Issue - meetings

Proposals for the Development of Additional Primary Age Provision in Gillingham

 

 

Meeting: 15/01/2013 - Cabinet (Item 8)

8 Proposals for the Development of Additional Primary Age Provision in Gillingham pdf icon PDF 56 KB

Minutes:

Background:

 

This report provided details of the need for additional primary age provision in the Gillingham area. The report updated the needs identified in the School Organisation Plan 2011-2016, using the latest school census and health data. It also highlighted actions already in place and those required in the future to ensure the Council complied with its statutory duty to provide sufficient good school places.

 

The report set out detailed information on the forecast of pupil numbers and the options to address the shortage of places in the Gillingham area, including proposals for Saxon Way Primary School, Brompton Westbrook Primary School and Thames View Primary School.

 

The report noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment screening would be completed in relation to specific proposals taken forward.

 

 

Decision number:

Decision:

10/2013

The Cabinet agreed that Saxon Way Primary School be expanded from 1 form of entry (FE) to 2FE, and that a feasibility study be undertaken to explore this option further to decide upon the accommodation and phasing requirements. These will be developed in consultation with the proposed academy sponsor; the conversion process to academy status is underway and is subject to Secretary of State approval.

11/2013

The Cabinet agreed that Thames View Primary School be approved as a back up option should Saxon Way Primary School prove for any reason not to be a viable solution, or indeed should further additional accommodation be required in the future and discussions to this effect have been held with the head teacher at Thames View Primary School.

12/2013

The Cabinet agreed that Brompton Westbrook Primary School be permanently expanded to enable a published admission number (PAN) of 60 to be accommodated, commencing from September 2013, and that a feasibility study be undertaken to assess how best to phase the building works in the most cost effective way and causing minimal disruption to the education of the children.

13/2013

The Cabinet agreed to authorise the Director of Children and Adults, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, to commence the statutory processes at the appropriate times required for the expansions of Saxon Way and Brompton Westbrook primary schools, as well as Thames View Primary School should it become necessary.

 

Reasons:

 

To ensure that the council meets its statutory duty to ensure sufficient good school places.

 

Approval in advance to commence the necessary statutory processes will ensure the council complies with its statutory duty to follow the full consultation process when proposing changes to school organisation.