East Lothian Council is to proceed with creating a new, single primary school for Prestonpans after Scottish Ministers advised that they will not call in the proposal.
We are committed to working closely with all staff, parents and pupils to establish a new learning community in Prestonpans
The proposal to close Prestonpans Infants and Prestonpans Primary schools and establish a new primary school covering Nursery to P7, operating from the existing school sites, followed a statutory public consultation. Councillors agreed to progress the plans at a meeting of East Lothian Council on 11 December 2018.
This decision needed to be ratified by Scottish Ministers. Confirmation from Scottish Government that it will not call in the proposal means that the council’s Education Service can proceed with its proposal to establish a new primary school for Prestonpans.
Fiona Robertson, Head of Education, said:
“Prestonpans is the only area in East Lothian where nursery to p3 and p4-p7 are taught across two schools. We believe that having one primary school, working under a single management structure, will benefit pupils at all levels of their learning as it does elsewhere in the county by ensuring a smoother progression through school and better coherence across the curriculum at all ages and stages. Education Scotland has recognised the potential educational benefits and opportunities for greater coherence in the curriculum.
“We have written to staff and parents to advise them of this decision. Our priority now is to work with the Headteachers and the Parent Council Chairs in both schools, and to support staff, parents and pupils during the move to a single primary school.
“We are grateful to everyone who responded to our consultation and are mindful of the range of views that were shared through this process. We are committed to working closely with all staff, parents and pupils to establish a new learning community in Prestonpans that will deliver the best educational outcomes.”