In a paper presented to Council, the Department for Education said there were no plans to close the school, which had experienced stable enrolments during the past three years. The forecast enrolment for primary school in 2023 was 34, and up to eight children in preschool.
According to government figures, 26 children a week attend rural care at the Bute school, with a significant waitlist in place, and an extra worker has been employed on Wednesdays due to the demand. A proposal is being considered by the State Government to expand the service.
The Department for Education use all school buildings, with three classes (R-2, 3/4, 5/6) and a sensory space/multi-purpose classroom for art/technology. Bute Primary School’s Cottage Building is used for literacy and numeracy intervention and a breakfast club.
The Bute Primary School employs 19 people and its bus run is well utilised, with five new families added over the past 12 months, resulting in an extension.
Maree Wauchope, CEO, of Barunga West Council told councillors at a meeting this month that it was “fantastic that the Bute School is being used to capacity”.
“I’ve heard in my term here as chief executive over and over again that the Bute School could potentially shut because of the lack of enrolments or the lack of activity,” Ms Wauchope told a Council Meeting.
“The Department for Education wanted me to assure councillors that this wasn’t the case, and that in no situation or at any time have they considered shutting down the facility and they wanted to make that clear.”
Ms Wauchope said she had been in discussions with the Department for Education and other stakeholders about the availability of buildings to use for childcare and rural care in the district.
“The Department for Education will continue working with us,” Ms Wauchope said.
“It is pleasing to see that the Bute School is so well used. I know that there is a proposal being considered at the moment by the Education Minister to expand the rural childcare program at the Bute School so this is fantastic news and we will continue to consult on that.”