Agenda item

(a)  That the present over supply of secondary places and the risks it presented be noted;

(b)  That the projects in progress be noted; and

(c)  That the approach to school places planning as set out in the report be endorsed.

The Chief Executive introduced a report which updated the Cabinet on the pressures, emerging risks and progress made in delivering school places in Slough.

(Councillor Anderson joined the meeting)

It was reported that the overall scale of demand pressures for primary places was now less than the corresponding demand for secondary places.  Forecasts for the demand for school places had proved accurate to date, and plans were in place to secure the necessary temporary increase in primary forms of entry over the next two years.  Concerns were expressed about the short term over-supply of secondary places, with a projected shortfall of places from 2018-19 onwards.  The rapid expansion of free school provision was noted and whilst the Council had welcomed the additional provision, it had lobbied to defer some openings to better match the profile of required secondary places.  The over supply for Slough usage in 2015-16 was circa 7 forms of entry and had resulted in a lack of applications for the two out of borough schools at Churchmead and Burnham Park Academy.  There was also a forecast of an over supply of 3 forms of entry in 2016-17 which could risk the viability of those schools on which Slough would be reliant in the future.  The Cabinet were asked to note the risks presented by the current over supply of secondary places and endorse the approach to school place planning as set out in the report.

The Cabinet expressed their concern about the position in relation to secondary places and noted the risks for future provision.  Commissioners discussed a range of issues including the implications arising from the significant increases in the number of schools converting to academies.  It was noted that the Council’s influence over academies was limited, including over admissions policies, and discussions were held with academies to encourage buy in to the overall strategy.  The financial implications were discussed and it was noted that the School Places Capital Programme 2014-20 had £62m available, £26m of which committed and further £30.5m provisionally allocated leaving an unallocated sum of £6m.  It was considered that this was a satisfactory position to provide both financial support for the necessary expansion programme and the required flexibility to respond to future opportunities.

Resolved –

(a)  That the present over supply of secondary places and the risks it presented be noted;

(b)  That the projects in progress be noted; and

(c)  That the approach to school places planning as set out in the report be endorsed.

(Councillor Anderson in the Chair)