§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the criteria for determining applications for change in status for small rural village schools. [79876]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisCriteria for determining applications for significant changes in the character of a school will differ according to the nature of the change. Factors taken into account when deciding whether or not to approve proposals for the closure of rural schools will include the accessibility of alternative schools; the standard of the school that is proposed for closure and the standards of any alternative schools; the overall supply of school places in the area and the likely future demand for places; the overall effect of the closure on the local community; the cost implications of the possible options; any points made by the Local Education Authority or by the school proposed for closure; and the views of parents and other interested parties.