Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Recommendations:-

1.    That, following a period of statutory consultation and consideration of representations received, approval be granted to make prescribed alterations to the Willows School by permanently changing the registered number of places at the school from 100 to 120 and changing the upper age limit at the school from 16 to 19.

2.    That the Secretary of State for Education be informed accordingly

Further to Minute No. 72 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 17^th December, 2018, consideration was given to the report which sought the approval of proposals to make prescribed alterations to the Willows School, following the period of statutory consultation, in line with the requirements of the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 by increasing the number of places available and changing the age range of the school.

The proposals that were consulted upon were to formally increase the registered number of places at the school from 100 to 120 to reflect the actual number of pupils now on roll at the school as a result of oversubscription and the additional 10 places being provided and, to change the upper age limit at the school from 16 to 19 by prescribed alteration, to enable continuity of education. 

It was also pointed out that the Dedicated Schools Grant (High Needs Budget) was significantly overspent in this area. Indications were that there would continue to be significant increases in out of authority placements should ‘in authority’ capacity not be increased, leading to further demand on high needs funding allocation as ‘out of authority’ placements were significantly more expensive than ‘in authority’ placements.

There were 20 representations received during the statutory consultation period. Responses were broadly supportive of the proposals and made reference to the benefits and opportunities that would be available to pupils attending the school and being able to continue their Post-16 education in a familiar environment. 

Resolved:-  (1)  That, following a period of statutory consultation and consideration of representations received, approval be granted to make prescribed alterations to the Willows School by permanently changing the registered number of places at the school from 100 to 120 and changing the upper age limit at the school from 16 to 19.

(2)  That the Secretary of State for Education be informed accordingly.