Agenda item

11.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report providing feedback on consultation which had taken place on changes to three Sheffield schools – an increase in capacity at Oughtibridge Primary, an increase in capacity at The Rowan Primary (Special) and a change of age range at Becton School (Hospital School) and sought a final decision on the proposals.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approves:-

(a)

an expansion at Oughtibridge Primary from 45 places per year to 60 places per year, starting in the Reception intake in September 2015 and that a capital approval submission will be brought forward in due course;

(b)

an expansion at The Rowan Primary (Special School) from 68 to 90 places overall, starting in September 2015 on condition that the capital scheme receives planning permission by 1^st May 2015;

(c)

a change in age range at Becton School (Hospital School) from 11-18 to 5-18 with a change to the proposed start date of 1^st September 2014 to 1^st October 2014; and notes

(d)

that the Rowan School expansion capital scheme is the subject of an approval request in the Month 3 Budget Monitoring report.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

Consultation has been conducted to listen to concerns and to test the levels of support for the proposals from parents, school staff, governors and the community. Overall the positive response to consultation reflects the wide ranging support for the proposals.

11.3.2

The proposal at the Rowan is the only one to gain a significant negative response, yet the key issues raised are not concerned with the principle of increasing the number of places at the school. The issues around parking traffic that have been raised are important considerations and therefore the recommendation is to proceed with the condition that the scheme receives planning permission. This is where the impact of the development on highways would be properly considered.

11.3.3

In line with the Regulations, once statutory notices have been published and consultation concluded, a decision must be reached by the decision maker (in this case, the Local Authority), otherwise the proposals must be formally withdrawn. It has not been possible to complete the process for Becton in line with the initial proposal to implement from 1^st September 2014. Under its powers under the Regulations, Cabinet is asked to amend the proposal to change the implementation date to 1^st October 2014. This has no practical implications as existing arrangements will continue and changes to financial arrangements would not come in until the new financial year in April 2015.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

The alternative options would be to provide the capacity at alternative schools or not to provide the capacity at all. Analysis shows that this additional capacity is required to meet growing demand. The consultation process allowed for all alternative proposals to be put forward, including providing the capacity at a different school. No alternatives came forward during consultation and the proposals were largely supported.

11.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

11.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

11.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

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

11.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Children, Young People and Family Support

11.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report providing feedback on consultation which had taken place on changes to three Sheffield schools – an increase in capacity at Oughtibridge Primary, an increase in capacity at The Rowan Primary (Special) and a change of age range at Becton School (Hospital School) and sought a final decision on the proposals.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approves:-

(a)

an expansion at Oughtibridge Primary from 45 places per year to 60 places per year, starting in the Reception intake in September 2015 and that a capital approval submission will be brought forward in due course;

(b)

an expansion at The Rowan Primary (Special School) from 68 to 90 places overall, starting in September 2015 on condition that the capital scheme receives planning permission by 1^st May 2015;

(c)

a change in age range at Becton School (Hospital School) from 11-18 to 5-18 with a change to the proposed start date of 1^st September 2014 to 1^st October 2014; and notes

(d)

that the Rowan School expansion capital scheme is the subject of an approval request in the Month 3 Budget Monitoring report.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

Consultation has been conducted to listen to concerns and to test the levels of support for the proposals from parents, school staff, governors and the community. Overall the positive response to consultation reflects the wide ranging support for the proposals.

11.3.2

The proposal at the Rowan is the only one to gain a significant negative response, yet the key issues raised are not concerned with the principle of increasing the number of places at the school. The issues around parking traffic that have been raised are important considerations and therefore the recommendation is to proceed with the condition that the scheme receives planning permission. This is where the impact of the development on highways would be properly considered.

11.3.3

In line with the Regulations, once statutory notices have been published and consultation concluded, a decision must be reached by the decision maker (in this case, the Local Authority), otherwise the proposals must be formally withdrawn. It has not been possible to complete the process for Becton in line with the initial proposal to implement from 1^st September 2014. Under its powers under the Regulations, Cabinet is asked to amend the proposal to change the implementation date to 1^st October 2014. This has no practical implications as existing arrangements will continue and changes to financial arrangements would not come in until the new financial year in April 2015.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

The alternative options would be to provide the capacity at alternative schools or not to provide the capacity at all. Analysis shows that this additional capacity is required to meet growing demand. The consultation process allowed for all alternative proposals to be put forward, including providing the capacity at a different school. No alternatives came forward during consultation and the proposals were largely supported.