PEOPLE in Okehampton will be given the chance to have their say on the proposed development of the new primary school at a meeting next week. Two proposals have been made to run the new school and a public meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 30 in the Charter Hall. Both the proposers have been invited to attend and the event will give the public the chance to comment on or make objections to the proposals. The proposals have come from the Community of Okehampton Primary School for Excellence (COPSE) and the Big Wide Talk Archive Schools Foundation. A competition to run the school has to take place, due to Government legislation, as Devon County Council can no longer simply establish a new school as the local authority. The legislation, passed under the Education and Inspectors Act in 2006, is the result of the Government being keen to encourage groups who want to see improvements in local education come forward and establish schools. COPSE, a group made up of members of Okehampton's community, have stated the ethos of their school will be one of inclusion at all stages and respect for individuals' learning, safety and well-being will be the key element of this. COPSE say a community ethos is at the heart of their proposals, as well as careful building design to include areas that can be used be the wider community. A COPSE statement said: 'The school will fulfil an important role in the developing community across Okehampton in partnership with pre-schools, the existing primary school and Okehampton College. 'It is intended that the school will federate with Okehampton Primary School with a shared governing body and a single executive headteacher.' The second proposal is from Big Wide Talk, an education charity and not-for-profit company. Big Wide Talk Archive Schools Foundation establishes primary schools where parental involvement is 'vital and vivid' in every aspect of school life. The organisation said of the new school: 'It will be a hub for the best possible teaching and learning, ensuring that each child masters levels of literacy and numeracy within their reach while at the same time exploring their unique skills across the curriculum.' The new primary school has to be built due to the current rate of expansion in Okehampton. It will be built to the east of the town, with 210 places for pupils aged 3 to 11, opening in September 2010. Devon County Council has already earmarked £5- million for building and developing the new school. The summary public notice and complete proposals can be obtained from the website http://www.consultationfinder.com/devon">www.consultationfinder.com/devon The Charter Hall meeting starts at 6.30pm and all are welcome to attend.
