Decision details

11.1     The Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services which sought approval of the Heathfield Area Review of Primary School Places and the resulting recommendations.

11.2     RESOLVED to agree that:

            1)         Five Ashes CE Primary School forms a federation with Mayfield CE Primary Schools;

            2)         All Saints’ and St Richard’s CE Primary School works with the Diocese of Chichester and the Local Authority to form a federation with a local school;

            3)         the Local Authority works with the Diocese of Chichester to explore a possible Free School for the area linked to the emerging housing plans for the Heathfield area; and

            4)         Schools and Early Years providers should further develop the Village Approach to support transition.

Reasons

11.3     A formal federation will help the schools become sustainable, recruit and retain staff and secure strong leadership.

11.4     By monitoring the impact of the Wealden District Council Local Plan and considering the reconfiguration of schools in the area through a Free School, the Local Authority and Diocese of Chichester could establish provision that is sustainable and in better equipped school buildings.

11.5     The Early Years Foundation Stage Village approach aims to achieve better outcomes for children by improving the transition between pre-school and reception.