Commentary Part 2: School Organisation Section 70: Proposals for discontinuance of rural primary school
155.This section amends section 29 of the SSFA 1998 to provide that in formulating proposals for the discontinuance of a rural primary school, the relevant body shall have regard to certain matters including the effect on the local community, transport implications and alternatives to discontinuance. The relevant body may be either a local education authority in England or Wales or the governing body of a voluntary or foundation school. Section 29 is further amended to provide that prior to publication of such proposals, the relevant body shall consult registered parents and any district, parish and community councils for the area in which the school is situated. If the relevant body is the governing body of a school, it must also consult the local education authority.