Councils hold positive meeting on future of Chiltern Edge School

Senior officers and political leaders from Oxfordshire County Council and Reading Borough Council have held positive talks over the future of Chiltern Edge School.

The school has been put into special measures following an Ofsted rating of ‘Inadequate’, and an ongoing consultation is looking at all possible options for improving educational opportunities for children in the local area.

Although closure cannot be ruled out at this stage, both councils have agreed they will work together to find a solution that enables the school to stay open, and which will also deliver the improvements required by Ofsted. Both councils are in discussion with the Regional Schools Commissioner, who is in the process of looking for a potential academy sponsor to secure the school’s future.

Following yesterday’s meeting at Oxfordshire’s County Hall, Oxfordshire County Council Leader Ian Hudspeth said: “This was a very constructive meeting and it is clear we all want to find a solution that will enable the school to stay open. The key issue above all else, is how we can improve the education of children who live in both Oxfordshire and Reading.

“We’re well aware of the strength of feeling around this issue and the high regard in which the school is held by local families, despite the recent Ofsted report. I would urge anyone who has not already done so, to take part in the consultation.”

Reading Borough Council Leader Jo Lovelock said: “No one wants to see the school close, but there must be a solution which delivers the improvements Ofsted have said are necessary. This is about finding a way to improve the education of children – not just those currently attending Chiltern Edge, but those who might attend in the future. I was very pleased to meet with colleagues in Oxfordshire to discuss these issues, and both our councils are continuing to work closely together during the consultation period to identify potential options to keep the school open.”

To take part in the consultation, please visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/chilternedge