Issue - meetings

Attached for consideration is the Wiltshire School Places Strategy 2017-2022 and the updated implementation plan. The Strategy is scheduled to be considered by Cabinet on 12^th December 2017.

The Wiltshire School Places Strategy 2017- 2022 replaces the 2015-2020 Strategy and will become a key framework document for the Council in considering any statutory proposals for changes to school organisation including the commissioning of new schools. It will also inform future capital investment priorities.

The Select Committee is asked to consider the latest Wiltshire School Places Strategy 2017- 2022 and its associated proposals set out in the Implementation Plan, and to provide any comments as appropriate.

The Select Committee received a report which asked them to consider the latest Wiltshire School Places Strategy 2017- 2022 and its associated proposals set out in the Implementation Plan.

The Wiltshire School Places Strategy 2017- 2022 will replace the 2015-2020 Strategy and will become a key framework document for the Council in considering any statutory proposals for changes to school organisation. This includes the commissioning of new schools, it will also inform future capital investment priorities. Under the Education and Inspections Act 2006, School Organisation Committees were abolished, and the main decisions on the provision and organisation of places, depending on the nature of the proposal and who is the proposer, are now made by the Regional School’s Commissioner or the Secretary of State.

Clare Medland, Head of School Place Commissioning, explained that the report incorporates all available data including: child birth-rates, pressures from housing, and army rebasing. The structure of the strategy remained the same as two years ago. The document had been revised to include updated area data and projections. The strategy would be used to plan for expansions of schools and new schools across the county.

In response to a question over whether the strategy should go to Area Board in draft form for comment it was explained that the strategy had already gone out for extensive consultation. This included all schools, diocese, and councillors.

Members were informed that officers were happy to receive comments and views on the strategy, and that an update on the position of the strategy could be received in 12 – 18months time.

Resolved

To note and endorse the School Places Strategy 2017-2022.

To review the position of the Schools Places Strategy in 12-18months time to consider scrutiny involvement.