Owler Brook and Whiteways

Story: Camille Daughma

In Fir Vale, the schools are arranged differently. Owler Brook is a 3-form entry infant school and Whiteways is a junior school, also with 3 forms in each year group. The proposal is to turn each school into a primary school for children from 4 to 11. Each school would have 2 forms per year group.

Parents generally felt happy about the decisions, with the strongest support from those with children in both schools. Parents had the impression they will have more choice of school. However, there are concerns as to where the children will be placed while construction is underway.

Whiteways

At Whiteways, Principal Mrs Carter said that most parents were interested in knowing how the transition will take place. She felt that working collaboratively would strengthen links between both schools. She noted that in the past they have had to turn away children who end up going to schools outside the area. She felt it was an exciting time for change and would create interesting opportunities for staff. It was also positive in that it increased nursery provision.

Owler Brook

The hope is that traffic between the two schools will reduce as more parents become able to walk children to one school or the other. At Owler Brook, headteacher Val Rose confirmed a fairly favourable reaction amongst parents. She too noted that travelling between two schools was difficult for parents with a child in each.

She said she has encouraged parents to ask questions and has requested translation of papers to enable parents to fully understand what is being proposed. Parents are already asking questions: What will it look like? How will it affect play space? What kind of disruption to learning will occur during building work?

The Sure Start building on the compound will remain, becoming a designated children’s centre by next April, and the activities that happen there will continue as at present.