Parents urge council not to shut smallest secondary in Dalry

The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, external spells out what needs to be done in order to close a site.

In the case of rural school like Dalry the local authority has to identify its reasons for the move and decide whether or not closure is the most appropriate response.

Phase two sees the education authority consult on a proposal – for a minimum of six weeks, including at least 30 school days.

A paper is then taken to Education Scotland which must prepare a report on the educational impact within a maximum of three weeks.

The next phase – which has no specific timescale – sees the local authority publish a consulation report.

Then, a minimum of three weeks later, it should make its final decision and, if that is for closure, inform the Scottish government within six working days.

Ministers then have up to eight weeks to decide whether or not to “call in” the move for further scrutiny.

If they do, it heads to a School Closure Review Panel which has a maximum of 17 weeks to give its verdict.

In the event that it refuses consent no fresh attempt to close the school can be made within five years – unless there is a “significant change” in its circumstances.