PLANS are afoot to merge a York primary and special needs school under one head teacher.

City of York Council is asking for parents to have their say on Hob Moor Oaks and Hob Moor Primary, in Acomb, becoming a federation school.

Governors at the two schools, which are already based together on the flagship £7.5 million Hob Moor site in York are consulting parents, carers and stakeholders on federation.

A booklet explaining the proposals, and what they would mean for the schools and their pupils, is available from the school.

A federation between the two would mean resources and specialist expertise could be shared, so pupils could enjoy a wider range of opportunities.

Parents, carers and stakeholders have also been invited to attend a meeting during the week beginning September 29, providing opportunities for them to ask questions.

Any comments and feedback must be submitted to the respective chairman of governors through the school by October 20.

The Press reported in February that Sue Williams, head teacher of Hob Moor Oaks School, handed in her resignation, but lawyers gagged City of York Council from saying anything about her resignation.

Mrs Williams hit the headlines in May last year after she and assistant head teacher Helen Podmore were disciplined for injuries sustained by seven-year-old Lucy Branton when Ms Podmore attempted to lift Lucy from her wheelchair without help from another member of staff, leading to Lucy falling to the floor.

The disciplinary action stopped short of dismissal, although Ms Podmore resigned just before Christmas.

Coun Carol Runciman, the executive member for children and Young People’s Services, welcomed the news that the consultation is to take place on the federation.

The closing date for responses is October 20 and Coun Runciman hopes that many people will put forward comments and thoughts before then.

She said: “City of York broke new ground when it put two primary schools on the same site.

“The building is iconic and it has been a pleasure for me to visit both schools several times since they have been opened. I pay tribute to the governing bodies of the two schools for considering a formal federation and I know that they will continue to work closely together to take forward these exciting proposals.”

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