TEACHERS, governors and parents are being asked for feedback about possible changes to primary education in the county, ahead of a major review next year.

From 2009, the Government will allocate millions of pounds worth of extra funding for schools.

But to get a slice of the cash authorities like Oxfordshire County Council will have to prepare a detailed plan of their schools.

The Government wants to hear proposals on how to improve standards, make better use of school buildings and combat the increasing number of surplus places.

Teachers, governors and parents are expected to voice their suggestions as part of a consultation process which will run until the beginning of December.

Michael Waine, the council's cabinet member for school improvement, urged all interested parties to comment about how they would like to see primary education improved.

He said: "We need to ensure the sustainability of our schools and tackle the issue of growing surplus places - a situation that is reflected nationally.

"Future funding to modernise and develop primary school buildings needs to be spent effectively so that as many children benefit as possible.

"It is very early days, but as part of the review one of the options could include looking at greater collaboration between primary schools."

In July, the Banbury Cake reported that some schools in Oxfordshire could be merged or closed following the primary education review.

About a fifth of Oxfordshire's 237 primary schools are less than three-quarters full.

Michael Mill, the county council's strategic manager, said he could not rule out closures - but stressed that each school would be treated as a separate case.

For details of the consultation, log on to www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ consultation