The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.       To agree to move to the publication of a statutory notice for 28 days, in respect of the proposal to close Shapla Primary School. This will take effect from 31^st August 2021, with the displaced pupils admitted to other nearby schools.

2.    To note the Equalities Assessment set out in Section 4 and attached as Appendix 2.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN AND CULTURE (J. THOMAS)

(Service Head for Pupil Access and School Sufficiency (T. Bryan)

(School Organisation Manager (I. Mkparu)

Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children and Schools, introduced the report following the preliminary consultation of stakeholders on the proposal to close Shapla Primary School. He highlighted that there was a surplus of places in this part of the borough. The school had seen falling pupil numbers for several years and reduced school rolls reduced the ability of the school to provide a full education offer to children. The school was also running at a financial deficit. Having considered the position it was necessary to look at a proposal to close the school. There was confidence that the pupils could be accommodated at other local schools.

The Mayor acknowledged the concerns raised and impact on those involved. He noted the importance of ensuing good participation in the next phase of the consultation process. The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted including around the need to report on progress supporting those at risk of redundancy. The recommendations were agreed as set out.

RESOLVED

1.       To agree to move to the publication of a statutory notice for 28 days, in respect of the proposal to close Shapla Primary School. This will take effect from 31^st August 2021, with the displaced pupils admitted to other nearby schools.

2.    To note the Equalities Assessment set out in Section 4 of the report and attached as Appendix 2 to the report.