29th April, 2008

Plans unveiled to protect rural schools

The Herald reports that new proposals aimed at making rural school closures fairer have been unveiled by the Scottish Government. A consultation has been launched on legislative changes which, if adopted, would amount to a presumption against closure until all alternatives have been explored.

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2241882.0.Minister_unveils_plans_to_protect_rural_schools.php

Also further debate in the Opinion column - see below.

http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/editorial/display.var.2241775.0.School_closures.php

And from The Herald Focus

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/focus/display.var.2241828.0.Schools_out_on_rural_plans.php

The Scotsman also reports on the rural schools issue.

Examining the wider impact on communities, The Safeguarding Rural Schools Bill would also force any council to conduct a minimum six-week consultation in term-time, hold public meetings and consult school inspectors

http://news.scotsman.com/education/Relief-on-way-for-threatened.4044214.jp