Issue - meetings
Secondary School Places Strategy 2020-21
Meeting: 14/01/2013 - Executive (Item 8)
8 School Expansion (Secondary) Programme 2012-16 PDF 1 MB
In August 2012 the Executive approved the strategy for a primary school expansion programme 2012-16. This report sets out the strategy for meeting the projected shortfall of secondary school places in Brent from September 2014. It also includes an update on meeting the demand for SEN provision.
Decision:
(i) that the current and future demand for secondary school places as set out in paragraphs 5.8 to 5.13 of the report from the Directors of Regeneration and Major Projects and of Children and Families be noted;
(ii) that approval be given to the strategy for the delivery of secondary school places as set out in paragraphs 5.15 to 5.29 of the report, subject to availability of funds.
Minutes:
In August 2012 the Executive approved the strategy for a primary school expansion programme 2012-16. The report set out the strategy for meeting the projected shortfall of secondary school places in Brent from September 2014. It also included an update on meeting the demand for SEN (Special Educational Needs) provision. Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Regeneration and Major Projects) reminded the Executive that the Crest Academies rebuild was due to be completed by September 2014. There was a shortfall in funding of £82m for providing new school places and pressure for places in years 10 and 11 had already been identified. Councillor Crane drew attention to the various phases to the programme ending in 2020 with the rebuild of Copland and Alperton High Schools using PFI (Private Finance Initiative). The council continued to look for sites for secondary schools and account would be taken of developments in neighbouring boroughs. However, in the absence of extra funding and given the council’s financial position, central government would have to assist.
Councillor Arnold concurred that the council would have to rely on central government funding schemes and free schools the development of which the council would have little control. The local authority would be prepared to work with applicants within the previously agreed Partnership Criteria however concern was expressed at the likelihood of such schools using the freedoms available to schools in respect of staffing and curriculum, outside of the standards set by the local authority. Another concern was the opening of free schools in the vicinity of existing schools that have available places. In response to a question from Councillor Lorber, Councillor Crane confirmed that all schools were being considered for potential expansion and achievable plans would be put forward.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the current and future demand for secondary school places as set out in paragraphs 5.8 to 5.13 of the report from the Directors of Regeneration and Major Projects and of Children and Families be noted;
(ii) that approval be given to the strategy for the delivery of secondary school places as set out in paragraphs 5.15 to 5.29 of the report, subject to availability of funds.