Maidenhead & Windsor

Parents of children at two Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough schools are being asked for their views on plans to change the schools' designated areas from September 2009.

If proposals get the go-ahead, the designated area for Holyport Primary would be extended while the designated area for Oldfield Primary would be reduced to reflect the increased demand for primary school places in eastern Maidenhead – fuelled by rising birth rates and new housing.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead education, said: "We have consulted with the headteachers of both schools and now we are asking parents what they think of these proposals. Both are very popular schools and there are some children living within Oldfield's designated area who are finding it difficult to obtain places.

"This means that without changes, children living on the edge of Oldfield's designated area may not gain a place at either of these popular schools.

"We hope that as many parents as possible will give us their views on these proposals – but they can all rest assured that we will do everything possible to ensure that one designated area will not be changed without the other."

The consultation period runs until Friday January 25. Views should be submitted in writing to Ben Wright, education planning officer, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF or emailed to ben.wright@rbwm.gov.uk

The outcome of the consultation will be discussed by cabinet at its meeting on Thursday March 27 2008. As a community school, the decision about Oldfield's designated area rests with cabinet. In respect of Holyport, which is a voluntary aided school, the decision on the proposals will rest with the school's governing body, which will meet to consider the issue on February 6 2008.

For further information please contact Ben Wright, education planning officer, on 01628 796572.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead