Letter Template

Dear Sir
  • As a parent of a child at Kingsley St John's Primary School
  • As a ex-pupil of Kingsley St John's Primary School
  • As a ex-parent of a child at Kingsley St John's Primary School
  • As a member of the community served by Kingsley St John's Primary School
I am writing to you to express(raise) my (concerns, anger, distress, surprise, shock) over the proposed amalgamation of Kingsley St John's Primary School and Norley C of E Primary School. My concerns are that: (choose perhaps three and expand on them in a way that is personal to your situation)
  • The impact on the rural communities of the loss of one of a school
  • The loss of successful, caring schools which provide the highest standards of education combined with a broad and balanced curriculum. It is difficult to see how this is the best interests of the children. ( Direct quote from the child?)
  • That the Christian and caring ethos of these schools will be lost as they move away the small school environment and their community
  • A small school environment suits the needs of most children more effectively. The small size of a school can be a positive advantage:
    - There's a definite correlation between the smallness of the school and academic success” John Coe, National Association for Primary Education, Education Guardian, 12/12/2000
    - David Blunket was so enamoured by small schools that he would like to bottle whatever it is that makes a Church schools so successful
  • That the criteria for arriving at the option of amalgamation between these two schools has not be shared with those involved.
  • The proposed merger of the two high schools may have significant impact on the number on roll of school who are at present are within the Helsby High School catchment area. This will impact on those schools who have a high proportion of pupils from outside of their catchment area but whose parents have preferred to send their children to a feeder school for Helsby High School.
  • There is the danger of this becoming a self fulfilling prophecy; once parents know a school is threatened with amalgamation they may be unwilling to commit to giving that as a first preference school.
  • Parents actively choose the existing schools specifically because they are small, can offer small class sizes and individual attention. Creating a larger school with larger class sizes means that parents right to choose is taken away
  • There is little evidence to suggest that small schools cannot offer an effective use of resources. The most recent OFSTED inspection at Kingsley St John's found that the school gave good value for money.
  • Every child Matters states that a small school should be part of its community.
  • What would be wider environmental and social impact of children travelling considerable distances to attend a Church School?
  • Isn't it likely that either school site would be used for low cost social housing? If this is the case, would this not increase the demand for school places in an area where a school has recently been closed?
  • What would the status of the new school be and would parents be consulted? Kingsley St. John's is proud of its links with the Church and its 150 years history as an Aided School.
To help my understanding of this process/ to help clarify my concerns/ to help me understand why this school is facing amalgamation/ I would like you to clarify in writing the following points
  • How will it benefit my child/children/the children?
  • How will be money be saved in this process given that it will involve substantial re-building?
  • How will it address the issue of falling rolls?
  • What will be the impact on the proposed amalgamation of High Schools?
  • What is the criteria for the selection of Kingsley St. John's for amalgamation?
  • What other options were considered before the proposals were finalised?
  • Will the 'consultation process' be a really consultative and reflect the wishes of the communities and the democratic process?

I anticipate a detailed written reply by ...
I have also sent a copy of this letter to ...