To seek approval for the commencement of capital expenditure for the temporary expansion of pupil numbers at Thomas Johnson Lower School to allow the school to admit up to 30 pupils by 2018 and Biggleswade Academy (middle) by an additional 60 pupils for 2018 and 2019.

The Senior Education Officer (Planning) outlined the proposed temporary increase in the Pupil Admission Numbers (PAN) at Thomas Johnson Lower School and how they would be accommodated. Birth data suggested a very high number of pupils from the Lidlington area, with the next nearest available school over two miles away which would significantly impact transport costs.

With regards to the expansion of Biggleswade Academy, Members were advised that forecasts suggested additional and significant future growth in the town, with the expansion of other schools unlikely due to site constraints. A proposal for a future free school would meet the longer term requirements within the town.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary:-

·           That the proposals in relation to Thomas Johnson Lower School appeared to be an efficient use of funds which would benefit the school and local area in future years.

·           Concerns that forecast numbers were not being considered at an early enough stage, to which it was confirmed that forecasting was carried out over a 5 year period, with an annual review to ensure data was as accurate as possible.

·           That the broader school organisational plan would minimise the impact of regular changes to PAN.

·           The need to liaise with neighbouring authorities due to their proximity to Central Bedfordshire and pupils from outside of the region crossing the border into local schools.

·           Members were offered reassurance that the proposals would not jeopardise the free school bid.

·           That in the Committee’s view, temporary units were not a long term, appropriate solution and that a permanent structure would be preferable, notwithstanding concerns regards the high costs involved.

·           The need for effective planning in order that schools were able to appropriately manage their sites and staffing requirements.

·           That increasing the pupil head room over the requisite 5% would not be possible due to the impact on developer contributions and staffing within schools.

·           Concerns that due to the impact on local children and the need for appropriate accommodation, it was necessary for the Committee to agree the proposals, despite ongoing concerns about the cost of temporary expansions.

RECOMMENDED:-

1. That the commencement of capital expenditure as set out in the Executive report be supported, subject to the granting of planning permissions under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act for the temporary expansion of Thomas Johnson Lower School and Biggleswade Academy.
2. That the Committee support the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services to enter into all appropriate legal documentation to implement the scheme.
3. That the school organisational plan be brought to the Committee at the earliest possible stage due to ongoing concerns in relation to effective planning of school places and the high costs involved for the temporary expansion of schools.