Issue - meetings

This report provides Cabinet with an update to the School Place Planning Strategy 2014-18 that was approved by Cabinet in October 2014 and updated in November 2015.

RESOLVED:

9.1 The refresh of the Brent Pupil Place Planning Strategy be approved as outlined in Appendix 1;

9.2 The fact that demand for Reception places from September 2017 is expected to reduce over the next few years, before recovering to near 2017 levels, be noted. This reduced demand is underpinned by lower birth rates. As birth rates fluctuate and further housing developments are delivered, it is possible that projections may be revised upwards. It is likely that there will be growth and continued pressures in some areas of the Borough or in specific year groups;

9.3 The fact that the demand for secondary places is forecast to increase and outstrip supply by 2020 be noted. The equivalent of two additional secondary schools will be needed by the 2023/24 academic year. This capacity could be provided through a combination of new schools and expanded provision;

9.4 The fact that that the number of children and young people with Education. Health and Care (EHC) Plans is expected to increase be noted. Exclusions from schools are also on an upward trend and many of these pupils have complex needs; and

9.5 The strategy for meeting additional SEND places be noted.

Councillor Mili Patel, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, introduced the report which requested that Cabinet approves a refresh of the Council’s School Place Planning Strategy. Members heard that the report reflected analysis from the Greater London Authority (GLA) which indicated that: demand for reception places from September 2017 was expected to reduce; demand for secondary places was expected to increase and outstrip supply by 2020; that the number of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHC) were expected to increase; and that a strategy needed to be developed and agreed to meet additional SEND places.

Gail Tolley, the Council’s Strategic Director, Children and Young People, said that, as things stood, there were only three schools in the borough which were not good or outstanding, which meant the Council was in a strong position to address the placement issues outlined within the report. She explained that provisions for additional secondary school places were complex and that the Council would have to be proactive in its approach. She directed Members to the options, detailed under paragraph 5.0 of the report.

Councillor Farah stated that the pressing nature of this issue meant that it was very important that the Council got the message out quickly to relevant stakeholders about the need to work with the Council to develop a clear strategy on this. Councillor Butt added that partnership working to deliver the additional places would be vital over the next few years.

RESOLVED that:

11.1    The refresh of the Brent Pupil Place Planning Strategy be approved as outlined in Appendix 1;

11.2    The fact that demand for Reception places from September 2017 is expected to reduce over the next few years, before recovering to near 2017 levels, be noted. This reduced demand is underpinned by lower birth rates. As birth rates fluctuate and further housing developments are delivered, it is possible that projections may be revised upwards. It is likely that there will be growth and continued pressures in some areas of the Borough or in specific year groups;

11.3    The fact that the demand for secondary places is forecast to increase and outstrip supply by 2020 be noted. The equivalent of two additional secondary schools will be needed by the 2023/24 academic year. This capacity could be provided through a combination of new schools and expanded provision;

11.4    The fact that that the number of children and young people with Education. Health and Care (EHC) Plans is expected to increase be noted. Exclusions from schools are also on an upward trend and many of these pupils have complex needs; and

 11.5   The strategy for meeting additional SEND places be noted.