Issue - meetings

This report concerns the amalgamation of two special schools in Warwick.

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Colin Hayfield

1)    That Cabinet approves the amalgamation of Round Oak and Ridgeway Schools

2)    That Cabinet authorises the Strategic Director for Communities to take such steps as he considers necessary to enable the amalgamated school to open from September 2020

Councillor Colin Hayfield (Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning) introduced the report stating that it had been prompted by a need to increase special education needs provision in Warwickshire. A consultation exercise had been undertaken although the response rate had been low.

Councillor Richard Chattaway and Councillor Helen Adkins raised a number of concerns over leadership at Round Oak School and suggested that a decision at this time would be inappropriate. The reasons behind the establishment of an Interim Executive Board at Round Oak School were explored. Cabinet was informed that this related to financial management and was not a reflection of performance. As some of the matters raised were of a personal nature it was agreed that Councillor Chattaway and Adkins should receive responses after the meeting.

1)    That Cabinet approves the amalgamation of Round Oak and Ridgeway Schools

2)    That Cabinet authorises the Strategic Director for Communities to take such steps as he considers necessary to enable the amalgamated school to open from September 2020