Agenda item

Education (Schools) Capital Programme 2021/22

Minutes:

Councillor Jeff Morgan (Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Education) moved the recommendation. He explained that a considerable amount of development has taken place to the south of Leamington Spa. This has resulted in the requirement for a new school.

 

Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi seconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak.

 

Councillor John Holland suggested that the location for the proposed school is inappropriate. He noted that the major development referred to by Councillor Morgan falls within Warwick and not Leamington Spa. When it was evolving the draft Local Plan for Warwick District was opposed by Warwick members. Nevertheless, the development is now underway. Observing that the privately run Kings High School for Girls has relocated to new site Councillor Holland expressed his doubts that the new school being proposed would be of a similar high standard. Councillor Holland stated that there were no references in the report to meeting special needs. In addition, the proposed location of the school on the edge of the development is inappropriate. It should, he suggested, be in the middle of the development as this would make it more readily accessible. The location will also mean a reduction in the amount of land available for the public park. It was also noted that the proposal is that parents and carers taking their children to school will be able to park on the school site. This will not serve to reduce car journeys.

 

Councillor Barbara Brown expressed her concern that the need for new schools is not being met outside of Warwick. For example, there is a shortage of school places in Rugby.

 

Councillor Rob Tromans welcomed that the County Council is working to provide a new school. He noted that the report does make reference to special education needs. A similar report and scheme for Nuneaton would, he suggested, be welcome.

 

Councillor Peter Butlin informed Council that it was Warwick District Council that had identified the site for the school. Recognising that the County Council has a statutory responsibility to provide adequate school places Councillor Butlin expressed concern over the increased costs of the project caused by competing projects such as HS2 and the need to level the site. Sufficient money has been set aside but Councillor Butlin advised that costs may increase further.

 

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse welcomed the funding that is being made available for new schools adding that the HS2 project is being blamed for many instances of additional costs. Concerning special education, as referenced on page 35, he looked forward to seeing the action plan around its delivery.

 

Councillor Judy Falp agreed with Councillor Holland’s comments regarding the location of the school. Nevertheless, that a new school is to be built was welcomed.

 

Councillor Justin Kerridge reminded Council that it is the district and borough councils that are the local planning authorities. He suggested that the County Council and the district and borough councils do not always work as closely to together as they might and whilst the County Council cannot dictate what it wants, it should add its weight to any arguments to help secure that which it is after.

 

Councillor Tim Sinclair expressed his concern over the length of time it takes to progress major projects. In addition, he suggested that active transport plans should be supported.

 

Councillor Izzi Seccombe stated that the County Council has worked hard with Warwick District Council concerning the development. The land had belonged to the County Council but had been sold off to allow housing to be constructed. The district council had determined the location of the school and it is acknowledged that a different site would have been cheaper to build on. Nevertheless, the school that is constructed will be done so to a high standard. That it is a through school will incur greater costs but its location close to the country park will be a benefit to teaching. Councillor Seccombe concluded that children with challenges benefit from being taught in mainstream schools whenever possible. They need to remain part of the community if they are to thrive.

 

Councillor Chris Kettle emphasised the importance of exercise for young people adding that proper cycle routes should be provided to the school. Any future school project should encourage green travel.

 

Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell noted that being an all-through school there should be greater opportunities to identify children with special needs earlier. In addition, there will be greater opportunities to up-skill staff across the school.

 

Councillor Dave Humphries asked for greater investment in new schools in North Warwickshire. Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi acknowledged that the location of the school is not ideal but recognised the need for it. That it will be close to the country park is seen as a bonus. The school’s travel plan needs to ensure that children do not have to travel along main roads.

 

Councillor Jeff Morgan confirmed that it is expected that there will be 22 SEN places in the school. He emphasised the need to provide SEN places in mainstream schools. The site, he agreed, is not perfect but there is a need to press on with the project. Regarding pressure for school places across Warwickshire Council was informed that meetings are being held in all five district and borough areas to consider this.

 

Vote

 

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

 

Resolved:

 

That Council agrees that £49.5 million be added to the capital programme to deliver the new all-through provision in South Leamington/ Warwick (Oakley Grove).

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