Consultation on School Rationalisation Proposals
On 24 May 2011 the Education Executive for North Ayrshire Council approved a recommendation to proceed with proposals to create a new Garnock Campus, incorporating Garnock Academy, a merged Moorpark and Glengarnock Primary School, community pool and leisure facilities.
On 6 June 2011 the Council's Scrutiny Committee agreed to call in the Garnock Campus project. The matter was discussed at the Committee's meeting held on 20 June 2011. At this meeting the Committee requested that a members seminar be held to allow further deliberation over the preferred site. It was subsequently agreed to hold this seminar on 2 August 2011.
On 23 June the Council notified the Scottish Government of its decision to accept the school closure proposal - notwithstanding the ongoing considerations on the site of the Garnock campus.
Under the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, a 3 week period must be allowed for representation to Scottish Ministers requesting that they call in the decision. This period expired on 10 July 2011.
A further period of up to 3 weeks is then allowed for Ministers to consider the details of the consultation documents and representations - should any be received - and reach a decision on whether or not to call in the closure decision for further investigation. That period expired on 31 July 2011.
On 31 July the Council received approval from the Scottish Government to implement the proposal to close Garnock Academy, Moorpark and Glengarnock Primary Schools.
The members seminar was held on 2 August 2011 where the preferred site choice was discussed in detail. This was immediately followed by an Education Executive where it was agreed to; (1) arrange for members to visit the four shortlisted sites; (2) arrange a further members seminar following the site visit; and (3) carry out a Regeneration Impact Assessment on the four shortlisted sites.