Background –
The Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent (KCP) is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out how Kent discharges its statutory responsibility, as the Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision, to provide sufficient Early Years, SEND, Primary and Secondary places and to ensure that there are appropriate learning pathways for pupils at Post 16. It is also our responsibility to ensure that we have enough places in the right locations, to meet the demands of increased pupil numbers and parental preferences. It reflects the fact that the Local Authority’s role has changed to being the commissioner, as well as continuing to be a provider, of education provision.
Proposed decision –
To agree the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision 2020-24.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 29/10/2019
Decision due: Not before 27th Jan 2020 by Cabinet
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: Matt Dunkley CBE
Department: Education & Young People's Services
Contact: Keith Abbott, Director of Education Planning and Access Tel: 03000 417008 Email: keith.abbott@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 696588.
Consultees
Individual consultations will be undertaken on each proposal outlined in the Commissioning Plan as required.
The matter will be discussed at the Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee on 15 November 2020 and at Cabinet in January 2020.
Financial implications: The Local Authority as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision has a key role in securing funding to provide sufficient education provision in the County, particularly in schools, in order to meet its statutory responsibilities. The cost of providing additional school places is met from Government Basic Need Grant, supported borrowing by KCC and developer contribution monies. The forecast capital outlay needed to fulfil the need identified in the Commission Plan 2020-24 will be provided in the report to CYPE Cabinet Committee on 15 November 2019 for comment, prior to full sign off by Cabinet in January 2020.
Legal implications: The Kent Commissioning Plan for Education enables KCC to meet its Statutory responsibility to ensure that every child receives appropriate educational provision.
Equalities implications: A full EqIA has been completed and is attached to the FED.