The Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee of Bromley Council met on Tuesday 19 March 2013 to discuss a range of issues concerning the borough's education services. Key decisions included the recommendation to restructure Bromley Road Infant School and Worsley Bridge Junior School into all-through primary schools, and to approve a temporary expansion of Keston CE Primary School.

School Restructuring and Expansion

The committee recommended that the Portfolio Holder approve the proposed change of age range for Bromley Road Infant School and Worsley Bridge Junior School so that both schools become all-through primary schools from 1 September 2014. This decision followed consultations that were largely supportive of the proposals, with benefits identified as strengthened leadership, continuity of curriculum, and consistent governance. Councillor Michael Tickner raised concerns about the cost of adapting the schools and the potential vulnerability of Bromley Road Infant School as a one-form entry primary school. However, the Portfolio Holder for Education highlighted the disruption caused by pupils transferring between the two schools at Key Stage 2 and confirmed that funding for adaptations would come from the suitability budget.

A significant discussion took place regarding the proposal to permanently expand Keston CE Primary School from 30 to 60 pupils at Year Reception from September 2014. While the school's Governing Body supported the proposal on educational and financial grounds, consultations revealed significant opposition, primarily due to concerns about access and parking. Following a motion proposed by Councillor Alexa Michael, the committee recommended that the Portfolio Holder agree to an expansion for an additional 'bulge' year of one form of entry for the academic year 2013/14, and to give serious consideration to alternate school sites for permanent expansion. The Portfolio Holder for Education acknowledged the demand for school places but also the concerns raised by parents and carers regarding the school's 'small school' ethos, accessibility, and traffic management. Councillor Michael emphasised that the Unitary Development Plan resisted developments that would substantially increase traffic on unpaved roads, which is the case in the area around Keston CE Primary School. The Portfolio Holder stated that his decision was primarily based on educational grounds, with planning and traffic issues to be considered by the Planning Sub-Committee.

The committee also recommended agreeing to the permanent expansion of The Glebe School to admit 16 additional children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Year 7 each year from September 2014. Consultations and the Governing Body supported this proposal, with the School Council accepting the reasons for expansion and the subsequent increased student numbers.

Future Role of the Local Authority in Education Services

The committee endorsed the new role of the Council as champions of the community and agreed to use the Education Covenant to establish a new relationship with schools. This new approach encourages schools to be independent, with the Local Authority holding schools to account and ensuring an adequate supply of high-quality school places. The Executive Director of Education and Care Services confirmed that while the Local Authority does not have a statutory role to address issues in maintained or academy schools (Ofsted and the Department for Education hold these responsibilities), they do have a statutory responsibility for the five outcomes of 'Every Child Matters' and could intervene if these were not being met. The committee also agreed to a final review of services to schools with a view to the Local Authority only offering services of the highest quality and representing good value for money.

Standards of Attainment and Pupil Premium

A report on standards of attainment and progress in Bromley maintained schools during the 2011/12 academic year was considered. The committee noted the importance of ensuring that the gap in attainment between pupils who received free school meals and those who did not remained a priority. The Pupil Premium¹, which provides £900 per pupil for those in receipt of free school meals, was discussed, with schools required to publish details of how this funding is spent and its impact. The committee requested that an item on the 'Impact of the Pupil Premium' be considered at a future meeting.

Raising the Participation Age

The committee received information on 'Raising the Participation Age', a duty placed on young people by the Education and Skills Act 2008² to participate in education or training until their 18th birthday. From September 2013, young people are required to continue in education or training until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17, with this extending to their 18th birthday from 2015. The Head of Youth Support Services reported a significant reduction in young people classified as 'not in education, employment or training' (NEET), with a target of zero for the following year.

Budget and Dedicated Schools Grant

The Education Portfolio Budget Monitoring Report for 2012/13 indicated an underspend of £2,114,000 in the Non-Schools' Budget. The committee noted members' comments and approved the latest budget projection, along with carry-forward requests for urgent property work for children's centres and specific Dedicated Schools' Grant projects. The allocation for the 2013/14 Dedicated Schools' Grant³ was detailed, totalling £228,331,776, to be allocated across the Schools, Early Years, and High Needs Blocks. Concerns were raised about a 'top slice' of this grant for hospital-based education provision, which was confirmed to be a national measure by the Department for Education.

Other Matters

The committee also received updates on the Basic Need Programme⁴, the School Governance Working Party⁵, and noted the Portfolio Holder Briefing, which included reports on various education-related topics. The annual report of the Education PDS Committee for 2012/13 was approved. The committee also discussed the forward rolling work programme for 2013-14, with requests for additional reports on topics such as the future shape of adult education and truancy in Bromley.