To seek Executive approval to commence the 2 stage consultation process required regarding the proposal to change the age range of Everton Lower School, Sandy.

1.      That the commencement of the 2 stage consultation process for the proposal to change the age range of Everton Lower School from 3 – 9 years to 3 - 11 years from September 2017, be approved.

2.      That the Executive Member for Education and Skills, be authorised to determine the proposal, if the responses to the statutory notice are favourable.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that sought the Executive’s approval to commence the 2 stage consultation process for the proposal to change the age range of Everton Lower School, Sandy.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Education and Skills confirmed that proposals to change the age ranges of schools and academies were led by schools and academies themselves, rather than the Council.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council continued to meet its statutory obligation by ensuring that there were adequate school places and  to meet the legal requirements placed on the Council by the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

RESOLVED

1.      that the commencement of the 2 stage consultation process for the proposal to change the age range of Everton Lower School from 3 – 9 years to 3 - 11 years from September 2017, be approved; and

2.      that the Executive Member for Education and Skills, be authorised to determine the proposal, if the responses to the statutory notice are favourable.       

Members are asked to consider the proposals to change the school age range of Everton Lower School to enable it to extend to Year 5 and Year 6 pupils and provide recommendations to the Executive.

The Executive Member for Education and Skills introduced a report that outlined the proposal for Everton Lower School to extend its age range to Year 5 and Year 6 pupils and, subject to the approval of the Executive, a consultation process would be started.  The Assistant Director advised that schools in the locality had been included in discussions regarding Everton’s proposals, and other schools proposals in the local area to consult on proposals to change their age ranges. Year 7 pupils would have the choice of attending middle school in Central Bedfordshire or secondary schools across the boarder in Cambridgeshire (subject to places being available).  Sandy Upper School is also proposing to consult on extending its age range down to a Year 7 point of admission.  It was noted that the changes to the school age in Bedford Borough would have an effect in the area too.

Members were in support of the proposal to provide information for parents on the school admission section of the Council website in addition to local meetings to be arranged in the area.  Officers would ensure support was available for all local schools affected by the changes.

RECOMMENDED

1.    Detailed information on school options for pupils be provided to parents in the Everton locality. Parent information and advice on school options be detailed on the School’s Admissions web pages.

2.    That officers facilitate and coordinate the proposed changes in age range and undertake to mitigate any repercussions to neighbouring schools in the vicinitywhere possible.

3.    That subject to the above, the Committee support the proposal to initiate a consultation to extend the age range at Everton Lower School.