Agenda item

Report by Director of Children’s Services.

22.1     At its meeting in June 2017 the Committee requested a report on the ‘state of school buildings and plant’ and ‘wider issues relating to school expansions and closures’.    The key discussion points are summarized below:

• Disparity between the total Numbers on Roll (NOR) and overall school place capacity.    The Committee asked why the total number of pupils on roll was often less than the total capacity available within the county (with regard to the table in paragraph 2.10 of the report).   In response the Committee were informed that capacity levels vary across the county.  However, overall there is indeed a surplus of places.  Ensuring that the right level of school places are available in all the different areas of the county is a major challenge, and one which is subject to influence from a wide range of factors.   As a result, the Department conduct an ongoing review of school place capacity which responds to new developments.    On occasion, and for example, this review process has led to difficult decisions being made to close schools.   The key elements of this review process are set out in the Department’s ‘Education Commissioning Plan’ (ECP), a revised version of which is scheduled to be published in early 2018.   The new version of the ECP will provide an update on the breakdown of the numbers on roll and the number of school places in specific areas.  
• Working with Voluntary Aided Schools, Academies and Free Schools.   For Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools, the Council retains its power of direction with regard to schools admissions.  However, the Council does not have such powers with regard to Voluntary Aided Schools, Academies and Free Schools.  This is despite the Council still retaining its general statutory duty to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to meet demand for school places across the county.   On occasion this has led to difficulties in reaching agreement with non-maintained and voluntary aided schools about exceeding their Published Admission Number (with a view to serving children living in their local communities).   In response to a query from the Committee, Gary Langford, Place Planning Manager, confirmed that Local Authorities do not have jurisdiction over academies in terms of expansion.   To mitigate the challenges this can present, efforts are made by the Department to ensure it maintains good relations with academies and free schools within the county.  By such methods the Department aims to resolve specific issues.  However, and despite its best efforts, it has not always been possible to reach an agreement in all cases.  
• Diversity of Provision.    The Committee asked for clarification on the importance the Department places on the diversity of provision in the county, particularly with regard to the proportion of Catholic school places available and whether the current levels are equitable.  In response Councillor Standley confirmed that diversity of provision is important to the Department.   Fiona Wright, Assistant Director, also informed the Committee that whilst the Department recognises the importance of diversity of provision, increasing this diversity can be difficult to achieve and is subject to a range of factors, many of which are outside of the authority’s control.   Nonetheless the Department are keen to work with the Catholic Diocese regarding its future plans, particular with regard to secondary provision.   Councillor Standley offered to meet with representatives of the Education Service of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton to discuss the matter in more detail if so requested.  
• Viability of Small Schools.    The Committee asked for clarification about the impact of the National Funding Formula (NFF) and its potentially disproportionate impact on small schools.   In response, the Committee were informed by Councillor Standley that in some cases at least, single form entry schools are increasingly not regarded as being financially sustainable.   However the issue is complex and one not easily addressed.  For example, closing two small single form of entry schools and replacing them with a larger school can create other financial pressures (such as increased financial support for home to school transport).             

22.2   RESOLVED – the Committee agreed to:

1)    note the robust approach to place planning and forecasting and delivery of the Capital Programme.

2)  the current condition backlog position and approach to managing the backlog    maintenance and priority works identified through the condition survey programme.

3)   note and agree the steps taken regarding Health and Safety information in respect of fire risks following the Grenfell Tower incident.