4A

The matters to which the relevant body shall have regard in formulating any proposals under this section in relation to a rural primary school include—

a

the likely effect of the discontinuance of the school on the local community,

b

the availability, and likely cost to the local education authority, of transport to other schools,

c

any increase in the use of motor vehicles which is likely to result from the discontinuance of the school, and the likely effects of any such increase, and

d

any alternatives to the discontinuance of the school;

and in considering these matters the relevant body shall have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.

4B

Before publishing any proposals under this section which relate to a rural primary school, the relevant body shall consult—

a

the registered parents of registered pupils at the school,

b

where the relevant body are the governing body of the school, the local education authority,

c

in a case where the local education authority are a county council in England, any district council for the area in which the school is situated,

d

any parish council or community council for the area in which the school is situated, and

e

such other persons as appear to the relevant body to be appropriate.

4C

Before publishing any other proposals under this section the relevant body shall consult such persons as appear to them to be appropriate.

4D

In discharging their duty under subsection (4B) or (4C) the relevant body shall have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.

9A

In this section “rural primary school” means a primary school designated as such for the purposes of this section by an order made by the Secretary of State.