PLANS to amalgamate two schools in Thornaby will be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

The governing bodies of Harewood Infant and Harewood Junior Schools have asked Stockton Borough Council to propose the amalgamation into a single primary school, with nursery, from April 1 next year.

They believe the amalgamation would enhance education for the youngsters and improve the management of the school.

The new school would operate across two sites in the buildings currently occupied by the separate infant and junior schools.

Consultation has already been carried out with parents, staff, local councillors and unions.

A report to a meeting of the the council's cabinet tomorrow said: "Eleven parents attended a meeting at Harewood Infant School in July. The reasons for the proposed amalgamation and the likely timetable were explained.

"There was support for the positive benefits of amalgamation, namely greater continuity of learning and pastoral care, a smoother transition for the children and increased flexibility in the management of the school."

Cabinet members are being asked to authorise the publication of a statutory notice, which would state that the authority proposes to cease maintaining the schools in order to bring about the change.

Publication of the notice would be followed by a period of six weeks during which written representations on the idea may be made by any person.

At the end of that period, a decision on whether or not to implement the proposal will be made