To receive a report and consider and comment on the mitigation measures proposed.

The Head of School Organisation, Admissions and Capital Planning delivered a report which provided Members with details of an action plan to mitigate historic problems with the decision making timeline and provision of information relating to the expansion at Henlow Middle School. Members were appraised of the various, but relatively restricted uses of temporary units, and the comparative costs in relation to permanent structures. The original cost estimates presented to Members at an earlier meeting had reduced considerably and the directorate were confident that the project would be delivered within the requisite timescales by working closely with all partners.

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

·           That terminology regarding ‘temporary’ only related to the Pupil Admissions Numbers (PAN) and not classrooms or school buildings, which were permanent structures.

·           That the adoption of the Local Plan in future months would stabilise development proposals and aid accurate planning in relation to the ongoing need for school places in Henlow and the surrounding area.

·           That the use of temporary classrooms was not deemed in the best interests of children.

·           That fluctuations in pupil numbers had partly contributed to the problems the directorate had experienced in securing school expansion at Etonbury Academy. Ensuring accuracy was key to securing sustainable future expansion.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee support the proposed mitigations identified in the report to prevent similar issues arising in the future.

(Cllr Gurney left the meeting at 10.30am)

(Cllr Ryan left the meeting at 10.47am)