§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to enhance and develop the roles of rural schools. [36683]
§ Mr. HainEnhancing and developing the role of schools is essentially a matter for local education authorities and school governing bodies. The White Paper—'Building Excellent Schools Together' sets out the Government's commitment to raise standards in every school in Wales and a programme of action to support local education authorities and governing bodies in achieving this.
The National Grid for Learning offers significant potential for improving support for schools in rural areas by providing 'on line' access to materials and services. The Welsh Office is currently working on the development of the Grid with LEAs and others.
Ensuring effective provision of school places while securing a more cost effective education service poses difficult decisions for local authorities given the particular role schools often occupy in rural communities. I have asked LEAs to consider innovative approaches such as federations, amalgamations or groupings as alternatives to school closure. Authorities in west Wales are already exploring this.