Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the Education Business Panel following the elections.

None.

Measures to Increase the supply of Permanent Primary School Places: Report on the Representation period on Proposals to Enlarge to enlarge Sir Francis Drake Primary School

The Head of Education Infrastructure introduced the report. The Chair received confirmation that all the decisions by the Mayor and Cabinet would be progressed subject to the outcome of the planning application. The Chair commented that this was an unusual situation wherein the community is saying they do not want a new school, and asked how officers plan to address concerns raised by the various interest groups.

Measures to Increase the supply of Permanent Primary School Places: Report on the Representation period on Proposals to Enlarge to enlarge Sir Francis Drake Primary School

The Head of Education Infrastructure introduced the report. The Chair received confirmation that all the decisions by the Mayor and Cabinet would be progressed subject to the outcome of the planning application. The Chair commented that this was an unusual situation wherein the community is saying they do not want a new school, and asked how officers plan to address concerns raised by the various interest groups.

The Head of Education Infrastructure said that some of the views were in principle, as some people do not want the school to change from a single form to a 2 form entry. He added that there would still be pressure for reception places up until the end of the decade. The Head of Education Infrastructure said that some people do not want to see the old school demolished, as they were worried the new building would not be adequate to meet the needs of the children, while others did not think proper consultation had been done.

Councillor John Paschoud asked what evidence was presented to Mayor and Cabinet that the site had the capacity for twice the number of children than before. He asked whether there were any plans to expand the school site by acquiring land around it. Councillor John Paschoud also asked what the decanting arrangements were. The Head of Education Infrastructure said that

the decanting arrangements would be the same as for Beecroft school. He added that the most significant thing was that there would be a reduction in playground space. The Head of Education Infrastructure said that there had been some discussion with Parks to utilise some park space for break out during lunchtime.

Councillor John Paschoud said that he was concerned about the lack of availability of proper plans and information on outdoor space for members to consider. The Head of Education Infrastructure said that officers were in a difficult situation as things needed to be done quickly, and further information would only be available at the point when planning permission is sought.

The meeting was adjourned at 7.20, and reconvened at 7.21

Councillor Curran said that it was obvious that the council had to make a decision faced with the options available, because of the current pressure for school places. The Head of Education Infrastructure said that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.