Purpose

To ask the Executive to approve a proposal to
seek expressions of interest from local, existing schools to
relocate to the newly built Glenvale Park site.

Content

RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION
 
That the
Executive:
 

i)          
Approved the proposal to seek expressions of
interest in relocating an existing local school to the Glenvale
Park school.
 

ii)        
Approved the commencement of the preparation for the
statutory process relating to making a significant change to an
academy or a maintained school.
 

iii)       
Noted that a further report will be brought forward
setting out the outcome of the expression of interest process and
seeking a formal decision about whether to proceed on this
basis.
 

 

Reasons for Recommendation:

 

·       
Ensure the
delivery of sufficient suitable school places that meet the needs
of the community now and in the future.

·       
Ensure
pupils have access to high quality facilities that support their
education.

·       
Making
effective and efficient use of the education estate to meet the
needs of all pupils.

·       
Ensure full
transparency of the process being followed.

·       
Allows for
all interested parties to have their views heard and considered as
part of the decision-making process.

·       
Will
evidence that appropriate steps are taken in line with statutory
guidelines and within appropriate timescales.

·       
Allows
Executive to be further updated on the outcome of the expressions
of interest ahead of any further decision making.

·       
Is in
accordance with the DfE legislation and policy on making
significant changes to an academy or maintained school.

·       
Demonstrates
to the governing bodies/trustees of any schools wishing to make an
application that the council are progressing a shared solution in
line with their expression of interest.

 

Alternative Options Considered:

 

·      
Establishing a new Primary School at Glenvale Park
– Pupil place planning data does not support the creation of
a new Primary School in the Glenvale area at this time.  Over provision of places would have a detrimental
impact on surrounding schools leading to financial viability
concerns.  In addition, DfE would not
fund a school where the need for additional places is not supported
through the place planning process.

 

·      
Identify an alternative use for the school
site.  There is need for additional SEND
places in the North Northamptonshire area.  However, repurposing the school buildings would be
costly and would not be in line with the development
agreement.

 

·      
Leave the site vacant until demand for places
increases.  Based on available Pupil
Place Planning data, the need for places is unlikely to grow for
some years.  Even at that time, this may
not justify a new 2 Form of Entry school on this site. Leaving the
site unused for an extended period of time is a poor use of
resources and creates additional costs in areas such a security and
maintenance.