Issue - meetings

The Council has a statutory duty to secure sufficient school places for every child resident in the Local Authority who requires a place. The Primary and Secondary School Organisation Plan 2015 – 2019 at Appendix 1 outlines the current level of primary and secondary provision in the Authority, detailed projected pupil numbers over the next four years up to admissions in September 2019 based on births and resident population data and outline pupil numbers up to 2029 as a consequence of the future planned housing development in the Authority. Estimates for the number of school places likely to be required as a result and how and where these might be provided are also included.

Councillor Michael Evans said that Local Authority would still retainthe legal responsibility for pupil place planning in its area.  In order to do this effectively the Local Authority would have to identify where new school places would be required as a result of underlying population growth or pupils generated from new housing development, how much additional provision would be required and when.  This additional provision might be provided via Basic Need funding from the Government or Developer Contributions or CIL as a result of new housing developments.  The Plan would serve as a useful planning tool to identify areas and levels of need, when investment in places would be needed and also to inform discussions with Developers.

Councillor Michael Evans moved the recommendations.

Councillor Tim Warren seconded the motion by saying that he was happy to support this plan to increase primary school provision in the district as part of the £7 million investment in local primary schools.  The Council would constantly review school place provision to ensure meeting the needs of local parents and children over the coming years.  The Council must ensure the right number of school places in the right locations to meet the needs of a growing population and the demands created by new housing development, whilst at the same time supporting parental preferences.

Councillor Charles Gerrish said that two new schools would open in September 2017 and asked for a clarification on whether those two schools would have just reception classes or they would be whole schools.  Councillor Gerrish also asked if the Head of the School would be appointed for those two schools before they open.

Councillor Michael Evans responded that, for both schools, school structure would be as a whole.  The Local Authority would take into consideration birth dates and anticipated needs though it would be expected that both schools would start from Reception and Year 1 classes first, and grow over years.  Councillor Evans also said that Heads of both schools would be appointed before schools open.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet:

1.  Approved the proposed strategy for the provision of school places within the 2015 – 2019 plan period.

2.  Approved the proposed strategy for the provision of school places over the longer term within the Core Strategy plan period.

The Primary and Secondary School Organisation Plan 2015 – 2019 outlines the current level of primary and secondary provision in the Authority, detailed projected pupil numbers over the next four years up to admissions in September 2019 based on births and resident population data and outline pupil numbers up to 2029 as a consequence of the future planned housing development in the Authority.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if it was anticipated that the Council would continue to have a statutory duty to ensure there are sufficient school places in the area.

The School Organisation Manager replied that there is no indication at present that this will be changed.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked what information does the Council have about proposals for Free Schools.

The School Organisation Manager replied that we know that one has been proposed – Norton Hill Primary School. She added that the site proposed is south of our border, but would provide places for B&NES children.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if it would be funded via CIL or Section 106 agreement.

The School Organisation Manager replied that it would be funded by central government.

The Chair asked does the Council have sufficient evidence and capacity to commission new academies to be built.

The School Organisation Manager replied that we forecast pupil numbers expected to be generated from new housing and due to population growth and determine if new school places are required. If so, these could be delivered via expansions to existing schools or by building new schools. She added that if a new school is required this could be built by the developer in some cases and in others by the Council.

Councillor Karen Warrington asked are the Councils spatial strategies sufficiently well documented, clear, appropriate and linked to the School Organisational Plan (SOP).

The School Organisation Manager replied that Planning Policy consult with us to establish the requirement for school infrastructure as a consequence of new housing development and this is referenced in their documents. She said that we also consult with Planning Policy when drafting the SOP. She added that the Infrastructure Delivery Programme which is a part of the Core Strategy is linked to the SOP and will refer to the same school infrastructure projects and the SOP is referred to in the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulation 123 List.

Councillor Mark Shelford asked if school playing fields are protected and does the development of new sites include the provision of playing fields.

The School Organisation Manager replied that school sport pitches were protected and that the Council was a consultee of Sport England. She added that new school sites do include plans for recreational and sports space provision.

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that where there are areas of expansion, but schools are at full capacity and without room to expand, some pupils in those areas may need to attend schools that are further away and travelling will incur additional costs to parents. She asked, in that event, what action will be taken to reduce the financial inequality burden placed upon some parents, but not others.

The School Organisation Manager replied that support for home to school transport costs exists if the distance is above the statutory level and if certain other criteria apply. She added that the current plans are designed to provide sufficient places in the areas they are needed and therefore do  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64