FAMILIES are to be asked their views on plans to merge two schools into a single primary.

Under the proposals, South Stanley Junior School and South Stanley Infant School, both in Tyne Road, would become a single split-site primary school from January.

Durham County Council has launched a consultation exercise on the proposed changes.

Parents, staff, governors, councillors, community groups and neighbouring schools are being invited to comment ahead of the consultation deadline of May 27.

Caroline O’Neill, head of education at Durham County Council, said: “We believe that creating a single primary school would bring a number of benefits for children and families.

“These include the removal of the need to apply for a school place at the end of Year Two and avoid the potential disruption in education that changing to a new school can cause.

“The changes would also, if they go ahead, result in a larger, more sustainable school.

“Both schools were rated as good by Ofsted following their last inspections so all pupils would continue to benefit from a good education should the proposals go ahead.

“Before any decisions are made we are consulting with those who would be affected so that we can understand their views.”

For further details on the proposals, please visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation