Agenda item

11.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report outlining the issue and details the response to the consultation on a proposal to increase pupil places at Dobcroft Infant and Junior Schools which finished on 11 February 2015.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

notes that a single extra Reception class is being offered at Dobcroft Infant School in September 2015 and that an extra class will be provided at Dobcroft Junior when this year group transfers to Year 3 in September 2018;

(b)

agrees that the proposals to permanently expand Dobcroft Infant and Junior Schools from 2016 should be put on hold by formally withdrawing them allowing officers time to review and explore all options for future school places expansion in the South West of the City, including the Dobcroft plans and other suggested in the consultation process. Following this process a further consultation will take place; and

(c)

anticipates a further report (to Cabinet or Individual Cabinet Member) on the expansion of primary school places in the South West of the City to propose a further 4-week consultation on providing places by September 2016.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

The level of concern in response to the proposal to permanently expand Dobcroft Infant and Junior Schools from Dobcroft parents and residents has clearly been high. The City Council needs further time to explore in more depth all options for providing extra primary school places in this part of the City.

11.3.2

A number of concerns have come forward during the consultation from the Dobcroft school community about the potential implications of expansion. There were also several alternative proposals for the expansion of school places across the area and beyond. At present a viable and positive alternative option to Dobcroft remains unconfirmed. Some parents asked the Council to extend the consultation period to consider such options in more detail. Under the statutory process the Council is not able to do this and so a pause is the way to allow a further period to explore all options further. This will help shape the right long term solution for the area.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

The recommendation is to allow a further consideration of the alternative options to add places. Officers believed that extra places remained a requirement from September 2016 and that doing nothing is not therefore a viable option.

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

8.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report outlining the issue and detailing the response to the consultation on a proposal to increase pupil places at Dobcroft Infant and Junior Schools which finished on 11 February 2015.

8.2

Councillor Julie Dore reported that all Cabinet Members had received a copy of the consultation feedback and the questions submitted.

8.3

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

notes that a single extra Reception class is being offered at Dobcroft Infant School in September 2015 and that an extra class will be provided at Dobcroft Junior when this year group transfers to Year 3 in September 2018;

(b)

agrees that the proposals to permanently expand Dobcroft Infant and Junior Schools from 2016 should be put on hold by formally withdrawing them, allowing officers time to review and explore all options for future school places expansion in the South West of the City, including the Dobcroft plans and others suggested in the consultation process, and that, following this process, a further consultation will take place; and

(c)

anticipates a further report (to Cabinet or Individual Cabinet Member) on the expansion of primary school places in the South West of the City to propose a further 4-week consultation on providing places by September 2016.

8.4

Reasons for Decision

8.4.1

The level of concern in response to the proposal to permanently expand Dobcroft Infant and Junior Schools from Dobcroft parents and residents has clearly been high. The City Council needs further time to explore in more depth all options for providing extra primary school places in this part of the City.

8.4.2

A number of concerns have come forward during the consultation from the Dobcroft school community about the potential implications of expansion. There were also several alternative proposals for the expansion of school places across the area and beyond. At present a viable and positive alternative option to Dobcroft remains unconfirmed. Some parents asked the Council to extend the consultation period to consider such options in more detail. Under the statutory process, the Council is not able to do this and so a pause is the way to allow a further period to explore all options further. This will help shape the right long term solution for the area.

8.5

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.5.1

The recommendation is to allow a further consideration of the alternative options to add places. Officers believed that extra places remained a requirement from September 2016 and that doing nothing is not therefore a viable option.