Two Shropshire primary schools plan to improve by joining forces
Two Shropshire primary schools could join forces and unite in a bid to provide "outstanding opportunities" for youngsters.
Welshampton C of E Primary School, near Ellesmere, and Newtown C of E Primary School, near Wem, could join together under a single governing body as part of new plans announced to parents.
The schools have decided joining together to create a federation could be a way to move them forward and improve both schools.
In a letter to parents, a joint statement said: "The governing bodies of both schools have met independently to consider the future of the schools and how best to serve the children and parents of our school communities.
"They have received and considered Government and Ofsted papers and reports regarding collaboration with the aim to ensure outstanding opportunities for children.
"After careful consideration of a number of options, the governing bodies of the schools, with the support of Shropshire Council and the Diocese of Lichfield, have agreed to further explore a proposal to federate.
"Under this agreement our two schools could agree to support each other in order to benefit the education of children in our communities.
"This would be achieved on a formal basis by a single governing body being accountable for the two schools. The federation would have a single executive head who would be responsible for the operation of both schools."
The two schools would both keep their names and identities, and uniforms would not change.
Each school would also have a deputy head on site for the day-to-day running of the school.
School leaders say the plans would see an over-arching governing body look after the two schools. Following two special meetings for parents this month, a nine-week consultation will open into the plans when people will be able to put forward their points of view.
The joint statement added: "We believe that there will be many benefits to all stakeholders but especially for the pupils of the two schools through a federation arrangement."
At the start of last year, a similar partnership was launched when St Andrew's CofE Primary School at Nesscliffe became part of Westcliffe Federation with West Felton CofE Primary School.
