Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Education and Change seeking approval to expand Great Oaks School by 25 places. 17 would be added in September 2014 and a further 8 in September 2015.

(i)  to note the outcome of statutory consultation as set out in the report.

(ii)  to authorise the increase in pupil numbers at Great Oaks School (Foundation Special School) from the 1 September 2014 by the addition of 17 places from 1 September 2014 and an additional 8 places from 1 September 2015; and

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

The number of students that require a place at Great Oaks is greater than the number of places that will be available in 2014/15. Great Oaks is the only school that can suitably support the needs of these students. The additional 17 places in 2014/15 and a further 8 in 2015/16 would allow the Local Authority to meets its statutory duty of providing a school place to all young people that require one.

The Council could decide not to increase pupil numbers at the school but this would mean it wouldn’t be able to offer a school place to all those who require one. The Local Authority would not meet the requirements of the Special Education Needs test or the duty to provide sufficient places suitable for the needs of children with identified Special Educational Needs (SEN) requirements.

None