Future of Skeld and Burravoe Primary Schools: Options Appraisal and Potential Closure Consultation
School closures are being reconsidered due to the high costs associated with "mothballing" Skeld Primary School, which have already exceeded £116,000. The education and families committee will review options for the future of Skeld Primary School Move, potentially leading to a consultation on permanent closure. Burravoe Primary School in Yell is also under consideration for mothballing or closure. The report aims to explore all available options for both schools without initiating consultations at this stage.
Skeld Primary School was mothballed in 2024 with only four pupils and two in early learning and childcare. Maintenance costs since then have reached £12,684. Mothballing is meant to be temporary and subject to regular review. With only 11 children in the school catchment area expected to be of primary school age by August, some were already attending other schools when Skeld was mothballed. Despite reaching out to parents in February about potential enrollment if the school were to reopen, no responses were received.
Given the lack of prospects to meet the required capacity for reopening, an options appraisal is deemed necessary to assess the school's future and consider alternatives to closure. The committee will need to make decisions based on the information provided and the best interests of the students and community.