Issue - meetings

This report provides the current context for the delivery of the Warwickshire County Council Education Sufficiency Strategy 2018 - 2023 and outlines pupil number forecasts from September 2021 covering a five year period for primary phase and a seven year period for secondary phase.

Portfolio Holder – Councillor Jeff Morgan

Councillor Jeff Morgan (Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Education) explained to Cabinet that the council has a responsibility to ensure that there are sufficient school places in any area. The target is to have 4% spare capacity in each area. However, population growth serves to make this increasingly difficult. Certain pressure points are already recognised eg secondary school provision in Polesworth and primary school provision in Baddesley. When there is a shortage it is important to hold discussions with trusts, schools and officers.

The five area meetings had proved successful as a means of communication issues with members and also gathering their views and understanding.

John Holland observed that most development to the south of Leamington and Warwick is close to Warwick. He suggested that Roman Catholic schools such Trinity in Leamington should offer places to Catholic children only. This was disputed by other members who noted that children from all faiths should be able to attend a Catholic school.

Councillor Margaret Bell thanked Councillor Morgan for the five local meetings that had been held to consider capacity. She agreed that Polesworth will present a major challenge as it is the location of much housing.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse reminded Cabinet that children still need to cross from one side of Rugby to the other to attend school. This, he considered, is unacceptable. Regarding special education provision he considered that the situation regarding places will only deteriorate.

Councillor Jeff Morgan welcomed members’ comments regarding the local schools capacity meetings. The update, he said, provides a useful picture but it is only a snapshot.

Resolved:

That Cabinet endorses the Annual Education Sufficiency Update 2021 and notes the proposed schemes to ensure sufficiency of school places in Warwickshire.