Issue - meetings

The Chairman welcomed the report and invited the Programme Director for Education and Learning, Ms Val White to present the report. Ms White briefed the Committee about the content of the paper and the opportunity to expand on the number of school places.  The Committee raised concerns about school planning being taken out of the Council’s control and the need to ensure that schools are in the right location to meet demand.  Ms White confirmed that there was growth in the East and West of the Borough and the Council had a statutory duty to ensure provision of sufficient places.

RESOLVED that:

1.    That the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee noted the projected future requirements for school places up to 2022/23.

2.    That the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee noted the progress in delivering new primary, secondary and special school places to date.

3.    That the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee noted the school expansions that are underway and the free school proposals that are in development as part of the government’s free school programme that will contribute to meeting future need.