Paul Smith

Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Children and Young People approved the education specification for a new special school serving the Didcot area and approved the start of the process to identify an academy sponsor. The decision was made on 17 March 2026. The council will launch a competitive process to identify an academy sponsor to run the school.

Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Children and Young People decided to approve the proposed closure of Ace Nursery School on 17/03/2026. The decision was made following consultation processes due to a sustained reduction in pupil numbers affecting the nursery's financial and educational viability.

...the admission arrangements, over-subscription criteria, and published admission numbers for Oxfordshire's community and voluntary controlled schools for the 2027-28 academic year were approved.

...approved the funding for an additional 20 Enhanced Pathways to expand the project to 60 countywide for the academic year 26/27, with a 3-year budgetary commitment for each pathway.

...approved the 2026-27 Early Years funding formula for various age groups and provision types, setting specific hourly rates and ensuring funding increases are passed on to providers.