(1)This section applies in relation to any closure proposal as respects a rural school.
(2)The proposal paper must additionally—
(a)explain the reasons for the proposal,
(b)describe what (if any) steps the authority took to address those reasons before formulating the proposal,
(c)if the authority did not take such steps, explain why it did not do so,
(d)set out any alternatives to the proposal identified by the authority under section 12A(2)(b),
(e)explain the authority's assessment under section 12A(2)(c),
(f)explain the reasons why the authority considers, in light of that assessment, that implementation of the closure proposal would be the most appropriate response to the reasons for the proposal.
(3)The notice to be given to relevant consultees under section 6(1) must—
(a)give a summary of the alternatives to the proposal set out in the proposal paper,
(b)state that written representations may be made on those alternatives (as well as on the proposal), and
(c)state that written representations on the proposal may suggest other alternatives to the proposal.
(4)In sections 8(4)(c), 9(4) and 10(2)(a), the references to written representations on the proposal include references to written representations on the alternatives to the proposal set out in the proposal paper.
(5)When carrying out its review of the proposal under section 9(1), the education authority is to carry out—
(a)for the proposal and each of the alternatives to it set out in the proposal paper (if any), a further assessment of the matters mentioned in section 12A(2)(c)(i) to (iii), and
(b)an assessment, in relation to any other reasonable alternative to the proposal suggested in written representations on the proposal, of—
(i)the likely educational benefits in consequence of the implementation of the alternative,
(ii)the likely effect on the local community (assessed in accordance with section 12(4)) in consequence of such implementation,
(iii)the likely effect that would be caused by any different travelling arrangements that may be required (assessed in accordance with section 12(5)) in consequence of such implementation.
(6)The consultation report must additionally explain—
(a)the education authority's assessment under subsection (5)(a),
(b)how that assessment differs (if at all) from the authority's assessment under section 12A(2)(c),
(c)the authority's assessment under subsection (5)(b),
(d)whether and, if so, the reasons why the authority considers that implementation of the proposal (wholly or partly) would be the most appropriate response to the reasons for the proposal.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 13 substituted (1.8.2014) by Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 8), ss. 80(4), 102(3); S.S.I. 2014/165, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 5)