A DOCUMENT outlining the anticipated number of places at Alvechurch and Wythall schools over the next five years has gone out to consultation.

The Worcestershire School Organisation Plan 2001-2006 is a rolling plan which will be reviewed and updated annually.

The consultation period is due to end on May 31 and the document published in September.

It will ultimately be used as a key supporting document by the LEA and governing bodies in making future decisions about the number and location of school places within the county, apart from those included in the Redditch Review.

The document predicts a decrease in pupil intake at Coppice Primary School, Wythall, and stability at Crown Meadow First School, Alvechurch, Alvechurch Middle School and Woodrush High School, Wythall, during this five-year period.

But pressure on places at middle and high school level in the Bromsgrove area, which includes Alvechurch Middle School, is likely to continue for the next few years.

This may result in a need for extra pupil places to be made available, but stability at first or primary school level could ease the longer term position.

Policy officer for school organisation Paul Maber-Gill said: "In the primary school sector in Wythall there is a demographic decline predicted but this is not likely to involve any major reorganisation or extensive surplus places.

"Alvechurch now falls in the Bromsgrove pyramid which shows an increase in the amount of accommodation at all levels, particularly middle and high school.

"We would like to replace some school accommodation if at all possible. A bid was made to secure additional funding from the DfEE but Worcestershire was unsuccessful.

"We are still looking at ways to draw in funding for purpose-built accommodation which Alvechurch Middle School really should have."