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 2020-24 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 found using this link: http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/education-skills-and-employment-policies/education-provision.
Forecasts indicate a growing demand for Year 7 places in Gravesham from the start of the 2020-21 academic year. The Gravesham and Longfield Selective Planning Group is forecast to have a deficit of 62 places (2FE) for the 2021-22 intake and increases again to 99 places (3.3FE) by 2023/24.
As part of the measures being taken to address the capacity issues illustrated above, KCC is proposing that Mayfield Grammar School increase their PAN to 210 for 2021.
To expand Mayfield Grammar School, KCC are proposing the removal of the old wooden 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: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Northfleet & Gravesend West;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 24/02/2020
Decision due: Not before 24th Mar 2020 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
The Academy Trust held a consultation from 27 January 2020 to 28 February 2020, with a drop-in event for stakeholders to raise issues and concerns on 11 February 2020.
The Academy Trust considered the responses received from the consultation.
Consultation page on kent.gov:https://kccconsultations.inconsult.uk/consult.ti/Mayfield/consultationHome
Consultation letter:
This decision was discussed and endorsed at the CYPE Cabinet Committee meeting which took place on 11 March 2020.
Financial implications: A feasibility study has been carried out which estimates the cost of delivery being £3.7m, wholly funded by the CYPE Basic Need Capital Budget. 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 considered by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills for a key decision to be made. Capital will be spent developing the design. This expenditure will be below the level requiring a key decision and within that delegated to officers. 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. 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.
Legal implications: The provision of sufficient school places is a statutory duty and contributes to the Strategic Business Plan Priorities to ensure that “Children and Young People in Kent get the best start in life”.
Equalities implications: An EqIA has been completed and identified no negative impacts and the following positive impacts were identified: An increase in total number of places available to meet the needs of students with disabilities and/or SEN; More families able to access good school places; School places available to students with and without faith-based backgrounds. The full assessment can be viewed here: https://kccconsultations.inconsult.uk/gf2.ti/f/1112290/62300517.1/DOCX/-/Mayfield_EqIA.docx