Agenda item
School Place Strategy Report
In August 2012 the Executive approved the strategy for primary school expansion to meet the need for 21 forms of entry (FE) by 2020-21. An update on the SEN requirement was also provided, requiring 192 new places. The strategy for meeting the projected shortfall (19FE) of secondary school places was approved in January 2013. This report provides an update on the school expansion programme to facilitate a discussion of progress and future challenges.
Minutes:
The report provided an update on the school expansion programme following the approval of the strategy by the Executive in August 2012. Sara Williams, Assistant Director Early Help and Education informed the Committee of the future proposals, the expansion of the SEN requirement and that some primary school proposals had not gone ahead. Temporary measures were being put in place for the autumn term although 14 children had not been offered a place and 192 children were currently out of school. The secondary school demand anticipated was hoped to met by the potential of free schools being built within the borough. Funding to enable the expansion programme would be provided by the Department for Education.
It was explained that six primary schools had chosen not to expand due to focusing on improving standards and obtaining good Ofsted ratings prior to considering expansion or co-location. During discussion it was noted that only schools that were of an acceptable standard should be expanded however it was recognised that due to the pressure on school places this was not always possible. Cheryl Painting, Programme Manager School Capital Expansion, explained that rolling phases two and three of the programme had already agreed the consultation and started design work, with a large number of schools already within the programme.
During discussions it was queried that although 21 forms of entry had been identified as a future need, the potential to provide 39 forms of entry had been identified. It was clarified that although 39 forms had been identified, not all sites would be possible and they hoped to achieve the 21 forms of entry required. It was further queried what standard of buildings would be used when forms of entry were not provided within the school premises. It was clarified that the buildings would be of a suitable standard, some of which were previously classrooms. The current position on free schools was queried. It was explained that there were potentially two free schools who had shown interest in the borough however the site had not been confirmed with the possibility of DFE offering sites just outside of the borough. Should free schools be built outside of the borough it was still hoped that these would be able to alleviate some of the pressures of secondary school places in 2020. Following queries regarding maintenance at Copland Community School, it was unclear what level of funding had been allocated with a schedule of emergency works drawn up It was unclear whether this included asbestos removal. Cheryl Painting would provide information on the specific works planned at Copland, which would be circulated to the Committee, including whether or not these encompassed asbestos removal. It was explained that due to the co-location of Braintcroft and Manor Primary schools no longer taking place, additional SEN places will be made available at the village school through Queens Park Primary School, it was recognised that further work in creating SEN places was required. Cheryl Painting would also provide the Equalities Impact Assessment for the Strategy, which would be circulated to the Committee.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted
Supporting documents: