Councillors will meet to discuss the next steps in plans for a £25.5m investment in schools in the Coquet Partnership. 
 

The Council has already approved the funding for the project, which will include the replacement or refurbishment of James Calvert Spence College (JCSC).  
 

But before committing to such an investment, the council’s Cabinet is being asked to give the green light for a public consultation on the structure of the school system in the partnership to make sure it delivers the best outcomes for young people.
 

The partnership currently operates under a three-tier structure with Amble First, Amble Links First, Broomhill First, Grange View CE First, Red Row First, NCEA Warkworth Church of England Primary, and James Calvert Spence College. 
 

If approved, the consultation would seek views on whether or not to move from a three to a two-tier structure, along with the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Early Years SEND and Early Years provision in the area. 
 

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member with responsibility for Children’s Services, said: “Council officers have met with school leaders to discuss the structure of organisation of schools which would be, in their view, the most effective in improving outcomes for pupils in all phases and for the long-term sustainability of the partnership. 
 

"Overall, the feedback received from schools clearly pointed to the desire to carry out a consultation on proposals for schools to be organised within a two-tier structure rather than the current three-tier.  
 

“It is vital that we get this major investment in our schools and young people absolutely right so it’s proposed that an informal consultation with staff, parents and the wider community is now appropriate and timely.” 
 

Councillors will meet to discuss the plans at the Family and Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on May 5 before the report goes before Cabinet on May 10.  
 

If approved, a six-week consultation will take place between 11 May and 29 June 2022. The report can be found here.