Issue - items at meetings - Options for Providing School Places

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

1.       That the possible options for additional primary places within the City be noted.

2.       That it be agreed that the CYPT will pursue the option of providing a new two form entry Primary School by further considering the top 4 scoring sites in Appendix 2: Hove Park depot, Hove Park Upper School, BHASVIC and Leicester Villas. 

3.       That it be agreed that, should a new primary school be developed, the LA will either enter the competition open to those who would wish to operate the new school or be assured that those competing would offer places to local children.

4.       That it be agreed that the CYPT will consult with schools and their communities on the proposal to expand the following schools:

·            Goldstone Primary School (1 new form of entry)

·            Westdene primary School (1 new form of entry)

·            Queens Park Primary School (0.5 new form of entry)

5.       That it be agreed that, should the creation of a new school not be possible in the necessary timeframe, the CYPT will consult with the following schools regarding proposals to expand by one form of entry:

·            West Blatchington Primary School

·            Aldrington or St Andrews VA Primary Schools

6.       That urgent discussions with Westdene and Goldstone Primary Schools be agreed with a view to providing one extra form of entry at each school for September 2010, accommodated in temporary buildings, in order to help meet the immediate demand for places.

25.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services regarding the options for providing primary school places, which set out the options available to meet the increase in demand for pupil places in the primary sector in Hove and on the Brighton-Hove border where the need is most acute and immediate (for copy see minutes book).

25.2    The Schools Futures Project Director highlighted the main points of the report. He indicated that the report puts forward options that were realistic and within the budget to provide solutions to the shortage of spaces. He stated that the report provided short, medium and long term provision; it recognised the need for temporary accommodation by expanding existing facilities, whilst looking at realistic permanent solutions. The Director also indicated that officers were reluctant about providing an over number of spaces, as had been the case in the past, where schools were still currently unfilled.

25.3    In answer to questions, the SFP Director explained that the option considered at Leicester Villas had not yet been fully explored because it was one of the late entrants for consideration in this option paper. However, further analysis would be taken in relation to it and what it could offer.

25.4    In relation to the competition element, The Schools Futures Project Director explained that the situation was that should it be authorised for a new school to be built, then the opportunity arose for anyone to bid for it. He explained that the LA wish was for community schools; however, he was aware that other parties might also be interested in putting an application forward.   

25.5    The Opposition Spokespersons, Labour and Green, advised caution about the option for a new school and the element of competition. They were concerned about the possibility of faith groups applying for the competition and being successful in the bid. The Spokespersons supported the need for a relevant curriculum and supported the need for more community schools and felt that local parents would also welcome these factors.

25.6    The Opposition Spokespersons very much welcomed the report and the efforts to address the matter of shortage of places locally. They welcomed the options put forward and encouraged as wide a consultation as possible so that residents were aware that, where the LA cannot deliver, this would be due to legal and other technical difficulties.

25.7    The Opposition Spokesperson, Labour, noted that parents of secondary school children had been consulted over previous matters relating to school for their children. She stated that she hoped the relevant group of parents of primary school children would also be involved, consulted, and their views taken on board in this current consultation process.

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

          (1)      That the possible options for additional primary places within the City be noted.

          (2)      That it be agreed that the CYPT will pursue the option of providing a new two form entry Primary School by further considering the top 4 scoring sites in Appendix 2: Hove Park depot, Hove Park Upper School, BHASVIC and Leicester Villas. 

          (3)      That it be agreed that, should a new primary school be developed, the LA will either enter the competition open to those who would wish to operate the new school or be assured that those competing would offer places to local children.

          (4)      That it be agreed that the CYPT will consult with schools and their communities on the proposal to expand the following schools:

·       Goldstone Primary School (1 new form of entry)

·       Westdene primary School (1 new form of entry)

·        Queens Park Primary School (0.5 new form of entry)

          (5)      That it be agreed that, should the creation of a new school not be possible in the necessary timeframe, the CYPT will consult with the following schools regarding proposals to expand by one form of entry:

·       West Blatchington Primary School

·       Aldrington or St Andrews VA Primary Schools

          (6)      That urgent discussions with Westdene and Goldstone Primary Schools be agreed with a view to providing one extra form of entry at each school for September 2010, accommodated in temporary buildings, in order to help meet the immediate demand for places.