Decision details

8.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report providing feedback on the consultation which had taken place on proposals to increase the number of primary school places in the Ecclesall area and seeking a decision on whether to proceed with the proposals in light of the issues raised during the consultation.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the proposal to increase the capacity and upper age range at Ecclesall Infant School as described in the statutory proposals. The lower age range would remain and would not change. This approval is conditional on the granting of planning permission before 1st July 2017; and

(b)

agree the commitments and actions outlined in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

Providing sufficient primary school places is a statutory duty of the Council.  This will mean that Sheffield children reaching primary school age in 2017 and beyond will continue to have a school place in the area of the city in which they live. The option outlined is the best use of capital and sites in this part of the city and the best way to provide great local primary school places for the long term.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

The most common alternative option suggested was to create junior places at Clifford through purchasing the house next door on Psalter Lane. This proposal would address the need for places. However, the expansion would require the purchase of a house that is not currently for sale and would leave the Clifford site extremely constrained with little prospect of addressing this in the future. It would not address the current constraints of the Ecclesall Junior site and therefore would not be the best long-term use of the Council’s available capital and assets.

8.4.2

Overall there was broad support for providing additional primary school places in this area and it is anticipated that the places are needed for the foreseeable future.

8.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

8.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

8.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Jayne Ludlam, Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families

8.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Children, Young People and Family Support