Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the meeting on any matter relating to the work of the body in question.  Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman or person presiding will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers. Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.

Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.

There were no members of the public present.

To authorise the publication of statutory notices detailing the Local Authority’s proposed expansion of Wilmslow Grange Community Primary and Nursery School, Handforth, and of Dean Oaks Primary, Wilmslow; and to agree, in principle, the proposed expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy.

1.    To give permission to authorise the publication of statutory notices detailing the Authority’s proposed expansion of:

Wilmslow Grange Community Primary and Nursery School, Handforth - from 210 to 315 pupil places;

Dean Oaks Primary, Wilmslow - from 315 to 420  pupil places;

2.    To agree, in principle, the proposed expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy.  As stated in paragraph 1.5 of the report the expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy is subject to approval by the Secretary of State of the necessary amendment to the Academy’s funding agreement.

Consideration was given to the publication of statutory notices detailing the expansion of Wilmslow Grange Community Primary and Nursery School, Handforth, of Dean Oaks Primary, Wilmslow, and to agree in principle to the proposed expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy.

A detailed background to the need for the expansions was given, and also of the responses received, the majority of which were in support.  Local Members attended the meeting and raised questions in respect of for how long the increased numbers would be adequate, the adequacy of playground provision for increased numbers, traffic problems in the vicinity of Schools in the area as a whole, and whether or not an increase in numbers was planned for St Benedict’s Catholic Primary in Handforth. 

The forecast figures on which the proposed expansions were based were explained further and the position regarding St Benedict’s, which was referred to in the report, was discussed.  It was reported that traffic problems were a planning and highways matter although guidance was provided to Schools on how to manage the traffic conditions outside their premises; it was agreed, however, that the comments made on local traffic conditions would be followed up.

RESOLVED

1.    That approval be given permission to the publication of statutory notices detailing the Authority’s proposed expansion of:

·         Wilmslow Grange Community Primary and Nursery School, Handforth - from 210 to 315 pupil places;

·         Dean Oaks Primary, Wilmslow - from 315 to 420  pupil places;

2.    That approval in principle be given to the proposed expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy which, as stated, in paragraph 1.5 of the report was subject to approval by the Secretary of State of the necessary amendment to the Academy’s funding agreement.

To authorise the publication of statutory notices detailing the Local Authority’s proposed expansion of Ash Grove Primary School and Nursery, Macclesfield.

To authorise the publication of statutory notices detailing the Local Authority’s proposed expansion of:

·      Ash Grove Primary School and Nursery, Macclesfield – from 105 to 210 pupil places for completion by September 2014.

Consideration was given to the outcome of the consultation on the proposed expansion of Ash Grove Primary and Nursery School, Macclesfield, and to the issue statutory public notices.  The proposal would return the School to a one form entry and address its growing popularity and increased demand from the local community.

In response to a question from a local member it was confirmed that the demand was from the local community and was not expected to adversely affect the intake at other Schools in the area.

RESOLVED

That approval be given to the publication of statutory notices detailing the Local Authority’s proposed expansion of:

·      Ash Grove Primary School and Nursery, Macclesfield – from 105 to 210 pupil places for completion by September 2014.

To consider a proposal that this School becomes Church of England aided with effect from 1 September 2013.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families has confirmed that, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972, she is of the opinion that this item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency for the reasons outlined in the report; the reasons given will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

To approve without modification the proposal from the Governing Body of Woodcock’s  Well CE Controlled Primary School that it become Church of England Aided with effect from 1 September 2013, and to authorise Officers to take the actions required for implementation as required in the regulations.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families confirmed that, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972, she was of the opinion that this item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency for the reasons outlined in the report and as reported at the meeting.

Consideration was given to the proposal that Woodcocks Well CE Controlled School becomes Church of England Aided.  The Governing Body of the School had made the request and the regulations required the Authority to make the decision on the proposal.  The Diocese of Chester, staff, parents and the local church and community all supported the application.

RESOLVED

That approval without modification be given to the proposal from the Governing Body of Woodcock’s Well CE Controlled Primary School that it become Church of England Aided with effect from 1 September 2013, and that Officers be authorised to take the actions required for implementation as required in the regulations.