Cabinet:

1.     Agreed Phase 5 school expansion programmes should continue to be developed based on the following approach in line with the decision on the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision 2019-2023

                                       i.             To have a preference for expanding existing popular and high-performing schools and inclusion of nursery provision and Additional Resource Provisions (ARPs) where appropriate and in areas where there are  no schools with high surplus capacity.

                                      ii.             To consider the expansion of existing schools, but only to a maximum size of 4 FE in the primary phase, ensuring at all times that high standards of education are paramount.

                                     iii.             To consider the delivery of additional primary and secondary places as a result of major regeneration through establishment of new schools.

2.     Agreed that in respect of all proposals set out below that all relevant statutory processes, including planning, should be followed and where the process is the responsibility of an Academy to provide all necessary support. Where consultation is necessary the proposals below are subject to the outcome of such consultation.

3.     Approved Capital Budget of £33.500m to fund Phase 5 of the Schools Expansion Programme from 2020/21 to 2023/24 including:

3.1. Increase in Early Education and Childcare Places including           implementation of :

                                    i.                New 20 place nursery provision at Forest Approach Academy following the outcome of a successful bid for grant of Capital funding from the Department for Education to create new high-quality school-based nursery places, targeted at closing the gap for disadvantaged children.

                                   ii.                A maintained nursery at The R J Mitchell Primary School of 47 places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds from 2021/22

                                  iii.                A 47 place nursery provision on Beam Park School for 2, 3 and 4 year olds from 2021/22

                                 iv.                A 47 place nursery on Bridge Close for 2, 3 and 4 year olds from 2023/24

3.2. Increase in Primary Places including implementation of:

3.2.1.   Establish one-off bulge classes as an interim measure to increase  Primary places in 2020/21

3.2.2.   Permanent Primary Places expansion proposals in the following planning areas where there is clear evidence of a sustained need over the next five years subject to planning and consultation where necessary:

                             i.          Elm Park Planning area: 

·       Expansion of The R J Mitchell Primary School from 2FE to 3FE from 2021/22

                           ii.          Harold Hill Planning area:

·         Expansion of Drapers’ Pyrgo Priory Primary from 2FE to 3FE for 2022/23

·         Expansion of Broadford Primary from 3FE to 4FE for 2023/24 if growth is sustained

                          iii.          Rainham and South Hornchurch Planning area:

·       To agree for LBH to enter into a 125 year peppercorn lease with Emmanuel Community Trust for a site on the Beam Park estate following practical completion of the school build and drawing down the freehold interest of the site.  The new school on Beam Park is due to open on 1 September 2021.

                         iv.          Romford Planning area

·       Agree to seek proposals to establish the Bridge Close School under the Free School presumption process.

                           v.          Upminster and  Cranham Planning area

·       1 FE permanent expansion from 2023/24 if growth is sustained.

3.2.3.   Increasing SEND Places

                               i.  Nursery SEND places

·         To approve the implementation of the 20 place nursery provision at Forest Approach Academy for 2, 3 and 4 year old pupils with SEND

                              ii.  Primary SEND places;

·       One Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) for primary children with Communication and Interaction Needs with 12 places in Scotts Primary School for 2020/21.

·       One Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) for primary children with SEMH (Social, Emotional, Mental and Health) needs with 12 places at Suttons Primary School for 2020/21

·       An ARP for 12 places (4-11) for pupils with ASD/SEMH on Beam Park School for 2021/22

·       An ARP for 18 places – 6 places (2-4) and 12 places (4-11) for pupils with ASD and SEMH for 2023/24 as part of the Bridge Close development

                            iii.          Secondary SEND places;

·       Agree to establish two ARPs containing 20 places each in secondary schools to meet the needs of secondary pupils with Communication and Interaction (mainly ASD) and SEMH needs.  One to be delivered in 2020/21 and one to be delivered in 2021/22

                            iv.          Special Schools;

·       Agree to expand Corbets Tey School from 155 to170 places for 2021/22

·       New special free school (3-16) with 60 places for ASD and SEMH in 2022/23

·       Agree for the LA to submit bids for a new special school when the DfE announces another Wave of special (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) free school applications round.

4.     Delegated the power to take further decisions regarding the implementation of these proposals and the approval of which settings/schools should be expanded including any amendments to the proposals above, such as a decision not to proceed or to expand a different setting/school, in the light of developing circumstances or the results of consultation (subject to the appropriate statutory processes) for Phase 5 of the Expansion Programme to the Lead Member for Children & Learning.

5.     Delegated to the Director of Asset Management authority to submit planning applications after consultation with planning officers, commission all associated surveys/investigations (including transport assessment, soils survey, environmental check etc.) and commence tender processes as required to support the development of options appraisals to deliver Phase 5 expansions required- noting that tender awards will remain the subject of separate Executive Decision(s).

6.     Delegated to the Assistant Director of Education authority to select proposers for new schools and make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Education in respect of free school processes.

7.     Approved virement of £1.526m from Schools Expansion Programme Unallocated Fund