Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Schools Improvement

Forward Plan Ref: 2011/074

Contact: Barbara Chillman, Principal Officer – School Organisation & Planning Tel: (01865) 816459

Report by Director for Children, Education & Families (CA15).

New Marston Primary School is a primary school for 3-11 year-olds in the north-east of Oxford. Its catchment area includes Headley Way and Northway. Until recently the school had planned to admit 30 children each year. Due to rising numbers of children needing primary school places in Oxford, the school agreed to take more than its admission number in September 2009 and 2010. The school's admission number for 2011 was published at 60 and a decision is now needed on whether to permanently expland the school to 2 forms of entry (with an admission number of 60), requiring an enlargement to the physical capacity of the school.

In recent years Oxford has experienced a significant and sustained rise in primary pupil numbers. To meet this demand, in 2008 an additional 105 primary school places across the city were agreed; in 2009 a further primary 245 additional places were created (including 30 at New Marston Primary School); and in 2010 another 238 additional places were created (including 25 at New Marston Primary School). Looking to the future, significant additional housing is proposed in Oxford City Council’s Core Strategy, which will, in turn, lead to increased pupil numbers across the city.

The proposal to expand New Marston Primary School is one part of the County Council’s strategy to meet the need for primary school places in Oxford.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to either:

(a)               reject the proposals;

(b)              approve the proposals;

(c)               approve the proposals with a modification (e.g. the proposal implementation date); or

(d)              approve the proposals subject to them meeting a specific condition.

Cabinet considered a report setting out a proposal to expand permanently the New marston Primary School to two forms of entry.

Councillor Altaf-Khan, Shadow Cabinet Member for Schools Improvement, referred to two letters from the Primary School about local developments and wanted to update. He felt that there was a need to look at the road infrastructure. He was surprised that planning permission had been agreed and that the County Council made no comment. The proposals were now amended for 58 flats opposite the School. He was concerned that a lot of children would  attend from outside the area causing congestion . He commented that the numbers of parents from outside the area would lead to difficulties with the parents not being seen by the School as often as they should.

Responding to a question from Councillor Robertson Councillor Altaf-Khan stated that he was not against the proposal but that the issues he raised needed consideration.

Councillor Rose clarified the role of the County highways team who were only consultees in the City Council planning process.

The Cabinet Member for Schools Improvement responded that the points raised would be considered during the consultation period. The question of traffic would be considered as part of the feasibility.

RESOLVED:             to approve the proposals.