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 relevant 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.

No members of the public were present.

To consider the proposed expansion of Disley Primary School for implementation in September 2017.

1.    That the Cabinet Member for Children and Families authorises the publication of a statutory public notice detailing the Local Authority’s proposed expansion of Disley Primary School from 210 to 280 pupil places for implementation in September 2017. 

2.    That the proposed expansion be progressed through a phased programme as from September 2017 with an initial phase being to complete the necessary changes to car parking and complete the building of an additional classroom; Phase 2 will follow, following structured dialogue with the school regarding the ongoing arrangements for the current on-site Disley Under 5’s Pre-School.  

As the Strategic Commissioner of School Places, Cheshire East Council has a statutory duty to ensure a sufficiency of school places for children resident in its area. An analysis of the latest pupil forecasts had identified the need to provide additional primary school places in Disley in response to increasing pupil populations. The data analysis indicated the need for an extra 70 school places (Reception to Year 6) which, if agreed, would provide 10 more reception class places in this area.

The proposed expansion to increase the intake from 30 to 40 pupils (not 45 which is a more typical delivery model) was deliberate in that this increase allowed for a phased expansion programme based upon a class organisation/curriculum delivery model that best suited the school and therefore learners. The school could further increase to 45 depending upon need and any future increases would not require additional building or capital expenditure.

The report included the outcome of required consultation, which took place between 14 September and 12 October 2016 and requested approval to issue a public notice of the proposed expansion of Disley Primary School from 210 to 280 pupil places with a planned implementation date of September 2017.

The Headteacher and Governing Body of the school were fully supportive of the proposed increase and had confirmed their continued commitment to support their growing local community. The school was seen as an integral part of the local community with village events often held on school premises, such as baby and toddler; post natal groups; jujitsu; slimming and aerobic classes.

RESOLVED

1.    That approval be given to the publication of a statutory public notice detailing the Local Authority’s proposed expansion of Disley Primary School from 210 to 280 pupil places for implementation in September 2017. 

2.    That the proposed expansion be progressed through a phased programme as from September 2017 with an initial phase being to complete the necessary changes to car parking and complete the building of an additional classroom; Phase 2 will follow, following structured dialogue with the school regarding the ongoing arrangements for the current on-site Disley Under 5’s Pre-School.