FAQs
Listed below are the most frequently asked questions at the Scottish Government’s public meetings on its proposals.If you have any questions about the proposals or consultation paper, please email them to schoolclosure.consultation@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
Q: Is my school a rural school?
A: The Scottish Government has proposed defining a "rural school" by its location. A map showing rural areas can be viewed here and further information can be found on this page.
Q: How can I contribute my views?
A: There are 3 ways to contribute your views:
- E-mail your views to: schoolclosure.consultation@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
- Fill in an on-line response form on the Scottish Government website (the on-line response form is at the top of the contents page).
- Send them by post to:
CSU, Spur U5b, Saughton House
Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh
EH11 3XD
Whether responding by e-mail, on-line or by post, please complete a Respondent Information Form. This is available, along with the full consultation paper and consultation questions, on the Scottish Government website. The Respondent Information Form allows you to state how you would like your response handled (for example, your response will not be published if you don’t want it to be).
Q: When does the consultation period finish?
A: The consultation period ends on the 19th September.
Q: Why is the Scottish Government making these proposals? Are rural schools under threat of closure?
A: Rural schools play an important role in the long term sustainability of some small, rural communities. The Scottish Government therefore made a commitment to safeguard rural school and the communities of which they are a part. The proposals will fulfill that commitment.
Q: What information would the Local Authorities need to put in the Educational Benefit Statement?
A: The Scottish Government is proposing that councils should publish an educational benefit statement which would set out the educational benefit the council believes would result from its proposals. The statement would cover the impact on pupils at the school and other users of the school, and/or for any other pupils directly affected, or pupils elsewhere.
The Scottish Government does not propose to set out how the statement should be framed. This is something they are consulting on, and would be pleased to hear your comments and views about.
Please see above for details on how to respond to the consultation.