To seek Executive support for a proposed consultation to provide new Lower School places in Stotfold from September 2017. The school referred to within the report serves the Ward of Stotfold and is located within the Parish of Fairfield.

That the proposed commencement of consultation by the Governing Body of Fairfield Park Lower School to permanently expand onto a second site from a 2 form of entry (300 place) lower school for pupils aged 3 to 9, to a 4 form of entry (600 place) lower school for pupils aged 3 to 9 also providing a 60 place nursery, increasing the school’s published admission number from 60 to 120 with effect from 1 September 2017, be supported.

The Executive considered a report of the Executive Member for Education and Skills on proposals to commence consultation by the governing body of Fairfield Lower Park School on a permanent expansion onto a second site, including an increase of lower school places and the provision of a 60-place nursery. Demographic growth driven largely by new housing development in the area had led to existing school sites in Fairfield and Stotfold operating at full capacity.

Comments had been received from the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Reason for decision: To ensure that the Council continues to meets its statutory obligations to provide sufficient school places.

RESOLVED

to support the proposed commencement of consultation by the governing body of Fairfield Park Lower School to permanently expand onto a second site, from a 2-form of entry (300 place) lower school for pupils aged 3 to 9, to a 4-form of entry (600 place) lower school for pupils aged 3 to 9, also providing a 60 place nursery, increasing the school’s published admission number from 60 to 120 with effect from 1 September 2017.

To consider and make recommendations to the Executive on proposals to increase the number of  lower school places in Stotfold.

The Executive Member for Education and Skills introduced a report that sought the support of Members on the proposal of new Lower School Places in the Fairfield Ward from September 2017.  It was noted that the name Stotfold should not have been published in the report.

A Member proposed that the achievements of the school be included in this and future reports.  It was also proposed that a policy of “drop off points at schools” be considered for inclusion in all future Travel Plans, however Cllr McVicar wished it to be recorded that he was not in favour. 

RECOMMENDED

1.    That the Committee supported the provision of new lower school places in Fairfield Ward.

2.    That the achievements of a school seeking approval for expansion be included future reports.