YESTERDAY IT was Chafford Hundred primary that was mooted as the newest academy in town. Today, it is Thameside Infants and Juniors.
The report at last nights cabinet looked at the amalgamation of the two schools into a primary but also conceded that the “benefits of forming a primary academy should prevail”
The report was led by portfolio holder for education, cllr Oliver Gerrish who in his manner and tone illustrated a much more conciliatory and progressive educational philosophy than his predecessor.
Cllr Gerrish said: “Officers have been charged with finding a sponsor for the school. In the case of academies it is important that we look at it on a case by case basis.
“This is all about partnership working across a stream of agencies.”
Any building of the school would be through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). The scheme that grew in popularity in the nineties, would see a company “provide” the school. The company would receive a fee and the right to provide certain services.
