PARENTS are set to have their say about the proposals to close a school and expand another. Seven public meetings are to be held to make sure parents of students who attend Collenswood and Barnwell Schools in Stevenage have the chance to express their vie

PARENTS are set to have their say about the proposals to close a school and expand another.

Seven public meetings are to be held to make sure parents of students who attend Collenswood and Barnwell Schools in Stevenage have the chance to express their views to Hertfordshire County Council.

Either John Harris, director of children, schools and families, or his deputy Justin Donovan, will be among officers attending each meeting to explain the proposals and answer questions.

The meetings will form part of the consultation which runs until January 31.

All the responses will be considered at the county council's cabinet meeting on February 21.

Collenswood School has been on special measures since 2003, and inspectors who visited the school in November judged it was not making sufficient progress.

The proposal is to close the school with most pupils being transferred to an expanded Barnwell School. Barnwell would continue to use the Collenswood site.

Executive member for education Robert Gordon said: "In these circumstances the county council has little choice but to propose the closure of the school.

"It's not a decision we take lightly and it is important that we obtain the views of people in the local community involved with both schools.

"I would like to assure parents that, should the proposals go ahead, we will be doing all we can to ensure that Collenswood pupils receive the best possible education and as smooth a transition as possible."

Meetings will start at 7pm and will be held on Thursday, January 12, at Barnwell School, Friday, January 13, at Barnwell School, Monday, January 16, at Collenswood School, Tuesday, January 17, at Collenswood School, Thursday, January 19, at Barnwell School, Monday, January 23, at Collenswood School and Tuesday, January 24, at Collenswood School.

* People interested in attending any of the meetings need to register a place by calling the booking line on 01438 737350. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

* To receive a copy of the consultation document with full details of the proposals phone 01992 556718 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/

csfcon sultations