Decision details

To consider the outcome of the public consultation and if appropriate approve the publication of statutory notices in relation to the proposed closure of Pells CE Primary School and Rodmell CE Primary School.

10.1     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 Lewes Area Review of Primary School Places and the five resulting recommendations contained within the report.

10.2     Councillor Butler, Local Member for Rodmell CE Primary School, spoke against the proposal to take forward statutory processes to consult on the closure of Rodmell CE Primary School.

10.3     Councillor O’Keeffe, Local Member for Pells CE Primary School, spoke against the proposal to take forward statutory processes to consult on the closure of Pells CE Primary School.

10.4     The Lead Member heard from three public speakers who also spoke against the proposal:

·                 Mr Robert Webber, Save Our Sussex Schools;

·                 Mr Scott Durairaj, parent representative of Rodmell CE Primary School; and

·                 Mrs Ann Roberts, Vice Chair Foundation Governor for Rodmell CE Primary School. 

10.5     RESOLVED to:

1)         agree that the local authority takes forward statutory processes to consult on the closure of Pells CE Primary School by 31 August 2017;

 2)        agree that the local authority takes forward statutory processes to consult on the closure of Rodmell CE Primary School by 31 August 2017;

3)         agree that with regard to resolutions 1 and 2 above the local authority fully considers any proposals coming from the schools or from other consultees around federation or amalgamation which will lead to a sustainable solution;

4)         agree that the local authority enters into discussion with St Pancras Catholic Primary school and the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton to explore a Multi Academy Trust solution for this small school;

5)         note that The Lewes Co-operative Learning Trust, whilst at an early stage, has the potential to further develop partnership working across Lewes schools; and

6)         agree that The Lewes Co-operative Learning Trust be used as a catalyst for partnership working across schools in the town to improve outcomes for all pupils.

Reasons

10.6     Excellence for All sets the ambition for the Council to ensure that all children can attend a successful and high performing local school. To secure that ambition the Council must use its processes for planning and commission places as set out in the Education Commissioning Plan.