Notes of Meeting at Fosse Way School

2 October 2002

Attended by Headteacher (HT), Deputy Headteacher (DHT) and approximately 35 members of staff and Governors.

LEA Officers attending:

Alison Delyth, Deputy Director of Education (AD)

Huw Powell, School Improvement Division (HP)

Bruce Austen, School Organisation Manager (BA)

These notes are not intended to be a verbatim record of the meeting but are designed to highlight key themes arising from the discussion.

HT asked AD to go through timescales shown on page 30 of the consultation document.

AD emphasised that the timescale was not prescriptive and the latter elements were dependent on a successful bid. AD explained political process + arrangements. Reminded audience that we had a preferred option and that DfES had encouraged LEA to state this clearly in any consultation process. Pointed out that if a new option emerges during consultation then it will be necessary to begin consultation process again.

Question

In view of falling rolls at special schools and the development of the inclusion agenda does B&NES need another special school?

AD reminded all that RUH Trust wanted RUH School off-site by 8/04. Continued by saying that 10.4 (RUH closes, Fosse Way School meets the need of

children with physical disabilities and there is no change at Summerfield or Lime Grove)

was the simplest option. Option had been discussed at length at meeting at RUH on

previous day.

However there were serious disadvantages. The issues surrounding the continued maintenance of Lime Grove and Summerfield situation would be unresolved. "Couldn't adopt a strategy for one school of around 250 pupils as 250 is too big"