Agenda item - School Organisation

Report of the Corporate Director of Children and Families.

RESOLVED: That

(1) phase 2 of the Primary School Expansion Programme be moved to the statutory process for permanent expansion, as stated in Appendix A to the report;

(2) the Special School SEN Placements Planning Framework, at Appendix B to the report, be approved;

(3) the Amalgamation Policy, at Appendix C to the report, be confirmed;

(4) the progress made in developing the Harrow’s Early Years Strategy be noted.

Reason for Decision: To fulfill the local authority’s statutory duties to provide sufficient, high quality school places in its area as part of its strategic role as champion for parents and families, for vulnerable pupils and of educational excellence.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted: None.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Families introduced the report, which set out school organisation issues in Harrow, including School Place Planning, Phase 2 of the Primary School Expansion Programme, Special School SEN Placements Planning Framework, Early Years Strategy and Amalgamation Policy. The Portfolio Holder informed Cabinet that there had been a 33% rise in bulge classes and the pressures to provide extra places in schools.

An officer outlined the implications of the Department of Education’s announcement to fund the expansion of 15 schools in Harrow and its relationship with the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Placement Planning Framework which, together, would help provide more opportunities for children in Harrow.

The Portfolio Holder and the Corporate Director of Children and Families responded to questions from non-voting non-Executive Cabinet Members on Council policy regarding academies and consultation, projections and delegations, as follows:

· the Council had an excellent relationship with all the schools in the borough, including faith schools and academies which were autonomous. All types of schools would continue to be supported by the Portfolio Holder and the Directorate;

· robust consultation mechanisms were in place following the incorporation of the lessons learnt from the Vaughan School expansion. The money from the Department of Education would help contingencies to be put in place where planning permission for expansion was not granted to schools. The money would also help build in flexibility;

· projections made in relation to school place planning and pupil growth had been accurate and that the Council had managed to offer a place to all children whose applications had been received on time;

· there was a risk of undersupply in the school places available at both primary and secondary levels. However, appropriate measures were in place and all options would be investigated;

· delegations put in place by Cabinet in November 2012 were appropriate for application where there was a need for other schools to be identified for permanent expansion. The relevant shadow Portfolio Holders would be kept abreast of developments in this area, including the capital spend in relation to the expansion;

· a briefing note setting out the Department for Education’s announcement to fund the expansion of 15 schools would be issued soon.