Issue - meetings

This report gives an interim update on the position regarding primary school places in the Authority as at June 2017 up to 2020.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked if the proposed expansion of Bathwick St Mary C of E Primary School by 105 places to accommodate pupils generated by the MoD Warminster Road development was sufficient.

The School Organisation Manager replied that discussions had taken place regarding an expansion of 210 places, but as the development has only just begun the figures would be kept under review.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked where further developments were planned that would have an impact on school numbers.

The School Organisation Manager replied that a full review of the plan would be brought to the Panel in Spring 2018. A report would come to the Panel in March followed by the Cabinet in May. She added that all schools will be sent future projections when known to allow them to plan accordingly.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked what impact is the free school and academy agenda having on officers’ ability to plan school places over the next three years.

The Head of Education Transformation replied that the main issue of concern was that as academies they have the ability to change their admission numbers individually. She added that the majority of them have sought the view of the School Organisation Manager.

The School Organisation Manager added that good working partnerships exist across the Local Authority with both Schools and Academies

Councillor Michelle O’Doherty asked when the new school within Bath Western Riverside would be built.

The School Organisation Manager replied that the development of the school was linked to occupation of dwellings on the site and that the figure concerned had not yet been reached.

The Chair asked how the opening of Abbot Alphege Primary School at the former MoD Ensleigh site had gone.

The School Organisation Manager replied that there had been a good intake for the reception class and that a mixed age class was also being run at the present time.

The Chair asked about the progress of the Mulberry Park Primary School at the former MoD Foxhill site.

The School Organisation Manager replied that it is under construction and will open in September 2018.

The Chair asked about the opening of the Somerdale Educate Together Primary School.

The School Organisation Manager replied that it has opened with a reception class of 30 and some Year 1 places.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report.