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.