Following a decision by the Cabinet at a meeting of the 11 July 2012 to proceed with the amalgamation of two schools, the Council having considered the position taken by the Governing Body of William Ford Church of England Junior School on 17 July, has now decided to rescind this decision. It will now publish the relevant revocation notices as required.
Councillor Rocky Gill, Cabinet Member for Education and Finance said: “The Council in arriving at this position respects the decision taken by the Governing Body of William Ford Church of England Junior School.
“We remain convinced that an age three to eleven years voluntary aided school would best meet the needs of the children in Dagenham Village and we are unfortunately unable to take this opportunity forward.
“Barking and Dagenham Council remains committed to the principles of primary school amalgamation. This has already been successfully implemented in a number of schools.
“In the meantime we will continue to support and challenge Village Infants and William Ford schools to work together to ensure outstanding outcomes for their children."
A formal report will now be presented to Cabinet on 18 September 2012 which will seek formal confirmation of the decision to rescind the amalgamation proposals.”
Village Infant School will as a result maintain its original status and the Governing Body have been instructed to put in Acting Headteacher arrangements in place while a Headteacher is recruited. Statutory processes have been followed, the Council sought and took legal advice.