Agenda item

·        19/00094 - A proposal to expand Meopham School, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Gravesend, Kent, DA13 0AH, by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 140 places to 200 places from September 2021

·     20/00001 – Proposal to open satellite provision of The Beacon Folkestone at the former Walmer Science College and increase the designated number of the School to 548 places

·     20/00002 - Proposal to change the age range at Goldwyn School, Ashford from 11-16 years to 11-18 years

·     20/00021 - Proposal to permanently increase the published admission number (PAN) of Mayfield Grammar School, Pelham Road, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0JE from 180 places to 210 places for Year 7 entry in September 2021

Mr Watts (Area Education Officer – North Kent) and Mr Adams (Area Education Officer – South Kent) were in attendance for this item

(1)        The Chairman set out the proposed decisions to expand or alter the following schools: Meopham School (Gravesend), The Beacon Folkestone at the former Walmer Science College (Folkestone), Goldwyn School (Ashford) and Mayfield Grammar School (Gravesend).

19/00094 – Proposal to expand Meopham School, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Gravesend, Kent, DA13 0AH, by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 140 places to 200 places from September 2021

(Item 13a)

(1)     RESOLVED that the decision proposed to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills to:

(i)    agree to expand Meopham School, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Kent DA13 0AH by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 140 places to 200 places from September 2021;

(ii)  agree to fund the expansion from the schools’ basic need capital budget; and

(iii)delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education to take necessary actions, including but not limited to entering into necessary contracts or taking other legal actions as required, to implement the decision,

be endorsed.

20/00001 – Proposal to open satellite provision of The Beacon Folkestone at the former Walmer Science College and increase the designated number of the School to 548 places

(Item 13b)

(1)        Mr Adams explained the rationale behind the proposal and emphasised the need for Secondary SEN provision.

(2)        Mr Adams referred to the phasing of the delivery of the satellite provision and said that the increase in capital costs could be managed through the phasing process, if the total capital programme could sustain it.

(3)        Mr Adams stated that through the proposal, the whole site would be utilised effectively, making best use of the space available.

(4)        Mr Adams confirmed that concerns which related to highways issues would be addressed as part of the proposal.

(5)        Mr Adams referred to the refurbishment of the Compass Centreto provide an Early Years block and the need for additional year 7 provision to alleviate the pressure from the transition from year 6 to year 7.

(6)        Mr Adams referred to ASD provision and the statistical imbalance in relation to ASD diagnosis between boys and girls. He confirmed that the imbalance was reflected in the equalities impact assessment that had been undertaken.

(7)        Mr Adams explained the potential implications that could become apparent if the proposal was changed significantly, for example, increasing the number of places. He added that there was overwhelming support for the proposal and stated that the site was large enough to accommodate additional numbers. He explained that increasing the number of places for pupils would be a phased approach and could not be added all at once.

(8)        RESOLVED that the Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee recommend the following changes to the proposed decision:

-          In part (i) of the decision, increase the proposed PAN level from 548 to 620.

               (i)     Expand The Beacon Folkestone by opening a satellite provision at the former Walmer Science College and increasing the designated number of the School from 380 places to 620 places;

             (ii)     issue a public notice in regard to the proposal as set out in (i) above;

            (iii)     release the funding required from the Children’s, Young People and Education Capital Budget to implement the proposal; and to

            (iv)     delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education to take necessary actions, including but not limited to entering into necessary contracts or taking other legal actions as required, to implement the decision,

be endorsed.

Should objections, not already considered by me when taking this decision, be received during the public notice period a separate decision will be required in order to continue the proposal and allow for a proper consideration of the points raised.

This decision is conditional upon planning permission being granted where required.

20/00002 – Proposal to change the age range at Goldwyn School, Ashford from 11-16 years to 11-18 years

(Item 13c)

(1)        Mr Adams explained the intentions and rationale behind the proposal and stated that Goldwyn College was a separate legal entity providing post-16 independent provision. He added that by providing post-16 provision, young people would be able to spend longer in an education institution and would be supported through into alternative post-16 pathways.

(2)     RESOLVED that the decision proposed to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills to:

(i)    change the age range at Goldwyn School, Ashford from 11-16 years to 11-18 years in order to add sixth form provision, adding 45 post-16 places and increase the designated number at Key Stages 3/4 by 35 places (195 places in total); and

(ii)  issue a public notice in regard of the proposal as set out in (i) above,

be endorsed.

20/00021 – Proposal to permanently increase the published admission number (PAN) of Mayfield Grammar School, Pelham Road, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0JE from 180 places to 210 places for Year 7 entry in September 2021

(Item 13d)

(1)        Mr Watts confirmed that concerns which related to highways issues would be addressed as part of the proposal.

(2)     RESOLVED that the decision proposed to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills to:

(i)    agree to the expansion of Mayfield Grammar School, Pelham Road, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0JE by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 180 places to 210 places for Year 7 entry in September 2021;

(ii)  agree to fund the expansion from the schools’ basic need capital budget; and

(iii)delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education to take necessary actions, including but not limited to entering into necessary contracts or taking other legal actions as required, to implement the decision,

be endorsed.