Issue - meetings

The Panel will receive a verbal update on this item from the Director of Education Transformation.

The Director of Education Transformation announced that they are awaiting a final decision regarding the proposal to close the Bath Studio School and it was hoped that this would be received soon and before the national offer date in March.

She added that if the proposal is approved the school will close at the end of the school year 2019/20 - with no further students being admitted to the school from September 2019, this will enable all current students to complete the courses and qualifications they have enrolled on.

She said that during this period Wellsway Multi Academy Trust will work individually with students to support their on-going education and transition and will also be available to talk to their parents/carers about future education options for students currently at the school.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked who owns the school buildings as she had heard rumours that Aspire Academy and Three Ways School could look to use the site to expand the local SEND provision.

The Director of Education Transformation replied that no decision on the use of the site would be made prior to a final decision about the closure of the school.

The Corporate Director added that the matter of additional local SEND provision was an active conversation.

The Head of Education Inclusion Services said that he thought that the buildings were owned by the Link Foundation Trust / Wellsway Academy.

Councillor Paul May said that it was important to work with the local community at this time and supply information to them as soon as it was possible.