The Committee are asked to note the report and to make a decision on any additional funding from the DfE beyond the current requirements should be earmarked to cover the costs of future expansion commitments to meet the projected demand in future years.

Indicative time: 30 minutes

Further to Minutes 115/12 and 446/12, when The Executive authorised public consultations on the possible expansion of specific primary schools across the Borough to meet the expected need for additional places, the Committee considered a report which gave details of the feedback received.  The consultation documents had been widely distributed and a series of public meetings organised. 

Consultation had taken place on the possible one form entry expansion of four primary schools and a four form primary provision on the former site of Stanley Park High School. 

The report also outlined the progress achieved in developing schemes for the expansion of schools and summarised the options and associated likely costings.  It made recommendations about expansion proposals for consideration to be pursued further through the publication of statutory proposals as well as the next steps in the process and an outline timescale.  The expansions, as proposed, would be fully funded from Basic Needs Funding.

A draft pupil places strategy was also considered.  It was reported that ongoing discussions were being held with schools, particularly in the secondary sector, in preparation to meet the necessary expansion for that age phase. 

It was explained that Dorchester Primary School had been originally considered for expansion.  That was not being taken forward at present as it was thought that there were enough places in that area.  Officers were also in talks with the Department for Education regarding the budgetary issues and looking at the potential impact on secondary schools in the Borough.  As well as each school having a Travel Plan potential traffic related issues arising from the expansion proposals would be discussed with traffic officers and individual schools.  A certain amount of funding had been ring-fenced for this.

Members noted that there could be more joined-up thinking with regards to strategic planning and how this affected the need for school places.  There were a few large developments planned in the Borough which could have a great impact on the number of school places needed.

Resolved: (i) To note that, following the approval of The Executive at the meeting of 8 May 2012, bulge classes at Amy Johnson Primary School, Devonshire Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic Infants School were being progressed in readiness for September 2012.

(ii) To note the options and to agree option 2, as given above, to enable enough school places to be provided for this September 2012.

(iii) To note that statutory proposals would be published, with appropriate liaison with the Schools, their Governing Bodies and, where relevant, the Diocesan Board of Education, in respect of the permanent expansion of the following schools with a view to implement the proposals with effect from September 2013:

·         Amy Johnson Primary School (30-60 places at Year Reception per year)

·         The Avenue Primary School (90-120 places at Year Reception per year)

·         Bandon Hill Primary School (60-180 places at Year Reception per year)

·         St Mary’s Catholic Infants School (60-90 places at Year Reception per year)

(iv) To defer the decision on the expansion of Dorchester Primary (90-120 places) but to continue with detailed design work on replacement of time expired buildings for September 2014 which would incorporate the necessary accommodation to complete the Key Stage 2 elements of the expansion to 3 Forms of Entry.

(v) To note that determination of the statutory proposals by this Committee in Autumn 2012 would be subject to securing necessary planning consents.

(vi) To note that the outcomes of the feasibility studies on the five schools proposed for possible expansion and the note the financial implications.

(vii) That any additional funding from the Department for Education beyond the current requirements should be earmarked to cover the costs of future expansion commitments to meet the projected demand in future years.

(viii) That thanks and appreciation be made for the leadership and positive contribution made by all schools as part of the consultation on the expansion proposals and to all those who responded to the consultation.

(ix) To note the Draft Pupil Place Strategy and the ongoing discussions with Headteachers in the secondary sector on admissions policies.

(x) That a request be referred to the Housing, Economy and Business Committee that future joint working takes place regarding housing developments and the provision of pupil places.

Councillor Jonathan Pritchard declared a personal interest in that he was a governor for one of the schools proposed for expansion.

At the close of discussions on education matters Mr Andrew Theobald and Mr Peter Gowlland withdrew from the meeting.