To receive a report and consider the proposal to change the age range of Southcott Lower School from 4–9 years to 2-9 years of age.

The Head of School Organisation, Admissions and Capital Planning delivered a report which set out the rationale for a change to the age range at Southcott Lower school and the results of a recent consultation which broadly supported the proposals.

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

·           That in the event of a school losing a ‘Good’ OFSTED rating part way through an expansion, school improvements would be prioritised over the expansion.

·           The benefits of schools undertaking a governance scoping review.

·           That nursery provision did not guarantee a child a place in any particular lower school and that parents would need to follow the usual application process.

RECOMMENDED: -

1.     That the Committee support the Executive approval of the statutory process for the proposal to change the age range of Southcott Lower School from 4–9 years to 2-9 namely: -

·           Approve publication of the statutory notice

·           Commence formal consultation of at least four weeks

·           Approve that determination for the proposed change be made by the Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, if responses to the formal consultation are favourable. If responses to the formal consultation are not favourable determination to be made by the Executive. agreed as listed and encouraged that schools are looking to increase age range as it provides early years provision.

2.     That all schools be encouraged to increase ages ranges where appropriate in order to meet demand for early years provision.