Agenda item

Note: As set out under Rule 18(a) of the Scrutiny Procedure Rules, this decision is exempt from Call-In as it is deemed urgent and any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s interests, in that the Cabinet’s role would be negated by referral to the Schools’ Adjudicator if the decisions were not taken within two months of the end of the Statutory Notices, in this case being 6 April 2013.

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to the proposal to permanently increase the school admission number at Windmill Primary School from 60 to 90. The report set out representations received following the publication of a statutory notice.

Lynn Knapp, Headteacher Windmill Primary School, referred to the strong and thriving school community, noting that a once failing school was now good following work in close partnership with the Council. This improvement brought with it the issue of expansion and the school felt strongly that if it were to be done it should be in such a way that it strengthens the climate of learning in the school. She would not want to see the whole ethos of the school undermined and referred in particular to the strong curriculum and the use of outside space for learning. Attainment had increased and parents were worried by the proposal; it was vital that classroom and learning spaces not be compromised. The hall was a strong part of the school and it had to be sufficiently large to meet the school’s needs. Finally Ms Knapp asked that if it went forward that it be done in partnership with the school; that they be kept in the loop which they felt had not happened so far.

The Leader congratulated the Headteacher on the progress made by the school and Councillor Tilley, Cabinet Member for Education gave assurances that if the proposals were agreed today the Council would work very closely with Ms Knapp and the school.

Mr Khan-Gordon, the parent of a pupil at the school spoke against the proposals indicating that he spoke for a large number of people who objected to the expansion. He referred to paragraph 10 of the report highlighting that there was no emergency need to expand. There was no 3 form entry in Oxfordshire and the majority of 3 form entry schools were in London and Birmingham. There was no compelling need for the expansion and 80% of stakeholders opposed the proposals. Parents had questioned both figures and the costs involved. He commented that 2 form entries was Oxfordshire's stated preferred option and that this allowed children to thrive.

Responding to questions about how the additional numbers would be dealt with Mr Khan-Gordon replied that he was one of the parents who would be affected but that the risk was too great for the increase to be nodded through. A Cabinet Member made it clear that no decision was nodded through. Responding to further comments he added that parents were engaged in the school and had been disappointed not to have any details about what the school would look like.

Councillor Roz Smith, speaking as a local Councillor, praised the exceptionally good Headteacher and recognised the difficult decision facing Cabinet. She highlighted the main concerns of respondents: lack of detail about the planned build, concerns over the learning environment and problems with traffic movement. It was already a big school with problems from inconsiderate parking. The traffic problems needed to be looked at in the wider context of the traffic strategy for Headington. She added that wrap around care for children at the school also needed to be given the highest priority as there was already a waiting list.

Councillor Brighouse, speaking as a local Councillor, commented that she did not envy Cabinet the decision they had to make. Children were at the heart of it. She knew that Windmill School was an excellent school as were others in the area and all were over subscribed with 500 preferences seeking 150 places in the area. Even with the expansion children would be turned away. She was aware of children being taxied to other areas. There was a crisis on places in the area and she noted that some of the best schools in the Country were 3 form entry. She urged the Council to work in partnership with the school and to look to the needs of the community on transport concerns.

Councillor Tilley in moving the recommendation stressed that she understood the concerns expressed and that the reasons there were no plans at the recent meeting was that there were no plans as no decision had been taken. She commented that there was sufficient funding to do the scheme but she was not in a position to promise everything at this stage as there were always unknowns with any building project. Barbara Chillman added that there was a sufficiency of laces but only 1.4% spare places before late applications. This was less than that recommended by the Audit Office.

During discussion Cabinet whilst understanding the concerns commended the plan as well thought out and the start of good things for the school. Some spare capacity was needed and it was possible for large school to do very well with good teaching staff and supportive parents. They emphasised the need for partnership working to ensure the success of the project.

RESOLVED:             to approve the expansion of Windmill Primary School by the permanent increase to the school admission number to 90 with effect from 1 September 2013.