The Designation of Rural Primary Schools (England) Order 2007

Statutory Instruments

2007 No. 817

EDUCATION, ENGLAND

The Designation of Rural Primary Schools (England) Order 2007

Made

12th March 2007

The Secretary for Education and Skills makes the following Order in exercise of powers conferred by section 29(9A) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998(1):

Citation and commencement

1.  This Order may be cited as The Designation of Rural Primary Schools (England) Order 2007 and comes into force on 16th March 2007.

Designation of rural primary schools.

2.  The schools published on the Department for Education and Skills’ website in a list called “Designated Rural Primary Schools” on 1st March 2007 are designated as rural primary schools in England.

Shan Scott

A Deputy Director in the

Department for Education and Skills

12th March 2007

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order designates those primary schools in England which are rural primary schools for the purpose of section 29(4A) to (4D) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (“SFFA 1998”).

Section 70 of the Education Act 2005 amends section 29 of SSFA 1998 to require that when formulating proposals for the closure of a rural primary school, those proposing the closure must have regard to specific factors. These factors include the likely effect of the discontinuance on the local community and any alternatives to the discontinuance of the school. The decision makers must also consult parents and the district and parish councils. This order designates rural primary schools by reference to a list of such schools published on the Department of Education and Skills’ website (www. http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/otherdocs.shtml). When considering proposals to close rural primary schools, decision makers should refer to this list. A copy can also be obtained by writing to the Department at the following address:

DfES, Mowden Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington DL3 9BG.

(1)

1998 c.31; section 29(9A) is inserted by section 70(3) of the Education Act 2005. Section 70 is prospectively amended by paragraph 20 of Schedule 3 to the Education and Inspections Act 2006 so as to apply in relation to Wales only. Its effect is replicated in relation to England in section 15(7) of that Act.