Background:
Kent County Council’s Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2019-23 is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out the future plans as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision across all types and phases of education in Kent. A copy of the plan can be viewed from this link: http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/education-skills-and-employment-policies/education-provision
KCC forecasts indicate a growing demand for Year 7 places in Gravesham from the start of the 2019-20 academic year. The Gravesend and Longfield Selective Planning Group is forecast to have a deficit of 36 Year 7 places (1FE) from 2019-20 that increases to a deficit of 62 places (2FE) for the 2021-22 intake and increases again to 99 places (3.3FE) by 2023/24.
Gravesend Grammar School has a Published Admission Number of 174, but has in the past, offered extra places through appeals.
KCC proposed an expansion of the school to take the PAN to 210 (7FE). The school currently has a permanent infrastructure that can accommodate a PAN of 150. There is a temporary two storey block on site that offers additional accommodation, facilitating the extra 24 places. To expand Gravesend Grammar School, KCC are proposing the removal of the temporary block and building a new block at the school, together with other infill and enhancement work to social spaces. This work would be completed before the September 2021 intake. This build would enable the school to offer 210 Year 7 places for September 2021.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Gravesend East;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 29/10/2019
Decision due: Not before 27th Nov 2019 by Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Lead director: Keith Abbott
Department: Education & Young People's Services
Contact: Ian Watts, Assistant Director Education, North Tel: 03000 414302 Email: ian.watts@kent.gov.uk Tel: 03000 414302.
Consultees
A Public Consultation ran from 30th September 2019 to 1st November 2019, with a drop-in event for stakeholders to raise issues and concerns on 15th October 2019. The consultation included the community and other stakeholders, including the following groups:
§ All schools in the Gravesham Borough
§ Elected Members (Kent County Council, Gravesham Borough Council)
§ Parish and Town Councils
§ Local MPs
§ Dioceses of Rochester and Southwark
§ Church Groups
§ Residents Groups
§ Children’s Centres, Community and Voluntary Groups, Youth Groups
This matter was discussed at the Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee on 15th November 2019 – Ian Watts was in attendance.
Financial implications: A feasibility study has been carried out which estimates the cost of delivery being between £7.0m and £7.5m, wholly funded by the CYPE Basic Need Capital Budget. In line with the agreement of Cabinet Committee on 7 May 2019, the capital figure reported here is a budget estimate for information only. Subject to Members support for the proposal to progress, these estimates will be refined as detailed design work is undertaken and the scheme progresses through the planning process. Following receipt of planning permission, the refined cost estimate will be presented to Infrastructure Commissioning Board and the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education for a key decision to be made. If Members support the progression of this proposal capital will be spent developing the design. This expenditure will be below the level requiring a key decision and within that delegated to officers.
Legal implications: Contracting for KCC framework building contractors.
Equalities implications: An EqIA has been completed.