Agenda and minutes

7.1       The Lead Member approved as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 22 February 2016.

8.1       A copy of the reports referred to below are contained in the minute book.

Disclosure by all Members present of personal interests in matters on the Agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the Member regards the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct

9.1       Councillor Ruth O’Keeffe declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 4 of the agenda (see minute 10). Councillor O’Keeffe is an authority governor for Western Road School and a co-opted governor for Wallands School. Councillor O’Keeffe has also taught at both the Pells CE Primary School and St Pancras Catholic Primary School.

9.2       Councillor Rosalyn St Pierre declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 4 of the agenda (see minute 10). Councillor St Pierre is a governor for South Malling Church of England Primary School and nursey.

Report by Director of Children’s Services

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.

Report by Director of Children’s Services

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.

Report by Director of Children’s Services

12.1     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 to publish statutory notices in respect of a proposal to enlarge Cradle Hill Community Primary School for the 2017/18 academic year.

12.2     Written comments were received from Councillor Carolyn Lambert, Local Member, expressing her concerns over traffic and parking congestions resulting from the proposed expansion.

12.3     RESOLVED to:

            1)         authorise the publication of statutory notices in respect of a proposal to enlarge Cradle Hill Community Primary School by one form of entry per year group (30 places per year group, 210 places overall) for the 2017/18 academic year; and

            2)         delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services to amend the proposals prior to their publication if required.

Reason

12.4     The Council has a legal duty to ensure there are sufficient school places in Seaford to meet demand. It is believed that expansion of Cradle Hill Community Primary School is the best option due to the popularity of the school and the capacity of its site.