Playground fence dividing two Portsmouth schools could be brought down following a merger

A PLAYGROUND fence dividing two Portsmouth schools could be 'brought down' as they are set to merge.
Wimborne Infant School. Picture: Google mapsWimborne Infant School. Picture: Google maps
Wimborne Infant School. Picture: Google maps

Wimborne Infant and Junior School in Southsea are due to amalgamate and form one primary school.

If approved Wimborne Primary School will cater for children from Reception to Year 6, rather than dividing pupils between Year 2 and 3.

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Wimborne Junior School. Picture: Google mapsWimborne Junior School. Picture: Google maps
Wimborne Junior School. Picture: Google maps
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Portsmouth City Council's education boss, Councillor Suzy Horton, believed this would benefit both children and parents.

'The main reason for me is that there's evidence that shows by taking out that drastic transition from one school to another at a really key point, after Year 2, it helps learning outcomes.

'There's more continuity for the children and they're in an environment they know. The teachers also know them better.

'And for parents and a logistical side it means they don't have to apply for their child to go to another school because they will automatically be carrying on into Year 3.'

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The two schools formed a federation in April 2019, meaning they share the same headteacher and governing body. However, this change means the schools will officially be one establishment, sharing buildings and a playground.

'The schools have two separate playgrounds with a fence between them, which will be brought down,' Cllr Horton said.

'Sometimes you see the infants and juniors looking at each other through the fence.'

A recent consultation with parents at both schools carried out by the council found that 97 per cent of 35 respondents were in favour of the merger.

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Cllr Horton added: 'This is basically like taking the next step now. Pretty much all the parents were happy with this going ahead.

'It makes sense both logistically and for the children. The general view is that primary schools work better than separate infants and juniors.'

The amalgamation will also mean just one financial audit and one Ofstedinspection.

Although the merger could save the council money due to shared costs, the combined schools will receive less funding from government.

Staff will be restructured as part of the process, however this will organised by the schools rather than the council.

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