Issue - items at meetings - Expansion of Davigdor Infant School and Somerhill Junior School

Report of the Director of Children’s Services (copy attached).

1.       That the permanent expansion of Davigdor Infant school by one form of entry with effect from September 2010, and the subsequent enlargement of the premises, be agreed.

2.       That the permanent expansion of Somerhill Junior school by one form of entry with effect from September 2011, and the subsequent enlargement of the premises, be agreed. 

3.       That the statutory notices in relation to points (1) and (2) above be confirmed.

13.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services which informed the Cabinet Member of the outcome of the statutory consultation on the proposed permanent expansion of Davigdor Infant and Somerhill Junior schools by one form of entry from September 2010 and 2011 respectively, and the resultant enlargement of the premises (for copy see minute book).

13.2    The Schools Futures Project Director summarised that the proposal had resulted from the recognition for the need for more school places in the Hove central area.  He reported that, following consultation, no responses had been received either for or against the proposal, or any formal representations.  

13.3    In answer to questions, the Director clarified that officers had been in communication with the governors at both schools. He indicated that initial discussions had taken place in relation to the proposal to merging both schools, in view of the forthcoming retirement of the Headteacher at the infant school. However, both governing bodies had expressed the preference to pursue a more combined way of working at this stage rather than agreeing to an all through primary school.

13.4    The Cabinet Member noted the concerns previously raised in terms of the consultation process and the wish expressed by Members that all the right people were consulted. The Cabinet Member enquired whether this had been adhered to and whether the planning application process had also incorporated that request.

13.5    The Head of Capital Strategy and Development reassured the Cabinet Member that request had been adhered to. She further indicated that both schools had been very engaged in the process. She explained that, in terms of the proposed development at Somerhill, two options were given to the governors and they were more inclined to pursue the option to construct over the car park area at the front of the building and this was the option being developed. She informed the Cabinet Member that the plans were still at design level and the proposal was likely to go Planning Committee towards the end of September.

13.6    The Cabinet Member welcomed the report and requested that the plans be shown to her and the Opposition Spokesperson in due course.

13.7    RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:

(1)      That the permanent expansion of Davigdor Infant school by one form of entry with effect from September 2010, and the subsequent enlargement of the premises, be agreed.

(2)      That the permanent expansion of Somerhill Junior school by one form of entry with effect from September 2011, and the subsequent enlargement of the premises, be agreed. 

(3)      That the statutory notices in relation to points (1) and (2) above be confirmed.