Decision details

Background Information:

The Beacon Folkestone is an outstanding special school in Folkestone, designated to accommodate 336 pupils with Profound, Severe and Complex Needs. As of January 2019, it had 369 pupils on roll. As part of the proposal The Beacon Folkestone intend to locate a satellite class at Castle Hill Community Primary School for up to 10 Key Stage 2 children. This will open from September 2019 within accommodation presently available.

Legislation requires that statutory proposals are undertaken where the number of pupils on roll of a special school exceeds its designated number by more than 10%. Therefore, we are proposing to increase the designated number to 380, to regularise the current position and to increase the number of places available. 

As Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, I have noted the commissioning intentions for SEN provision as outlined in the paper and agree to increase the designated number of The Beacon Folkestone from 336 to 380 places.

Reason(s) for decision: In reaching this decision I have taken into account:

• The increase in the number of pupils with an EHCP in need of specialist provision.
• The views of the Local Members, Area Education Officer, Headteacher and Governors of The Beacon Folkestone and Castle Hill Community Primary School,
• The responses to the public consultation,
• The views of the Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee