Proposed amalgamation of Littlehaven Infant School and Northolmes Junior School in Horsham

Summary of proposals

To create an all-through primary school, by amalgamating Littlehaven Infant School and Northolmes Junior School with effect from September 2025. This proposal would establish a Year R – Year 6 provision serving the local community, enabling families to benefit from a teaching and learning experience for their children located on one school site, offering Early Years to KS2 progression.

Background

An amalgamation of two schools takes place by increasing the age range of one school and closing another. In this case, Northolmes Junior School would increase its age range for age 7 – 11 (Y3 – Y6) to become an age 4 – 11 (YR – Y6) all through primary school and Littlehaven Infant School would close from September 2025.

Littlehaven Infant School and Northolmes Junior School already federated in September 2014 to become part of the Greenfields Federation. Governors have previously held discussions with advisors from West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to look at how best to secure the long-term future of the schools in providing the highest quality teaching and learning experience.

Need for change

One of the Federation’s priorities was to review the budget and effectiveness of the two schools who already work closely in collaboration. Each school now shares a Governing Body, Headteacher and two Assistant Headteachers.

After discussions, and with advice from WSCC, the Governing Body has decided that creating one single educational provision on one school site would provide a more effective model of teaching and learning and address the falling demand for school places in the wider community area which impacts upon school budgets.

The proposal

The all-through primary school would be accommodated of the Northolmes Junior School site with modifications to some of the buildings to cater for Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 pupils. This proposed amalgamation will be achieved by increasing the age range of Northolmes Junior School to become a YR – Y6 all-through primary school and by closing the Littlehaven Infant School and site with effect from September 2025.

Staffing

Staff are our most valuable resource and it is important that should there be any need for changes these are dealt with fairly and sensitively. The County Council has a Code of Practice on school reorganisation, written with the support of the unions and professional associations and is designed to support all staff through the process of change.

Jack and Jill Pre-school and wrap around care

The Governors recognise the excellent work of the Jack and Jill Pre-school at Littlehaven and Northolmes and wish to see this provision retained, but accommodated solely on the Northolmes site to align with the new primary.

The Littlehaven School Site

The proposal would release the Littlehaven School Site from use as an Infant School. Alternatives are under discussion, particularly the possibility of the site being repurposed for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We would welcome your suggestions should the proposal go ahead.

Drop-In Session

You may wish to attend a Public Drop-In session to be held in the school hall at Littlehaven on:-

Tuesday 5^th March 2024 between 3.30pm – 6.30pm

Littlehaven Infant School, Hawkesbourne Road, Horsham RH12 4EH

Statutory Notices

The amalgamation of two schools by changing the age range and closing one individual school requires public consultation. It is a two-stage process, initially a public consultation takes place over four weeks, at the end of this period and following analysis of representations made, the West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Education and Skills will decide whether to publish statutory notices. If the Cabinet Member decides to proceed with the proposals, statutory notices will be published in April 2024 for a further formal four-week consultation period. This document initiates the first phase of consultation. We expect the final decision to be taken in June 2024.

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