Parents and staff at a Co Tyrone primary school which is facing closure later this year say they are disappointed about what they believe is a ‘misguided’ proposal.
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools has submitted a proposal to the Education Authority to wind up St Mary's PS, Fivemiletown this summer.
The school, which has 43 pupils and three classrooms, could close from 31 August but a group representing parents, governors and staff believe it currently meets minimum standards set out under the Sustainable Schools Policy Framework.
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The number of pupils and ‘composite classes’, where multiple year groups are taught in one class, have been put forward as some of the key reasons for its proposed closure.
“It is clear to me that CCMS’ proposal is based on flawed assumptions and ignores the facts that don’t suit its agenda, such as our budget surplus, rising enrolment and plans for growth,” parent Mairaid Kelly said.
“Like the majority of rural schools, particularly in Fermanagh and Tyrone, we are indeed small, but we have consistently shown our ability to operate within our budget and achieve the best educational outcomes for our children.
“What I have found most difficult to comprehend is that we’ve had support from politicians right across the community, but it is people within our own Church who are seeking to close us down."
School principal Brian McCloskey said a proposal has been made to develop a Special Educational Needs unit at the school to make it more sustainable, but it has not been considered.
“We know that would be hugely beneficial for children, but the powers that be simply refuse to consider it,” he said.
A final decision on the school’s closure will be made by an Education Minister, or a Permanent Secretary in the event of no Stormont Executive being in place.
A spokesperson for the CCMS said: “The CCMS has completed the pre-publication consultation process on the future of provision within St Mary’s Primary School.
“The consultation findings were reviewed by the CCMS Education Provision Committee (EPC) who approved that the proposal should progress to the next stage of the process.
“The Education Authority conducted a consultation with affected schools in advance of the publication of a Development Proposal alongside a two-month statutory objection period.
“CCMS would encourage all interested parties to continue to engage with the statutory consultation process underway.
“Any decision on the proposal will be made by the Education Minister/Permanent Secretary following completion of the final stage of the consultation process.”
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