Agenda item

1. Mrs Fordham introduced the decision. 

2. Mr Watts, Assistant Director for Education North Kent, explained that the proposal was to support Ebbsfleet Green Primary School in accommodating two bulge classes admitted in 2024/25 and 2025/26, including the provision of suitable accommodation. It recommended permanent classrooms as a more cost effective, long term solution with additional benefits for early years and the SEND provision once the bulge classes had moved through the school. 

3. In response to comments and questions it was said: 

a.    A Member expressed his thanks to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills for her work during the year and welcomed the decision to select Ebbsfleet Green Primary School for expansion. It was highlighted that the Ebbsfleet Garden City area faced a significant shortage of primary school places due to extensive new housing development without sufficient education provision at the planning stage. The Member added that the proposal was strongly welcomed by local residents as the lack of education provision had an impact on families, school access and local traffic pressures.  

b.    Mr Watts explained that additional education provision was planned within Ebbsfleet Garden City to address pressures on primary school places. It was highlighted that demand had eased compared with two to three years ago as reflected in parental preferences. Alkerden  Primary School was confirmed to open in September 2026, with further primary school places planned for the former eastern quarry site in the future years. Ongoing discussions with the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation were also highlighted regarding the potential development of Ebbsfleet Central. This included a proposal for an additional two-form entry primary school. It was confirmed that progress was being made in addressing the need for school places in the area. 

c.    When asked about the timeline for Alkerden Church of England Primary School, Mr Watts explained that it was an all through school, an eight form entry secondary school and a two form entry primary school. The secondary school had already opened with five forms of entry in Year 7 for the current academic year. This was in a temporary provision come up the building was due to be completed in summer 2026. 

d.    In terms of the timeline for Ebbsfleet Garden Primary School, it was explained that the proposal addressed the existing bulge cohorts and ensured they would be properly accommodated as they progress through the school. The works were required to be completed before summer 2026 to support the new cohorts when the school reverts to two form entry. The scheme was a relatively small capital project comprising of three classrooms and auxiliary space. Mr Watts explained that the endorsement of the decision at the meeting would allow sufficient time for delivery. 

e.    A Member requested clarity on unreceived and unspent developer contributions for education and thanked officers and the Cabinet Member for future proofing provision to manage current and future costs. Mr Watts explained that developer contributions were complex due to differing arrangements across authorities. Much of the provision in Ebbsfleet Garden City had been delivered directly by developers, while contributions for the project were supplemented by the Council's basic needs funding. Future financial reports would clarify how developer contributions have been applied. 

RESOLVED that the Committee considered and endorsed the proposed decision.