The Committee received and noted a report that submitted the report and recommendations of the Free Schools Site Allocation Challenge Session.  The Challenge Session took place on 26th February 2017 as a result of concerns amongst some Members about how the Council would be implementing the free school presumption process.  Whilst the DfE has opened new free schools in Tower Hamlets, a number of site allocations for schools have been achieved through negotiations with developers for which the free school presumption process will apply.

It was noted that concern had been expressed that there was a risk that the Council can retain a large degree of control which could be seen as being contrary to the free school ethos.  There is an additional risk that the Council, in being able to define the specification and design of new buildings, and consultations for a new school, could influence the outcome of the free school process such that any new school does not meet the expectation of local parents and children.  The aim of the Session had been to explore ways in which the Council can ensure it offers families the kind of school places they seek, sufficient to meet demand both now and in future. 

As a result of a full and wide ranging discussion on the above the Chair Moved and it was:-

RESOLVED to

The Committee received and noted a report that provided a follow up from the scrutiny challenge session on tackling the school places gap – pupil place planning and the impact of academies and free schools which went to Overview and Scrutiny Committee in November 2013.   The report reviewed the progress against the original recommendations.  As a result of discussions on this report the Committee observed that:

·         There is a need to review expansion options for schools and to consider for inclusion in the capital programme without loss of facilitlies (e.g. the development of capacity on the Isle of Dogs).  However, the number of suitable sites with capacity for expansion are now very limited and therefore options for expansion of secondary schools are also very limited.  Accordingly, LBTH:

§  Continues to review expansion options for schools and consider for inclusion in the programme;

§  Design briefs for school expansions to continue to include working to BB 98 and 99 standards (i.e. standards applicable before DfE introduced lower standards) wherever possible; and

§  Implementation of school expansions considers the priority location of schools to meet needs, the management capacity of the school to implement expansion successfully and the site capacity to deliver a cost-effective and good quality school environment.

·         Regarding the continued procuring and developing of sites in the borough for schools, the delivery of which can be supported by S106 or the Community Infrastructure Levy.  All options will need to be explored for retaining site allocations for those community schools maintained by the local authority, as far as possible.  Accordingly, LBTH will

§  Work with developers to ensure that the LA secures the ability to develop the allocated sites;

§  Ensure Infrastructure Delivery Plan reviews include updated school requirements;

§  Develop funding strategies for sites to establish delivery programmes; and

§  Establish operation of new school sites to meet programmes for opening, taking into account where possible the options for expansion of community schools.

·         The interactive website facility is being further developed to provide more detailed information about schools and extended services in the local area. However, it has become necessary to explore additional resourcing streams in order maintain this progress and provide further online services, including the facility for parents to apply online at times other than at the normal points of school entry.  The 2015 Equalities Impact Assessment it was noted was available on the LBTH website www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/schooladmissions and a briefing would be prepared for Councillors on this page.

·         The efforts were continuing to bring free schools and academies within the family of those community schools supported by LBTH;

·         That Members would be provided with more information and in a timelier fashion with regard to pupil places and admissions criteria to support them in dealing with constituents queries, especially on National Allocation Day.

DECISION

1. To note the report.

Action by:

SERVICE HEAD, CORPORATE STRATEGY AND EQUALITY (L. RUSSELL)

(Strategy, Policy and Performance Officer (V. Allen)

Councillor Joshua Peck, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee introduced the report. He highlighted the pressure to increase the number of available school places and stated that there review had produced useful discussions and sensible recommendations.

The Mayor thanked Scrutiny Members for their work and in particular endorsed their recommendation that the Council look to expand existing provision. He noted the report.

RESOLVED

1. To note the report.