Issue - meetings

Decision number:

Decision:

The Cabinet noted the comments of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee set out at section 4 of the report.

The Cabinet noted the continued excellent progress made against the School Organisation Plan and School Place Planning Strategy frameworks, which have ensured that the Council has met its duty and sufficient school places are currently available to meet the increasing demand.

121/2019

The Cabinet agreed to authorise officers to undertake further feasibility studies and statutory consultations as necessary to ensure that plans are in place to meet demand as and where it emerges.

The Cabinet noted the ongoing work being undertaken to ensure sufficient Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision is available within Medway.

The Cabinet noted the limited funding position for providing school places and to support officers’ efforts in acquiring additional funding or identifying alternative means of ensuring sufficient school places continue to be available. In particular in the short term:

·         primary provision in Peninsula West through a 1FE expansion of Hundred of Hoo Academy

·         selective secondary provision through expansion of current schools wherever possible, or through the establishment of an annexe of one of Medway’s Grammar Schools

·         a range of special school provision to meet increasing wide ranging need.

122/2019

The Cabinet agreed to commit to keeping rural and village schools open for the benefit of the local communities so far as its powers allow, in accordance with the motion agreed at Full Council on 18 July 2019 and on the basis set out in section 6 of the report.