In 2014 the Education Cabinet Committee resolved that a new 2FE primary school at Cheesman’s Green, Ashford, would be commissioned and a competition to secure a sponsor was held. The Stour Academy Trust was appointed to sponsor the School by the Secretary of State for Education and in 2015 a funding agreement for a 2FE school was signed between the Trust and the Secretary of State.
The primary school, known as Finberry Primary School, opened in September 2015 in a temporary facility.
Planning permission for the 2FE permanent school was secured with the permanent site opening for pupils and staff in September 2017. 2FE of infrastructure was delivered but only sufficient classrooms for 1FE of pupil. The classrooms needed to accommodate the 2nd FE of pupils will be required from September 2020.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Ashford Rural East;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 07/01/2019
Decision due: Not before 6th Feb 2019 by Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education
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: David Adams, Assistant Director Education (South Kent) 0300 414989 Email: david.adams@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01233 898559.
Consultees
The initial consultation was completed in 2014, this was for a 2FE primary school being delivered in two phases. The intention to add the 2nd FE of provision has been included in the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent for the last three years. Therefore, as there are no significant changes to what was planned, no further consultation is required.
The proposed decision was considered at the CYPE Cabinet Committee on 11 January 2019.
Financial implications: A feasibility study has been undertaken and has identified that £2,800,000 will be required from the Children, Young People and Education Capital budget will be required.
Legal implications: N/A
Equalities implications: An EIA was completed as part of the initial consultation in 2014. This has been reviewed, but as this was for a 2FE school, there have been no significant changes the initial EIA.