Agenda and draft minutes

16.1     The Lead Member approved as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2024.

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

17.1     There were none.

Notification of items which the Lead Member considers to be urgent and propose to take at the end of the appropriate part of the Agenda

18.1     There were none.

19.1     Reports referred to in the minutes below are contained in the minute book.

Report by the Director of Children’s Services

20.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children's Services.

DECISIONS

20.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1) approve publication of a statutory proposal in respect of a proposal to amalgamate West Rise Community Infant School and West Rise Junior School and lower the new school’s age range to 2 to 11; and

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

REASONS

20.3     The proposal to amalgamate West Rise Community Infant School and West Rise Junior School builds on the improvements being made through the partnership working between the two schools and aligns with one of the guiding principles to school organisation in East Sussex.

20.4     The longer-term future for education in the local area can best be achieved through amalgamating the two schools into one all-through primary school, operating on the same site.

Report by the Director of Children's Services

21.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children's Services.

DECISIONS

21.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to approve an updated response from the local authority to Step Academy Trust’s consultation on the proposed amalgamation of Burfield Academy and Phoenix Academy, to note:

·     The new pupil forecasts;

·     The change in national policy on mandatory housing targets which may lead to additional pressure on school places in the Wealden District Council area; and

·     That the Department for Education remains the decision-maker

REASONS

21.3     The proposed amalgamation of the two schools, and the subsequent reduction in capacity in the area, will mean that there is some increased pressure on pupil places across the area. East Sussex County Council (the local authority) also recognises that Step Academy Trust’s proposal will mean that instead of two schools with low numbers there will be one school with pupil numbers close to their Published Admission Number (PAN). This is likely to provide educational benefits to pupils due to the Trust being able to provide and sustain a greater breadth of curriculum, pupil support and extra curricula opportunities.