Begin consultation on South Wallasey.

Councillor G Davies left the meeting whilst this item of business was under discussion.

A report by the Acting Director of Children’s Services informed that on 3 February 2011, the outcomes of the consultation process which took place in the South Wallasey planning area, as agreed at the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 June 2010 (Minute No. 25 refers), were reported to the Cabinet.  The recommendations included the publication of statutory proposals for the closure of Kingsway Primary School from August 2012, which were the subject of discussion.

The Cabinet has resolved:

“That no other decisions be made in respect of primary school places until an investigation has been undertaken and further information is presented to the Cabinet, as soon as possible in respect of the growth bid and the implications of the Wirral Waters planning application.”

The report updated the Cabinet on the demographic projections for primary age pupils in Wirral, with particular reference to South Wallasey, and provided further information on potential impact of Wirral Waters on the pupil population locally.

The Cabinet noted that school re-organisation fitted into the Council’s Corporate Objectives: “to help children and young people achieve their full potential”; and “create an excellent Council”.  The outcomes of school re-organisation meet the Council’s Aim to “Close the attainment gap where poverty and disadvantage affect achievement” by removal of surplus places to ensure public money was spent to maximum effect in all our schools.

RESOLVED:

That Kingsway Primary School be subject to a review commencing in Autumn 2013.

Councillor G Davies returned to the meeting.