A GROUP of three North Craven primary schools are to join together in a new strengthening federation.

The Ribblesdale Federation, of Giggleswick, Hellifield and Long Preston CoE schools, will officially launch in the new year, after all three governing bodies and parents gave it their unanimous support.

It follows the coming together earlier this year into an Upper Wharfedale Federation made up of Burnsall, Kettlewell, Cracoe and Grassington schools, - which is part of a wider cluster, including Boyle and Petyt School, and Threshfield School.

The three North Craven schools have worked together for many years, and the formation of a federation, which also has the support of the education authority and of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds, is seen as a natural step in making joint working even more effective.

Andrew Bradley, chairman of governors at Long Preston School, and on behalf of all three governing bodies, said it was a positive step.

“We are pleased to be able to take this exciting step which we believe will help the children in these three small schools to receive the best possible education by working even more closely together and making the best use of our teams of skilled staff and other resources," he said.

The decision has the complete backing of North Yorkshire County Council, which says it is well aware of the crucial role played by village schools in the life of communities, and is committed to their sustainability.

The council also believes schools which are part of a federation can be more sustainable in terms of attracting high calibre staff and in achieving financial security, as well as creating a better education through greater social and curriculum opportunities.

County councillor, Patrick Mulligan, executive member for schools, said the council went to great lengths to keep schools offering quality education at the heart of its communities.

“For this reason we welcome this new federation in Craven. Children can only benefit from schools working together in this way.”

The Ribblesdale Federation will start on January 1 next year. The schools will not amalgamate and each will retain its own, distinctive identity. The three governing bodies will however be replaced by a single set of governors to oversee all three schools.

While not part of the Upper Wharfedale Federation of schools, Boyle and Petyt School and Threshfield School are part of the Upper Wharfedale cluster, and works closely with the four federated schools while looking at different ways of securing their futures.