Special provision for rural schools
12Factors for rural closure proposals
1
Subsection (2) applies in relation to any closure proposal as respects a rural school.
2
The education authority must have special regard to the factors mentioned in subsection (3).
3
The factors are—
a
any viable alternative to the closure proposal,
b
the likely effect on the local community in consequence of the proposal (if implemented),
c
the likely effect caused by any different travelling arrangements that may be required in consequence of the proposal (if implemented).
4
For the purpose of subsection (3)(b), the effect on the community is to be assessed by reference (in particular) to—
a
the sustainability of the community,
b
the availability of the school’s premises and its other facilities for use by the community.
5
For the purpose of subsection (3)(c)—
a
the effect caused by such travelling arrangements includes (in particular)—
i
that on the school’s pupils and staff and any other users of the school’s facilities,
ii
any environmental impact,
b
the travelling arrangements are those to and from the school of (and for) the school’s pupils and staff and any other users of the school’s facilities.