Agenda item

( Report by Director (Operations))

(1)     This report sought the views of the School Organisation Advisory Board on the Governing Body’s proposal to seek Foundation status.  Members’ views would advise the Cabinet Member for Education and School Improvement when he formally responded, on behalf of the County Council, to the school’s consultation process.

(2)     Ms Lay gave a short presentation to the Board regarding the proposal, stating that the main issues surrounding the proposal related to admissions, school premises and personnel at the school.  Ms Lay highlighted how the Board were being asked to formulate a view that the Cabinet Member should take in response to the consultation on the proposal that the school move from a Voluntary Controlled status to Foundation status.

(3)     Mr Burgess asked what the reservations of the Cluster Board were as outlined in the report, and Ms Lay answered the question stating that their concern had been related to the fact that when admission patterns are changed, as with this proposal, it can have a domino effect upon surrounding schools, and affect their admissions policies.

(4)     In response to a question raised by Mr Burgess regarding admissions criteria, Dr Craig stated that the ‘ease of access’ criterion had been removed after an observation made by the Ombudsman had suggested this may prove confusing to parents.  The County admissions system now in place was that of a clear proximity rule. Dr Craig went on to explain that St John’s previous ‘figure of eight’ catchment area did create some admissions issues, and KCC representatives had discussed this with the Governing Body of St. Johns’ School.  The result of the discussion had been that the local authority had proposed that instead of the school being the ‘node’ point for a catchment area as would usually happen, it had been suggested that a ‘node’ point exists between the two sites in order to incorporate a wider and fairer catchment area that would not exclude pupils who had attended the infants school site.  Dr Craig stated that this was a compromise on the school’s current proposal and would remain the local authority’s preferred option regardless of the outcome of the consultation, and it would be for the school to decide as to whether or not they would adopt it.

(5)     Mrs Angell asked what was happening with the ‘old’ infant school buildings.  Ms Lay stated that these school buildings are now housing  a privately run nursery school.  Secondly, Mrs Angell asked what effect this proposal will have on surrounding schools’ admission numbers, to which Ms Lay responded stating that St. Lukes Primary School in the surrounding area is closing in August 2007, and that the Headteacher of St. John’s is currently managing this closure. St. Augustines and St. Matthews Primary Schools are full for this September so the effect on surrounding schools should be minimal. Mrs Angell asked if the school had a transport plan, to which Dr. Craig responded that he was certain one was in place, and that this proposal would have a minimal effect on transport related issues.

(6)     Mr Hayton asked if children attending the school from outside a 2-mile radius would receive travel assistance?  Ms Lay answered Mr Haytons’ question, stating that so many children lived within walking distance of the school that there was no real cost implication here.  Mr Hayton also had a question answered by Ms Lay regarding the expected rise in pupil numbers at reception age.  Ms Lay confirmed that it was possible to accommodate all children in the area for at least the next two years.

(7).    Mr Northey stated that he felt the critical point of this discussion was not as to whether the school should achieve the foundation status it desires, but that it implements and adheres to a robust and fair admissions policy.  Mr Northey asked what opinions Mr Bullock, the local member had expressed regarding the proposal, but Ms Lay stated that she would not wish to comment in Mr Bullocks’ absence, for fear she may misrepresent his views.

(8).    Canon Smith explained that having studied the map showing the distribution of students attending the school, it is the case that few students currently live outside the area.  Canon Smith felt that the proposed moving of the ‘nodal point’ for admissions was a good idea as this would meet all of the needs of St. Johns’ Primary School, and does not exclude the children wanting to attend from the area surrounding the old infants school buildings.

(9).    Mr Hayton supported the view expressed by Canon Smith, stating that the new ‘figure of eight’ catchment area proposal was a good idea, ensuring that no child who would have been in the catchment area for the old infants school site would be excluded from the new admissions policy.  Mr Hayton supported the school’s proposal to move to foundation status.

(10)   Following debate, The School Organisation Advisory Board agreed on a vote of 3 for, 1 against and 3 abstentions that the Cabinet Member for Education and School Improvement should on behalf of the County Council express support for the proposed change to Foundation Status.