Issue - meetings

Background:

This report outlined the proposals for the amalgamation of Swingate Infant School with Spinnens Acre Junior School by way of statutory prescribed alterations, and requested that the Cabinet approve a period of informal consultation.

The report gave details of the Council’s School Organisation Principles and advised that the governing bodies of Swingate Infant School and Spinnens Acre Junior School had sent a joint letter to the Children and Adults directorate in December 2011 requesting amalgamation. It was also noted that the governing body had undertaken consultation and no objections had been received; they were therefore progressing with the actions required to effect the federation from September 2012.

The report provided details and analysis of the proposals and a timetable for the consultation process. It was proposed that Cabinet consider the outcome of informal consultation on 15 January 2013.

It was noted that a diversity impact assessment would be completed and reported to Members.

Reasons:

To comply with the approved School Organisation Plan 2011-16, which states that “all Infant and Junior Schools should be amalgamated over time”.

Approval to proceed to a six-week period of representation will ensure the Council complies with its duty to follow the full consultation process when proposing changes to school organisation.