Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Borough Treasurer.

The report provides Schools Forum members with an update on School places/capacity and Capital programme.

Schools Forum is asked to note the report.

Officer contact: Stephen Bell on 0161 474 3846 or email: stephen.bell@ stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided Schools Forum members with an update on school places capacity and the capital programme.

The report outlined the key pressure points in the Borough (i.e. Marple and the Heatons) in relation to the provision of school places and provided a further update on the £25m capital investment secured to address both capacity and condition needs of schools in the very near future.  A formal working group will be established shortly with representatives of all key stakeholder groups to identify options and discuss Local Authority plans in more detail.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Schools Forum members questioned what the position was for children with learning disabilities or for those requiring more emotional support.  In response members were advised that this remained one of the most pressing challenges.

·         The Executive Member for Education thanked everyone for their support and emphasised that there are still huge challenges to be faced.

·         Questions were raised regarding how schools and governing bodies could have confidence in how the additional funds would be spent, and a discussion took place around how this could potentially be managed.  It was agreed that the most urgent needs would be addressed first and that there would be high level scrutiny across all parties.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.