathered areas.

2.3.2 The roof is of traditional timber and slate construction and is in good condition. The windows and external timber doors are in poor condition and need replacing.

2.3.3 The school consists of 6 classrooms, 2 of which are in an external horsa hut, one of which has since been refurbished as a nursery class. The other classroom in the hut is used as a resource room. It also consists of a combined use hall/kitchen (added 1978), staff room, office, sanitary accommodation and cloakrooms. Internal decoration is in good condition.

2.3.4 The school was rewired in approximately 1976 and the electrical installations are in fair condition.

The total number of places available is 125. The existing roll is 59 with 1 placing request.

2.3.5 The nearest school to Aberfoyle is Gartmore which is 3.5 miles away.

3. PROJECTED FUTURE ROLLS

3.1 Year Invernsaid PS Kinlochard PS Aberfoyle PS Total

1997/98 2 8 60 70 1998/99 2 5 60 67 1999/00 1 5 62 68 2000/01 1 4 60 65 -4-

3.2 There are no potential housing developments planned for the Inversnaid or Kinlochard areas in the draft local plan.

In Aberfoyle there is potential for 70 housing units outlined in the draft local plan equating to approximately an additional 17 pupils by the year 2006.

4. EDUCATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 Inversnaid Primary School

4.1.1 The teaching staff complement of the school is currently 1.1 FTE. This enables the headteacher with part-time support to provide for the full range of curriculum activity set out in the government guidance for the 5-14 curriculum. There are good links with the local community and activities are organised with neighbouring schools to compensate for lack of specialist resources in music, art and physical education.

4.1.2 Despite the distance between Inversnaid and its neighbouring primary schools there is a need to consider carefully the closure of the school and to its relocation to either Kinlochard or Aberfoyle to compensate for the lack of specialist provision and peer group activities.

Rezoning the children to either Kinlochard or Aberfoyle Primary School would provide:

• opportunities for some peer group interaction • discussion with more children across the whole curriculum • a wider range of curriculum activity enabled by group work • more opportunity to enhance language activity in talking, listening, reading and writing where peer interaction is expected • efficient use of resources and equipment in a cost effective way

4.1.3 Whilst the distances between Inversnaid and Kinlochard and Aberfoyle are considerable, 10 and 14.25 miles respectively, the educational issues identified above and the financial issues described in 7.1 require serious consideration.

4.1.4 The journey between Inversnaid and Kinlochard would take approximately 20 minutes morning and afternoon over B and unclassified roads. Inversnaid to Aberfoyle would take approximately 30 minutes morning and afternoon.

4.1.5 The balance of educational advantage by transferring the pupils from Inversnaid to either Kinlochard or Aberfoyle must be weighed against the social implications of a 40 to 60 minute journey to and from school each day.

4.2 Kinlochard Primary School

4.2.1 The headteacher assisted by a part-time teacher and a part-time music specialist cover the full range of curriculum activity set within the guidelines for the 5-14 curriculum. Given the small size of the roll specialist support is limited but learning and teaching is well organised and links with the community are actively promoted. -5-

4.2.2 However, the roll for the school is on a steady decline and is projected to drop to 4 pupils by the year 2000/01. Even with pupils transferring from Inversnaid this would see the pupil roll drop from 10 in 1997/98 to 5 in 2000/01.

4.2.3 Careful consideration needs to be given to the closure of the school and the relocation of pupils to Aberfoyle to compensate for the lack of specialist provision and peer group activities. Rezoning the children to Aberfoyle would provide the same benefits as described for Inversnaid in 4.1.2 above.

5. PROPOSAL

5.1 Primary school provision in the West Stirlingshire area is currently serving a pupil population of 70. This is against a potential capacity of 200 pupils across all three schools (35% occupancy). In two of these schools, Inversnaid and Kinlochard, the pupil rolls are extremely small and are projected to drop further.

5.2 Whilst there is significant educational and financial advantage from the closure of both Inversnaid and Kinlochard primary schools and the pupils transferring to Aberfoyle, it is recognised that distance/travel/time considerations need to be taken into account.

5.3 As a consequence of the above, three options have been identified on which consultation with parents, staff and local communities should be pursued.

5.3.1 Option 1

Closure of Inversnaid and Kinlochard primary schools with effect from 27th June, 1997 and the pupils transferring to Aberfoyle Primary School with effect from session 1997/98.

5.3.2 Option 2

Closure of Kinlochard Primary School with effect from 27th June, 1997 and the pupils transferring to Aberfoyle Primary School with effect from session 1997/98.

5.3.3 Option 3

Closure of Inversnaid Primary School with effect from 27th June, 1997 and the pupils transferring to Kinlochard with effect from session 1997/98.

6. CONSEQUENCES OF THE PROPOSALS

6.1 All three options identified above would have implications for teaching and support staff. Dependent upon which option is agreed, all staff would be consulted about their future, as would the appropriate trade unions. The particular wishes of members of staff would be taken into account.

6.2 Dependent upon which option was agreed the staff complement of the receiving school would be amended, where applicable, to reflect their increased pupil roll.

6.3 Free home to school transport would be provided to those pupils affected by whichever option is agreed. -1-

6.4 No change would be required to arrangements for secondary education whichever option is agreed.

6.5 Due to the distance between Kinlochard and Aberfoyle being greater than 5 miles from Inversnaid, in the case of Options 1 and 3 this would need to be brought before the Secretary of State for Scotland for approval if either of these options were agreed.

7. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

7.1 The estimated net revenue savings of options would be:

1997/98 Full Year

Option 1 27,560 51,438 Option 2 14,317 26,438 Option 3 17,595 31,965

Details of the savings are attached as Appendices 2(a), (b) and (c).

8. FUTURE USE OF BUILDING(S)

8.1 Education Services would have no proposals for the continued use of the school building(s). Whichever option is agreed they would be declared surplus to educational requirements. It may be that the local community(ies) would wish to pursue its/their continued use as accommodation for community meetings and leisure activities, with the support of grant aid.

9. DATE OF PROPOSED CLOSURE(S)

It is proposed that, dependent on which option is agreed, the closure(s) take place on 27th June, 1997.

10. RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that the Council adopt the proposals that:

10.1 Either Option 1

(i) Inversnaid and Kinlochard primary schools be closed with effect from 27th June, 1997

(ii) The pupils of Inversnaid and Kinlochard primary schools transfer to Aberfoyle primary school from the start of session 1997/98

or - Option 2

(i) Kinlochard primary school be closed with effect from 27th June, 1997 -2-

(ii) The pupils of Kinlochard primary school transfer to Aberfoyle Primary School from the start of session 1997/98

or - Option 3

(i) Inversnaid Primary School be closed with effect from 27th June, 1997

(ii) The pupils of Inversnaid primary school transfer to Kinlochard primary school from the start of session 1997/98

10.2 It is also recommended that:

(i) This report be issued as a consultative document and made available to all interested parties.

(ii) Public meetings be arranged in the schools by the Director of Education to explain the reasons for the proposals and hear the views of the community.

(iii) All interested parties, including relevant school boards, are invited to make written comments on the proposals to Gordon Jeyes, Director of Education, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET no later than 12th June, 1997.

(iv) The Director of Education prepare a report on the results of the consultation for consideration at a future meeting of the Council.

In terms of the Education (Publication and Consultation Etc.)(Scotland) Regulations 1981 as amended the implementation of these proposals may require the consent of the Secretary of State for Scotland dependent upon which option is agreed. -3-

APPENDIX 2(a)

Option 1

Proposed closure of Inversnaid and Kinlochard Primary Schools.

Redistribution of Pupils

No. of Pupils Before Kinlochard & No. of Pupils After Closure Inversnaid Pupils Closure

Aberfoyle PS 62 11 73

Adjustment to Teaching Staff Allocation

Basic Teaching Basic Teaching Allocation Before Allocation After Closures Closures Increase

Aberfoyle PS 3.6 FTE 4.0 FTE 0.4 FTE

As a consequence of the revised roll of Aberfoyle Primary School increasing beyond 71 pupils this would entitle them to a senior teacher post from within the above allocation.

Financial Implications

1997/98 Full Year £ £

Staff Costs (31,958) (51,132) Property Costs (10,879) (17,406) (42,836) (68,538) Less : Additional Transport Costs 12,277 17,100 Removal Costs 3,000

Net Projected Savings 27,560 51,438 APPENDIX 2(b)

Option 2

Proposed closure of Kinlochard Primary School.

Redistribution of Pupils

No. of Pupils Before Kinlochard Pupils No. of Pupils After Closure Closure

Aberfoyle PS 62 8 70

Adjustment to Teaching Allocation

Basic Teaching Basic Teaching Allocation Before Allocation After Closure Closure Increase

Aberfoyle PS 3.6 FTE 3.9 FTE 0.3 FTE

Financial Implications

1997/98 Full Year £ £

Staff Costs (15,751) (25,202) Property Costs ( 5,523) ( 8,836) (21,274) (34,038) Less : Additional Transport Costs 5,456 7,600 Removal Costs 1,500 -

Net Projected Savings (14,317) (26,438) -5-

APPENDIX 2(c)

Option 3

Proposed closure of Inversnaid Primary School.

Redistribution of Pupils

No. of Pupils Before Inversnaid Pupils No. of Pupils After Closure Closure

Kinlochard PS 8 3 11

Adjustment to Teaching Allocation

Basic Teaching Basic Teaching Allocation Before Allocation After Closure Closure Increase

Kinlochard PS 1.1 FTE 1.1 FTE NIL

Financial Implications

1997/98 Full Year £ £

Staff Costs (20,559) (32,895) Property Costs ( 5,356) ( 8,570) (25,916) (41,465) Less : Additional Transport Costs 6,821 9,500 Removal Costs 1,500 -

Net Projected Savings (17,595) (31,965) -6-

APPENDIX 2

STIRLING COUNCIL: EDUCATION SERVICES

CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT

Report by Director of Education

SCHOOL RATIONALISATION IN THE DUNBLANE AREA

This document has been issued by Stirling Council for consultation in terms of the Education (Publication and Consultation etc) (Scotland) Regulations 1981 as amended. -7-

STIRLING COUNCIL : EDUCATION SERVICES

Consultation Document

Report by the Director of Education Services

School Rationalisation in the Dunblane Area

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Education Authorities have faced a series of challenges arising mainly from the policy of the Government to extend choice and accountability across public services.

These have included:

• the introduction of the right to placing requests which allows parents to apply for the enrolment of their child in a school of their choice outside the designated local catchment area

• the introduction of devolved school management

• the introduction of the 5-14 curriculum development programme and the standard grade of the Scottish Certificate of Education

• the Higher Still curriculum initiative

• nursery voucher scheme

• the promotion of the Private Finance Initiative

But whilst these changes in genda are being addressed, education authorities have to respond also to the challenge posed by demographic change over the last 20 years.

1.2 The past 20 years has seen a significant reduction, nationally, in the primary school population without a corresponding reduction in the costs of running and maintaining school buildings.

1.5 Closure or amalgamation of schools can bring benefits of better value for money. Typically these benefits could be

• re-investment of savings from rationalisation in the education service for:

- broader, better planned curriculum - improved facilities at receiving schools as a result of providing for increased rolls

• achieving better management of school buildings by making alternative use of surplus capacity

- creation/expansion of facilities for nursery education - provision of community education - community use - use by other council services

• disposing of part or the whole of the school building, thereby raising valuable capital receipts

2. PRESENT SITUATION

2.1 Kinbuck primary school is a sandstone building with a traditional timber and slate roof. The roof is in good condition. The entrance doors are due to be replaced.

2.2 The school consists of 2 classrooms, a dining room and servery which is also used by visiting teachers for various pupil activities, a store room, a small internal lavatory, and a separate portacabin used as sanitary accommodation. All the rooms are in fair condition with adequate decoration.

2.3 The electrical installations are in reasonable condition. Overall the school is in fair condition but would benefit from upgrading.

2.4 The school featured in the Stirling Council's first capital expenditure plan as inherited by Central Regional Council in 1996. It was due to be refurbished in 1998/99 at a value of £500,000 (subject to available funding).

2.5 The school has a roll of 28 pupils, 9 of whom attend on a placing request and a capacity for 41 pupils (68% occupancy).

2.6 The school serves the village of Kinbuck and surrounding area. The position of the school and its delineated area are shown in the map attached as Appendix 1.

2.7 The nearest school to Kinbuck primary school is Newton Primary School in Dunblane.

2.8 Newton primary school is 3 miles from Kinbuck primary school. It is a modern building opened in 1996, at a cost of £2.3M. In addition to the usual ancillary accommodation it consists of 14 classrooms, a nursery, a separate, well-equipped resource base, music room, practical cookery areas, a games hall and well-equipped outside play areas.

2.9 This newly built school offers children access to the most up to date facilities for effective teaching and learning. The total number of places available is 462. The existing roll is 227 which includes 49 placing requests. -9- -10-

3. PROJECTED FUTURE ROLLS

3.1 Year Kinbuck PS Newton PS Total

1997/98 28 238 266 1998/99 28 234 262 1999/00 27 244 271 2000/01 20 230 250

3.2 According to the draft local plan, the village of Kinbuck is relatively self contained and offers little scope for expansion compatible within the character and appearance of the village. Any new housing should therefore be located within the village and restructured to small scale developments of 1-3 houses in appropriate locations or through the conversion of existing buildings.

As a consequence the projected school roll would not be affected. 9 pupils currently attend Kinbuck Primary School by placing request.

Dunblane on the other hand, has proposals and potential for an additional 500 plus houses, outlined in the draft local plan. Of these housing developments 384 housing units have been identified in the Newton Primary School catchment area. This could equate to approximately an additional 77 pupils by the year 2006.

4. EDUCATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 The Headteacher, assisted by a full time teacher, a part time teacher and part time specialists in art and physical education, cover the full range of attainment targets set within the guidelines for the 5-14 curriculum. Given the small size of the roll specialist support is limited but learning and teaching is well organised and links with the community are actively promoted.

Re-zoning the children to Newton Primary School would provide:

• greater opportunities for social interaction with children of the same age • discussion with more children across the whole curriculum • improve opportunities for group activity and discussion • more opportunity to enhance language activity in talking, listening, reading and writing where peer interaction is expected • through economies of scale, enable access to a greater range of materials, equipment and expertise.

5. PROPOSAL

Against this background of a falling catchment area pupil roll, under capacity, major investment in providing the Dunblane area with a new high specification primary school, and the balance of educational advantage, it is proposed that Kinbuck Primary School be closed on 27th June, 1997 and the pupils it brings transferred to Newton Primary School. -11-

6. CONSEQUENCES OF THE PROPOSAL

6.1 The closure of Kinbuck Primary School will have implications for teaching and support staff. All staff will be consulted about their future, as will the appropriate trade unions. The particular wishes of members of staff will be taken into account.

6.2 The staffing complement of Newton Primary School would increase to meet the increased pupil roll.

6.3 Free home to school transport to Newton Primary School will be provided to existing Kinbuck Primary School pupils who reside in Kinbuck Primary School catchment area and to those pupils who qualify by eligibility determined by the approved Home to School Transport policy.

6.4 No change is required in arrangements for secondary education resulting from the above.

7. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The estimated net savings of the proposal would be £31,124 in a full financial year, and £16,806 in 1997/98 attached as Appendices 2(a) and 2(b).

8. FUTURE USE OF THE BUILDING

8.1 Education Services have no proposals for the continuing use of the Kinbuck Primary School building and would declare it surplus to requirements. It may be that the local community would wish, with grant aid, to continue to operate the building to accommodate community meetings and leisure activities.

9. DATE OF PROPOSED CLOSURE

9.1 It is proposed that the closure of Kinbuck Primary School, if agreed, takes place from the end of session 1996/97 on 27th June, 1997.

10. RECOMMENDATIONS

10.1 It is recommended that the Council adopt the proposal that:

(i) Kinbuck Primary School be closed with effect from 27th June, 1997

(ii) The pupils from Kinbuck Primary School transfer to Newton Primary School from session 1997/98. -12-

10.2 It is also recommended that:

(i) this report be issued as a consultative document and made available to all interested parties

(ii) a public meeting be arranged in the school by the Director of Education Services to explain the reasons for the proposals and hear the views of the parents, staff and the local community.

(iii) All interested parties are invited to make written comments on the proposals to Gordon Jeyes, Director of Education Services, Stirling Council, Viewforth FK8 2ET, no later than 12th June, 1997.

(iv) the Director of Education Services prepare a report on the results of the consultations for consideration at a future meeting of the Council. -13-

Appendix 2(a)

Proposed Closure of Kinbuck Primary School

Redistribution of Pupils as follows:

Basic Basic Teacher Teacher No of Pupils Kinbuck No of Pupils Entitlement Entitlement FTE Before Closure Pupils After Before After Increase Closure Closure Closure

Newton PS 227 28 255 9.9 10.9 1.0

Promoted Profile

Within each primary school's overall teaching staff allocation the promoted profile is provided for as follows:

School Roll HT DHT AHT ST

1 - 71 1 - - - 72 - 198 1 - - 1 199 - 220 1 - - 2 221 - 325 1112 326 - 360 1 1 1 2 361 - 500 1 1 1 3 501 - 523 1 1 2 3 524+ 1 1 2 4

Newton primary school's Promoted Profile would be unaffected by the increase in pupil roll.

Projected teaching costs saved on closure would be as follows:

FTE

Basic Teaching staff allocation at present 2.2

Increase in Basic teaching allocation as a result of redistribution of 1.0 pupils to Newton

Overall saving in FTE teaching staff 1.2 -14-

Appendix 2(b)

Financial Implications of the Closure of Kinbuck Primary School

1997/98 Full Year £ £

Staff Costs (22,362)* (35,779)*

Property Costs ( 4,803) ( 7,685)#

(27,165) (43,464)

Less:

Additional transport costs 8,859 12,340

Cost of removing and 1,500 transferring equipment

Net projected savings (16,806) (31,124)

* Projected savings take account of increased staff allocations reflecting increased rolls consequent of pupils transferring to Newton Primary School

# Rates relief would be eligible at 100% for the first 3 months, and 50% thereafter

Capital Receipts

No capital receipt is able to be anticipated at this stage until a decision is taken on the future of the property. However an estimate of the property's value is given as £68,000.00 (based upon a depreciated replacement cost basis). APPENDIX 3

No. of School School Roll (August ‘96) Classroom Capacity %age Nearest School s/ (Aug ‘96) Occupanc (if mileage > 5) Teaching y Areas Zoned Placing Total Requests Aberfoyle PS 58 1 59 5 125 47.2 Kinlochard Allan’s PS 120 80 200 7 231 86.5 Holy Trinity Balfron PS 164 11 175 7 231 75.7 Killearn Bannockburn PS 486 37 523 19 627 83.4 Borestone Borestone PS 268 29 297 13 429 69.2 St. Ninians Braehead PS 301 26 327 13 429 76.2 St. Ninians Bridge of Allan PS 316 52 368 15 495 74.3 Cornton Buchanan PS 42 8 50 3 75 66.6 Drymen Buchlyvie PS 40 2 42 3 75 56 Kippen (5) Callander PS 239 3 242 10 330 73.3 Trossachs (6) Cambusbarron PS 134 14 148 8 264 56 St. Ninians Cornton PS 140 9 149 7 231 60.6 Bridge of Allan Cowie PS 155 10 165 9 297 55.5 East Plean Crianlarich PS 20 0 20 2 50 40 Killin (14) Deanston PS 52 3 55 2 50 100 Doune Doune PS 120 7 127 6 150 84.6 Doune Drymen PS 82 14 96 4 100 96 Buchanan Dunblane PS 404 21 425 25 528 80.4 Newton East Plean PS 172 1 173 8 264 65.5 Cowie Fallin PS 294 2 296 12 396 74.7 Cowie Fintry PS 63 1 64 3 75 85.3 Balfron (=5) Gargunnock PS 83 0 83 5 125 66.4 Kippen Gartmore PS 42 0 42 2 50 84 Aberfoyle (=5) Holy Trinity PS 0 58 58 4 100 58 Allan’s Inversnaid PS 3 0 3 1 15 20 Kinlochard (10) Killearn PS 175 17 192 9 297 64.6 Balfron Killin PS 65 4 69 4 100 69 Lochearnhead (8) Kinbuck PS 18 10 28 2 41 68 Newton -16-

No. of School School Roll (August ‘96) Classroom Capacity %age Nearest School s/ (Aug ‘96) Occupanc (if mileage > 5) Teaching y Areas Zoned Placing Total Requests Kincardine-in-Menteith PS 27 8 35 2 50 70 Doune Kinlochard PS 8 0 8 2 50 16 Aberfoyle Kippen PS 105 8 113 4 100 100 Gargunnock Lochearnhead PS 19 1 20 1 25 80 Strathyre (5) Newton PS 203 24 227 14 462 49.1 Dunblane Port of Menteith PS 21 8 29 2 50 58 Aberfoyle/ Thornhill Raploch PS 291 2 293 15 495 58.7 Holy Trinity Riverside PS 255 90 345 15 495 69.6 Holy Trinity St. Margaret’s RC PS 84 13 97 7 231 42 St. Mary’s, Bannockburn St. Mary’s RC PS 191 21 312 12 396 78.7 St. Margaret’s, Bannockburn Cowie St. Mary’s RC PS 121 0 121 16 528 22.9 St. Mary’s, Kildean Bannockburn St. Ninians PS 251 117 368 15 495 74.3 Braehead/ Borestone Strathblane PS 148 0 148 8 264 56 Killearn (6) Strathyre PS 25 0 25 2 50 50 Lochearnhead (5) Thornhill PS 76 7 69 4 100 69 Kincardine-in- Menteith Trossachs PS 13 9 22 1 25 88 Callander (8) APPENDIX 4

STIRLING COUNCIL : EDUCATION SERVICES

School Rationalisation

Audit Summary (by %age Occupancy)

School School Roll %age Comments (Aug, ‘96) Occupancy Kinlochard PS 8 16 Under capacity. Declining roll. Nearest school in Aberfoyle could accommodate pupils. Inversnaid PS 3 20 Under capacity. Remote location. Declining roll. St. Mary’s RC PS, 121 22.9 Roman Catholic school. Serves wide catchment Kildean area. School building part of development of centre of excellence. Crianlarich PS 20 40 Nearest school 14 miles away over narrow roads in Killin. High transport costs to Killin. St. Margaret’s RC PS 97 42 Roman Catholic school. Large catchment area. St. Cowie Mary’s Bannockburn unable to accommodate school roll. Aberfoyle PS 59 47.2 Nursery class now in place, reducing no. of primary places available to 125. Nearest school Kinlochard. Unable to accommodate roll. Newton PS 227 49.1 New school. Completed 1996. Strathyre PS 25 50 Lochearnhead unable to accommodate Strathyre roll. High transport costs. Building in fairly good condition. Cowie PS 165 55.5 Nearest school East Plean unable to accommodate existing roll. Need major extension. Cambusbarron PS 148 56 Nearest school St. Ninians unable to accommodate existing roll. Buchlyvie PS 42 56 Nearest school Kippen being refurbished and unable to accommodate roll. Strathblane PS 148 56 Nearest school 6 miles away at Killearn. High transport costs. Killearn unable to accommodate school roll. Building in fairly good condition. Holy Trinity PS 58 58 No defined catchment area. Pupils attend from numerous catchment areas. No longer undertakes Episcopal teaching. Port of Menteith PS 29 58 Recently refurbished school. Raploch PS 291 58.7 Large school roll. Nearest schools unable to accommodate roll. Cornton PS 149 60.6 Nearest school Bridge of Allan unable to accommodate school roll. New housing development planned for Westhaugh in Cornton. Killin PS 69 63.8 Nearest school Lochearnhead is 8 miles away and could not accommodate school roll. -18-

APPENDIX 4

School School Roll %age Comments (Aug, ‘96) Occupancy East Plean PS 173 65.7 Nearest school Cowie unable to accommodate school roll. Gargunnock PS 83 66.4 Nearest school Kippen being refurbished and unable to accommodate roll. Buchanan PS 50 66.6 Croftamie pupils recently moved to Buchanan PS. Nearest school Drymen unable to accommodate school roll. Nursery class moving to Croftamie. Kinbuck PS 28 68 Requires modernisation, external toilets. Nearest school only 2-3 miles away. Newton PS offers modern teaching aids. Thornhill PS 69 69 Nearest school Kincardine-in-Menteith unable to accommodate school roll. Borestone PS 297 69.2 High school roll. Nearest school St. Ninians unable to accommodate school roll. Capacity does not include 2 nursery classes. Riverside PS 345 69.6 Large school roll. Nearest schools unable to accommodate roll. Kincardine-in- 35 70 Small school roll. Nearest school in Doune only 2 Menteith PS miles away. Could provide more educational opportunity. Callander PS 242 73.3 Recently refurbished school. Large school roll. Bridge of Allan PS 368 74.3 Large school roll. Nearest school Cornton unable to accommodate school roll. St. Ninians PS 368 74.3 Large school roll. Nearest schools, Borestone and Braehead, unable to accommodate school roll. Fallin PS 296 74.7 Large school roll. Nearest school Cowie PS unable to accommodate school roll. Balfron PS 175 75.7 Good condition. High occupancy.