To secure sufficient school places to meet increasing pupil numbers.

1.      That the position reached on planning for schools for the future be noted.

2.      That the following policy be approved:

-   To support schools and clusters that want to work towards a primary and secondary model, based on:

·      the appropriate resources being in place to do so;

·      change being coordinated; and

·      change supports improvements in educational outcomes.

-     To actively promote that any new schools that will be built will be primary or secondary.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Families, Education and Children that set out the approach being proposed for meeting the demand for school places over a 15-20 year period.  The school landscape was very mixed with lower, middle, upper, primary and secondary schools.  Around 40,000 new homes were due to be built in Central Bedfordshire by 2035 and it was estimated that there would be an additional 9,700 children requiring a school place over the next 5 years.

It was proposed to support those schools that wanted to work towards a primary and secondary model and to actively promote that any new schools being built would be primary or secondary.

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Families, Education and Children confirmed that the Executive had approved an increase in pupil yield from 0.04 to 0.06 pupils per dwelling, per academic year group.  The plan for schools for the future would be aligned with the Local Plan.  The Council would help facilitate, coordinate and support any schools that wanted to change and as yet the cost implications were unknown.  The Special Education Needs and Disability provision was also being considered to enhance that provision.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to develop a longer term coherent and transparent plan for future educational provision, shaped by the schools and to ensure the Council was best placed to deal with the growth agenda.

RESOLVED

1.      that the position reached on planning for schools for the future be noted; and

2.      that the following policy be approved:

-   To support schools and clusters that want to work towards a primary and secondary model, based on:

·      the appropriate resources being in place to do so;

·      change being coordinated; and

·      change supports improvements in educational outcomes.

-     To actively promote that any new schools that are be built be primary or secondary.

The decision was unanimous.