Camerton School to remain open

Local campaigners and politicians have welcomed the news that Camerton Church Primary School is to remain open.

Concerns over the school’s future rose a few years ago when a review by B&NES Council’s education scrutiny panel noted the total number of children in the school was on the decline.
The same scrutiny panel though on Monday night voted to keep the school open, following a recommendation in a report presented to the panel.

Local Lib Dem campaigner Louise Bray is delighted with the news. She said:

“I know Camerton very well and have seen the way the local community supports the school in all sorts of ways.

For a number of years the number on roll at the school had declined, but thanks to the support of community groups, the Parish Council and the on site pre-school the numbers are on the rise.
Camerton School may be small, but it has a big role to play in village life.”

The decision follows a successful OFSTED report earlier in the year when the school was congratulated for its hard work in raising standards and providing a first class education to all its pupils.

Cllr Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown), the Shadow Cabinet Member for Children’s Services in B&NES, visited the school in January to see for himself what they’ve been doing and to congratulate them on their success. He said:

“The staff, under the leadership of Headteacher Keith Ford, have worked really hard to make Camerton a community school and provide a learning environment that is tailor-made to suit each child.

I was really impressed by the school and hopefully, when I visit again in the future, will see even more progress.

The scrutiny panel’s decision to keep the school open is good news for pupils, parents, staff and the whole community.”