Agenda item

(a)  That Primary School Places Action Plan 2011-13 be approved in principle.

(b)  That current available funding be used to expand 6 primary schools (more if required) to meet the demonstrable shortfall in school places projected for 2011 and all funding for existing projects is profiled to ensure that the benefit of external funding is maximised and, where necessary, spent by 31^st August 2011.

(c)  That an amount (to be based on the outcome of the current feasibility study) be set aside to refurbish the old Town Hall building for use as a school, if the feasibility study indicates this is a viable option.

(d)  That sources of funding for a new school in the Chalvey area continue to be explored.

(e)  That this Council will continue working to ensure there are sufficient school places for all primary school children in Slough in September 2010.  Cabinet therefore instructs officers to report to the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services at the end of June on Demand for reception and other year places.  If it appears likely that there will not be sufficient school places for September 2010, then the Director for Education and Children’s Services will examine the available options and, in consultation with the Commissioner for Education and Children’s Services, take forward one proposal for expansion in this paper, or more, as required.  The following criteria will determine which proposals for expansion in 2010 are brought forward if required:

1.  Geographic area school located in Slough, and its proximity to local demand for places

2.  Standards of the school.

In addition to the papers that had been circulated, the Commissioner for Education and Children Services tabled a letter from the Headteacher of Castleview School and a revised recommendation (e) for the Cabinet’s consideration. 

In introducing the report the Commissioner drew attention to the fact that the Authority had received confirmation that the £9m which was to be made available from Central Government had been confirmed. 

The report detailed a Primary School Places Action Plan 2011-13.  Members were reminded of the background to the increase in Primary School provision and the forecast of additional places that would be needed between September 2011 and September 2013.  The report set out a number of options for the Cabinet to consider:

·  using surplus existing accommodation (option 1)

·  adding Infant Annexes to other primary schools (option 2) 

·  building a new school (option 3(a))

·  refurbishing the Town Hall (option 3(b))

Members were asked to recommend that available funding was used to expand primary places for September 2011 by using surplus existing accommodation and by adding infant annexes at 4 other primary schools. 

At the same time planning and design work could proceed on additional infant annexes and funding approved as they become acquired.  The results of the feasibility study for the Town Hall (option 3b) when received would be submitted to the Cabinet for further consideration.  Commissioners discussed the proposed Action Plan and noted that it allowed the Council to deliver the necessary school places which was a statutory responsibility.  The Assistant Director Raising Achievement confirmed, in answer to a question, that there was no scope to introduce a restriction on schools applying to become Academies as any school would have the right to apply to be an Academy.  In answer to a question with regard to what action would be taken when demand for places fell the Assistant Director advised that surplus places, having been provided via the modular route, would give the Council flexibility for the future.  The Assistant Director also advised that whilst parents were allowed to express a preference for a school place and additional places could not be kept solely for Slough children, Schools’ Admissions policies generally gave the greatest priority to those living within closest proximity to the school. 

In moving the recommendations the Commissioner drew attention to the tabled proposal for an amended 2(e).  Commissioners favoured the approach proposed as it enabled the authority to have the most flexibility in what was clearly a rapidly changing position.  A Member present under Rule 30 asked whether the Council had considered the Thames Valley University site.  The Assistant Director advised that the Council was open to all suggestions for possible sites for school but there was a balance to be struck between available resources and where best value could be achieved.  The Commissioner for Neighbourhoods and Renewal reminded the Cabinet that the Council has entered into a joint agreement to dispose of the Thames Valley University site for housing.  The Assistant Director advised in answer to a question that the arrangements for opening the Willow Primary School on the former Lea Junior School site were in  hand for opening in September 2010. 

Resolved -

(a)  That Primary School Places Action Plan 2011-13 be approved in principle.

(b)  That current available funding be used to expand 6 primary schools (more if required) to meet the demonstrable shortfall in school places projected for 2011 and all funding for existing projects is profiled to ensure that the benefit of external funding is maximised and, where necessary, spent by 31^st August 2011.

(c)  That an amount (to be based on the outcome of the current feasibility study) be set aside to refurbish the old Town Hall building for use as a school, if the feasibility study indicates this is a viable option.

(d)  That sources of funding for a new school in the Chalvey area continue to be explored.

(e)  That this Council will continue working to ensure there are sufficient school places for all primary school children in Slough in September 2010.  Cabinet therefore instructs officers to report to the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services at the end of June on Demand for reception and other year places.  If it appears likely that there will not be sufficient school places for September 2010, then the Director for Education and Children’s Services will examine the available options and, in consultation with the Commissioner for Education and Children’s Services, take forward one proposal for expansion in this paper, or more, as required.  The following criteria will determine which proposals for expansion in 2010 are brought forward if required:

1.  Geographic area school located in Slough, and its proximity to local demand for places

2.  Standards of the school.