St. Anne's Primary School, Colchester

HC Deb 02 July 2003 vol 408 c295W

Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what(a) advice and (b) instructions he has given to Essex local education authority in respect of a Fresh Start Scheme for St. Anne's Primary School, Colchester; what plans he has to discuss proposals with (i) the hon. Member for Colchester and (ii) the relevant ward councillors; and if he will make a statement. [122137]

Mr. Miliband

[holding answer 30 June 2003]: At the request of Essex LEA a senior DfES Education Adviser visited St. Anne's Primary School in May 2003, and provided guidance on the criteria to become a Fresh Start school. No instructions have been given to the LEA.

Local consultation, including with Councillors, is normally a matter for Essex LEA. It is understood that meetings on the future of the school have recently been held with the local community. If, in the light of these meetings, the authority decides to submit formal proposals to create a Fresh Start school, the matter will come to the Secretary of State for determination. The hon. Member for Colchester will be consulted before a final decision is made.