Council seeks public's views as closure looms for mothballed Inveravon Primary School

MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to share their views on the future of a mothballed Moray primary school.

Inveravon Primary School, part of the Speyside Associated Schools Group, was mothballed in August 2017 due to the school roll falling to zero at the end of the 2017/18 academic year.

This meant that the school was closed until further notice. No parent has requested to enrol a child at Inveravon Primary School since the mothballing, leaving the school at serious risk of closure.

Last year, a meeting with parents and community organisations took place to discuss the school's future.

Now, Moray Council has scheduled two meetings to give parents, pupils and local residents the chance to discuss the issue and ask any potential questions.

Chair of the council's Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, Councillor Sonya Warren (Buckie, SNP), said: “As a rural school, the council must ensure that all alternatives to closure have been identified and strongly considered before undertaking any statutory consultation.

"I’d strongly encourage members of the community to join the upcoming meetings and provide options for the council to consider.

“The statutory guidance states that, in normal circumstances, the maximum period for mothballing should not exceed three years.

"The pandemic has resulted in the school remaining mothballed beyond the recommended period and therefore it’s time to start having these discussions with the community.”

The first of the two public sessions will take place online, via Microsoft Teams, on Wednesday, February 9, between 12pm and 2pm. Details are on the council website.

An additional meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 8, between 6pm and 7.30pm. The council are hopeful that this will be an in-person meeting and more details will provided nearer the time.

If you are unable to attend either meeting but want to have your views heard, email learningestate@moray.gov.uk.

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