Purpose

Following the process to procure an appropriate private provider to take over the running of the educational provision at Wennington Hall School, no contract can be awarded.  Since, prior to the procurement, no appropriate academy sponsor could be identified and the Minister agreed the revocation of the Academy order subject to a provider being found which does not leave the council the option to maintain the school, and that the school's financial viability remains threatened, consideration should now be given to future options for the school. 

The statutory process, set out in the School Organisation (Establishment and Discontinuance of Schools) Regulations 2013, must be undertaken before making a decision on the closure of Wennington Hall School.

Decision

The Leader of the County Council and the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills approved the recommendations as set out in the report.

This decision should be implemented immediately for the purposes of Standing Order C29 as any delay could adversely affect the execution of the county council's responsibilities. The reason for this is so that parents and carers of children attending the school can be informed of the decision to consult on closure as soon as possible, allowing them to make better informed choices and minimise potential disruption to their children's education.