Issue - meetings

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education and the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The report sets out how we will carry out our responsibility, in line with the commitments made in the One Stockport Borough Plan to ensure there are sufficient places in good and improving local inclusive schools at the heart of the community that children and families want to go to. This means having the right number and type of school places, in the right place, at the right time to meet demand.

The Cabinet is recommended to agree the terms outlined in the strategy and the associated investment plan outlined in the Asset Management Plan.

Officer contact: Christopher Harland on 0161 521 1707 or by email at christopher.harland@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed school investment plan that set out how the council would carry out its responsibility to ensure there were sufficient places in good and improving local inclusive schools at the heart of the community that children and families want to go to

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the terms outlined in the strategy and the associated investment plan outlined in the Asset Management Plan.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services.

The report sets out how we will carry out our responsibility, in line with the commitments made in the One Stockport Borough Plan to ensure there are sufficient places in good and improving local inclusive schools at the heart of the community that children and families want to go to. This means having the right number and type of school places, in the right place, at the right time to meet demand.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Christopher Harland on 0161 521 1707 or by email at christopher.harland@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out how the council would carry out its responsibility, in line with the commitments made in the One Stockport Borough Plan to ensure there were sufficient places in good and improving local inclusive schools at the heart of the community that children and families wanted to go to.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

A discussion took place in relation to the loss of school places and ongoing pressures on capacity due to decisions taken by individual schools.  In response, it was stated that the Schools Bill proposed to introduce additional ‘backstop’ powers for local authorities in such cases.  However, at the current time it was important to have good relationships with schools and ensure that long-term investment was being made to deliver additional places in consultation and agreement with academies.

It was noted that some schools were being placed in a difficult position through maintaining excess capacity which opened them up to a degree of turbulence in pupil movement that was difficult to manage.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services.

The report sets out how we will carry out our responsibility, in line with the commitments made in the One Stockport Borough Plan to ensure there are sufficient places in good and improving local inclusive schools at the heart of the community that children and families want to go to. This means having the right number and type of school places, in the right place, at the right time to meet demand.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Christopher Harland on 0161 521 1707 or by email at christopher.harland@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the council’s plan in ensuring sufficient school places for children in Stockport in order to meet demand.

Strategic Head of Estates and Asset Management, James Kington, attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The report detailed progress made over the last 12 months against the backdrop of a changing local and national landscape, including the government’s education white paper and plans for academisation, as well as the council’s aims for the next 12 months.

·         The priority was to ensure the delivery of sufficient school places whilst maintaining the safety and condition of Stockport’s school buildings.

·         The team were working closely with the Planning Department as prospective developments, especially large developments, could impact school infrastructure. It was suggested that significant developments in other local authority areas near to the border of Stockport be considered in place planning.

·         It was also suggested that a longer term look at the impact and challenges of future academisation be considered.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.