ISSUE WITHDRAWN (30-08-22): KCC consulted and received considerable objection that made the Trust back away from wanting to proceed. We also identified other options in an around the locality
Background Information:
Kent County Council (KCC) as the Local Authority has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places are available. The 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 our 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.
It is anticipated that there will be significant short and medium-term pressure for additional Year R places in the West Dartford Planning Group which indicates that additional capacity will be needed for 2019/20, continuing for later years.
As part of the measures being taken to address the capacity issues illustrated above, KCC is proposing that West Hill PAN to 90 for 2020.
Proposed Decision:
The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills proposes to expand West Hill Primary Academy, Church Walk, Dartford, Kent, DA12 2PR Dartford Road, Dartford, DA1 3DZ increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 72 places to 90 places from September 2020.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Withdrawn
Division affected: Dartford West;
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 Children, Young People and Education
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 8th October 2019 to 12th November 2019, with a drop-in event for stakeholders to raise issues and concerns on 6th November 2019. The consultation included the community and other stakeholders, including the following groups:
§ All schools in the Dartford Borough
§ Elected Members (Kent County Council, Dartford 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 will be considered at the CYPE Cabinet Committee meeting on 15th November 2019 – Ian Watts will be in attendance.
Financial implications: Capital: A feasibility study has been carried out which estimates the cost of delivery being between £2.2m and £2.4m, wholly funded by the CYPE Basic Need Capital Budget. Revenue Funding: Should the scheme progress, £6,000 per new learning space will be provided towards the cost of furniture and equipment. This will be given to the school to purchase the required equipment. In addition, an allowance of up to £2500 may be payable to outfit each new teaching room with appropriate ICT equipment, such as touch screens or projection equipment. Pupil Growth Funding The school will receive growth funding in accordance with the Pupil Growth Policy established by KCC and its Schools' Funding Forum.
Legal implications: Contracting for KCC framework building contractors.
Equalities implications: An EqIA has been completed. There are no issues identified, but officers will continue to monitor.