The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and Responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the contents of this report and the progress made in meeting the need for additional places;

2.    To note that proposals for specific schemes will be subject to separate consultation and procedures and Cabinet decisions;

3.    To note the proposed review of the pattern of primary school provision and the proposed consultation on issues relating to the distribution of places across the borough;

4.    To confirm to the LLDC that the Council does not intend to proceed with the development of a new primary school at Neptune Wharf but wishes to work jointly to review the future need for primary places in the area (paragraph 3.11 of the report).

5.    To agree to defer development work on the scheme at London Dock until a further review of projected demand for secondary places has been conducted and to progress the design development of the scheme at the Westferry Print works site with a view to opening a 6FE secondary school in September 2021.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (D. JONES)

The Mayor introduced the report explaining that it was important for the Council to attempt to anticipate likely school place needs in the near future as best it could. He noted the particular problem that the opening of unexpected Free Schools was causing to school place planning. He noted that the demand for places varied across the Borough.

During discussion Members heard about plans in relation to various schools such as potential new secondary schools, plans for a new Bow Primary School, expansions at existing schools and the level of need on the Isle of Dogs. It was also noted that officers were proposing a review of primary school places for a number of reasons as there may be a smaller increase in demand than originally projected which was exacerbated by the opening of Free Schools.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and Responses were noted.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the contents of this report and the progress made in meeting the need for additional places;

2.    To note that proposals for specific schemes will be subject to separate consultation and procedures and Cabinet decisions;

3.    To note the proposed review of the pattern of primary school provision and the proposed consultation on issues relating to the distribution of places across the borough;

4.    To confirm to the LLDC that the Council does not intend to proceed with the development of a new primary school at Neptune Wharf but wishes to work jointly to review the future need for primary places in the area (paragraph 3.11 of the report).

5.    To agree to defer development work on the scheme at London Dock until a further review of projected demand for secondary places has been conducted and to progress the design development of the scheme at the Westferry Print works site with a view to opening a 6FE secondary school in September 2021.