Issue - meetings

This report informs the Executive of the outcome of the statutory consultation to alter St Robert Southwell RC Primary School through permanent expansion, provides information on the partnership working with the Westminster Diocese and asks for approval for the permanent expansion.

(i)         that it be confirmed that the main reason for approving the alteration of St Robert Southwell RC primary schools was to provide permanent primary places in an area of the borough which has a severe shortage of Reception to Year 6 Catholic places, as agreed at the Executive meeting on 23 April 2012;

(ii)        that approval be given to the permanent expansion of St Robert Southwell RC Primary School by 0.5FE;

(iii)       that it be noted that upon implementation of the proposal, St Robert Southwell RC Primary School would provide 15 new permanent places in each year group from 5 September 2013;

(iv)       that approval be given to the Council entering into a funding agreement with the Roman Catholic Westminster Diocese for the Council to fund the building works to a maximum of £1.31m.

Councillor Arnold (Lead Member, Children and Families) reminded the Executive that the Governing Body of St Robert Southwell RC Primary School was proposing to alter the school by adding half of one form of entry (0.5FE) to increase the school by 105 places across Reception to Year 6 from September 2013 and that agreement in principle had been given in April 2012 subject to the completion of due diligence by the council. Discussions had taken place with the school and the Westminster Diocese, a statutory consultation process taken place and a funding agreement drafted. The estimated cost of the project was £1.41m of which the cost to the Council would be a maximum of £1.31m to be funded from the Main Capital programme, providing high quality accommodation. Councillor Arnold added that the shortfall in Catholic school places would be addressed. She drew members’ attention to the outcome of the consultation and the Equalities Impact Assessment which was appended to the report.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that it be confirmed that the main reason for approving the alteration of St Robert Southwell RC primary schools was to provide permanent primary places in an area of the borough which has a severe shortage of Reception to Year 6 Catholic places, as agreed at the Executive meeting on 23 April 2012;

(ii)        that approval be given to the permanent expansion of St Robert Southwell RC Primary School by 0.5FE;

(iii)       that it be noted that upon implementation of the proposal, St Robert Southwell RC Primary School would provide 15 new permanent places in each year group from 5 September 2013;

(iv)       that approval be given to the council entering into a funding agreement with the Roman Catholic Westminster Diocese for the Council to fund the building works to a maximum of £1.31m.