To consider the proposal to recommission Primary Specialist Provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition in Dunstable.

That the commencement of consultation by Ardley Hill Academy for the proposal to establish a new 8 place primary specialist provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition at Ardley Hill Academy in Dunstable from September 2016, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that sought support to commence the consultation by Ardley Hill Academy for its proposal to establish a new 8 place primary specialist provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition at Ardley Hill Academy in Dunstable from September 2016.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to meet its statutory obligations to secure sufficient school places for children with special educational needs.

RESOLVED

that the commencement of consultation by Ardley Hill Academy for the proposal to establish a new 8 place primary specialist provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition at Ardley Hill Academy in Dunstable from September 2016, be approved.

To consider and comment on proposals to recommission primary specialist provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition in Dunstable.

The Executive Member for Education and Skills introduced a report that outlined the proposal to recommission primary specialist provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition in Dunstable and to seek support from the Committee to start the consultation process. 

In light of the report Member discussed the following details:-

·         The process undertaken by officers that had resulted in Ardley Hill Academy emerging as the only school to submit a business case for consideration.

·         Whether specialist experience existed within the Council to ensure standards were maintained.  The Director of Children’s Services confirmed that there are specialist officers within the Directorate who offered advice to schools.

·         Whether specialist staff based at Streetfield would be transferred to Ardley Hill or that new staff would be recruited.  The Director of Children’s Services advised that at the present time it is expected that staff would  transfer to Ardley.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee support the proposal to recommission primary specialist provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition in Dunstable and supported the start of the consultation process.