Issue - meetings

Decision

number:

Decision:

The Cabinet noted the 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 demand.

114/2021

The Cabinet approved the commencement of a review of capacity and school organisation arrangements within Medway including the reorganisation of Published Admission Numbers (PANs) as a result of recent lowering birth rates, and the impact of local housing development to ensure that all areas have a sufficient supply of school places, whilst avoiding over provision a set out in paragraphs 6.5 to 6.6 of the report.

115/2021

The Cabinet authorised 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 as set out in section 8 of the report.

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 and appropriate school places across all sectors continues to be available.

116/2021

The Cabinet approved the use of s106 funding to provide additional classrooms and facilities at Wayfield Primary School to accommodate bulge classes as set out in paragraph 6.24 of the report.

117/2021

The Cabinet recommended full Council to add £1,870,500 to the Capital Programme to complete the resourced provision projects at the Howard School, Strood Academy and Victory Academy together with the special school expansion at Bradfields as set out in paragraphs 8.11 to 8.13 of the report.