Open letter to the parents or carers at Broad Oak, Derby High Schools and Prestwich Arts College transfer to high school in September 2006.

AS you are aware, the council is currently undertaking a review of secondary school provision. The reasons for the review are because, over the next few years, fewer children will be going to our secondary schools. As a council we have to react to and plan for these reductions, which cover the next 20 years.

However, any action taken creates concern and anxiety for those involved, particularly the children and their parents. I want to assure you that any decisions that are taken have to be the right ones, not only for future generations but for those children who would be affected now.

A report was presented to the executive committee on January 31 which contained specific proposals affecting Broad Oak, Derby High Schools and Prestwich Arts College. However, the executive committee has deferred their decision and requested further information so they can consider the matter further. The reason the committee deferred a decision was because of the many views we received at the meeting and from meetings I have held with headteachers, school governors, community groups and parents over the past couple of weeks.

This is a once in a generation decision and the executive want to get it right. However, what hasn't changed is the need to address the predicted increase in surplus places and the subsequent reductions in funding for our schools. The proposals will now be re-examined.

I will be looking to discuss further the issues raised with headteachers and educationalists to secure answers to the outstanding questions.

I am not able to put a timetable on this next phase but assure you that it will be done as quickly as possible. No decisions have yet been taken regarding the closure of schools, and all schools will be admitting pupils in September 2006.

Over the coming weeks we will be reviewing all aspect of the proposals to satisfy ourselves that whatever decisions are made, and they will have to be made, will have the children's best interests at heart.

COUNCILLOR WAYNE CAMPBELL

Leader of the council