Agenda item
Outcomes of Consultation for the Proposed Prescribed Alterations at Wainscott Primary School
Minutes:
Background:
This report provided details of the outcomes of the consultation period on the Council’s proposals to expand the lower age range and enlarge the premises at Wainscott Primary School, by way of statutory prescribed alterations. The Cabinet had originally agreed to go out to consultation on these proposals on 1 November 2011. The first stage of the statutory process required the Council to hold a period of informal consultation and this took place between 9 January 2012 and 26 February 2012.
The report set out the outcome of consultation and it was noted that of the 42 responses received to the proposal to lower the age limit from four to three, 29 responses were supportive and 13 objected. 45 responses were received to the proposal to enlarge the physical premises to accommodate the additional pupils, with 27 in favour of the proposal and 24 against.
The report also provided details of proposed new public meeting procedures as set out in appendix 8 to the report. The new procedures would ensure that the consultation is clearly, accurately and transparently reported, ensuring confidence in the council’s consultation process.
The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered this report on 14 March 2012 and its views were set out in paragraph 12 of the report.
A Diversity Impact Assessment (DIA) screening form was attached at Appendix 2 to the report. The DIA looked at how the proposed changes could impact upon various groups. The report showed that there could potentially be some impact upon certain groups based upon age, however it showed that any impacts were expected to be positive.
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Decision number: |
Decision: |
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66/2012 |
The Cabinet noted the responses to the consultation together with the advice and analysis from officers and the recommendations from the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and agreed to proceed to formal representation, when statutory notices and full proposals will be published. |
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67/2012 |
The Cabinet approved the revised public consultation meeting procedures, as attached in appendix 8 to the report. |
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68/2012 |
The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Children and Adults, in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, to determine whether to approve the proposals at the end of the statutory consultation period, if no objections are received. However if any objections were received during that time then a report will be prepared and placed before Cabinet for determination. |
Reasons:
To ensure the council’s duty to provide sufficient good school places is met. Accounting for the expected additional demand in the Strood area caused by higher birth rates, inward migration and local developments such as Liberty Park.
To comply with the actions in the approved School Organisation Plan 2011-16, which highlighted the need for additional places in the Wainscott area.
To enable the council to fulfil its policy to incorporate an integrated foundation stage in primary schools wherever possible.
Approval to proceed to a six-week period of statutory representation will ensure the council complies with its duty to follow the full consultation process when proposing changes to school organisation.
By approving the revised meeting procedures, the council will be ensuring transparency, clarity and accuracy of the consultation process.
Supporting documents:
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