Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 17, 2025

Purpose: To consider a further update to the School Place Planning Strategy 2024-28

Content: Prior to considering the report Cabinet noted the comments made by Councillor Kennelly who had requested to speak (as a local ward councillor) in support of the strategy adopted towards the expansion of local SEND provision and proposals relating to development of the Strathcona site within his ward.   Having welcomed the support expressed for the strategy and approach adopted towards the expansion of local SEND provision, Cabinet RESOLVED to:   (1)       Approve the second refresh of the School Place Planning Strategy 2024-2028, as provided in Appendix 1 of the report.   (2)    Note the continued focus on planning for the sufficiency of places and the sustainability of schools, based on varying demand patterns impacting on school planning areas in Brent.   (3)       Note the very early signs of a reversal of declining pupil numbers in the borough and that a requirement to accommodate higher demand in some planning areas may be required in the future.   (4)    Note there continued to be increasing demand for places that meet the needs of children and young people with SEND aged 0-25 and the intention to further develop the SEND estate capital investment programme as Brent’s strategy to address this need, as set out in Section 3.7 of the report.   (5)    Note the school place planning actions completed in the first year of the strategy and the actions planned for the coming academic year as set out in section 4 of the report.   (6)    Note the update on the success measures set out in the original strategy in section 3.1.3 of the report.   Eligible for call-in: Yes   Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25