Closure recommended for north primaries
Two North Mainland primary schools have been recommended for closure in a consultation report published by the council.
North Roe Primary and Urafirth Primary School and nursery department should close at the end of this school year, and pupils transfer to Ollaberry Primary School on 19th August next year, or as soon as possible after that date.
The publishing of the report follows a period of statutory consultation earlier this year, which comprised public meetings and discussions with staff and pupils, and which invited written responses from the public – 224 were received.
The consultation report will be considered by the SIC education and families committee on 4th November, with a recommendation made to the council the following day.
The consultation report and the executive summary report can be found http://www.shetland.gov.uk/education/schools_reconfiguration_project.asp
The future of two secondary departments, Mid Yell and Whalsay, is now going to public consultation, starting today and running until 18th November.
The proposals are to remove the Secondary 4 stage of education at Mid Yell Junior High School and Whalsay School, or to close the secondary departments of the two schools entirely.
Public meetings on the issue will be held on Tuesday 30th September at Whalsay School; Thursday 2nd October at Mid Yell Junior High School; and Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th October at the Anderson High School. All meetings will be from 7pm to 9pm.
Meetings held at the AHS will discuss the potential effects of the proposals on that school. Further information will also be sent to the relevant consultees to allow them to respond should they wish.
Education and families committee chairwoman Vaila Wishart said: "It is essential that anyone with an interest in this important issue makes their views known to us. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions you may have about the process."