TWELVE weeks of public consultation on radical changes planned for education in Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth have now been completed.Now Suffolk County Council will analyse all responses to the consultation which have come from a series of public meetings at the schools involved and directly from individuals wanting to have their say, and draw up recommendations which will go to its Cabinet meeting on February 4.

TWELVE weeks of public consultation on radical changes planned for education in Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth have now been completed.

Now Suffolk County Council will analyse all responses to the consultation which have come from a series of public meetings at the schools involved and directly from individuals wanting to have their say, and draw up recommendations which will go to its Cabinet meeting on February 4.

Throughout October and November, 60 sets of public meetings were held at schools in five areas altogether. More than 2750 people attended the meetings to hear more about the options and ask questions. Almost 1600 people responded to the consultation in writing, either completing a paper questionnaire, on line questionnaire or by letter. Young people were able to give their views through independently run work shops.

Councillor Patricia O'Brien, Portfolio Holder for Children Schools and Young People's Services said: "The response to the consultation has been encouraging and I would like to thank everyone who has taken part. All responses will now be fully analysed."

She continued: "These views will help to inform the decisions made by the county council's cabinet in February next year. Their decisions will be based on the principles agreed in March 2007 and the guidance on decision making from the Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families."

If the county council's cabinet agrees the recommendations the proposals will be published in statutory notices. These notices give people six weeks in which to write to the county council with their comments or objections. A final decision will then be taken.

Making any changes to schools that arise from the review will take time and will not take place before September 2011. This will allow the county council to plan for and manage any changes effectively, to minimise disruption and to ensure continuity of education and support for all children and young people.