Welsh Government
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Consultation begins on changes to school reorganisation regulations

Proposals to reduce the time taken on the legal process for school reorganisations are being published for consultation today.

At the moment, objections to school plans can be submitted to Local Authorities over a two month period. Authorities then have one month to submit these objections to Welsh Ministers to determine whether proposals are approved or rejected.

The consultation will seek views on reducing these time frames to one calendar month and two weeks respectively.

Education Minister, Leighton Andrews, said:

“These changes have been put forward in order to speed up the overall decision making process, when changes to schools are proposed.

“The current system adds to uncertainty for parents and pupils. Parents and Local Authorities tell me that they want more certainty, at an earlier stage, in order to plan for the future of pupils.

“I believe that the time frames for objections and the submission of objections could be reduced, saving potentially 6 weeks on the statutory process.

“This consultation will ensure that all those with an interest, including Local Authorities and parents, will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes. I would hope that revised regulations will be in force by early 2011.”

In order to make any changes, new legislation is required to amend the current regulations.

Related Links

Objections to statutory proposals for school organisation
 

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