Decision details

(i)  To note the outcome of statutory consultation as set out in this report;

(ii)  To authorise the increase in pupil numbers on-roll at Springwell (Community Special) School to 128 from 1^st September 2015;

(iii)  To add, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, a sum of £1,400,000 to the Children’s Services Capital programme for the Springwell School Expansion Project funded from the DfE Basic Need Grant;

(iv)  To delegate authority to the Director, People, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Change, to do anything necessary to give effect to the recommendations in this report.

1.  The rise in Southampton’s School population has seen a corresponding rise in the number of children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). In particular there has been a rise in the number of children with the specific needs in which Springwell School specialises.

2.  Pupil intake at Springwell School has been rising in recent years and there continues to be pressure on numbers in Reception (Yr R). Additional places have been added, with Springwell School’s intake rising from 5 in 2011/12 to 16 in 2013/14.

3.  Having increased the available places in Year R, Year 1 and Year 2 we are now proposing that onsite provision at Springwell School should expand to accept 16 pupils in each year group.

4.  Expansion at Springwell School will be a step toward securing sufficient high quality places for children with SEND in the Primary sector. The additional places will allow the Local Authority to meet its statutory duty to provide a School place to all children who require one, having particular regard to securing that special educational provision is made for pupils who have special educational needs.

The Council could decide not to increase pupil numbers at Springwell School but this would mean it would not be able to offer a School place to all those who require one. The Local Authority would therefore not meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient places, having particular regard to securing that special educational provision is made for pupils who have special educational needs.