Resolved - That-

(1)  the change to the lower age limit of The Observatory School from 11 to 8 be approved;

(2)  the permanent change of the number of places at The Observatory School to 100 be approved;

(3)  the expansion of The Observatory School onto a satellite site be located at the former Leasowe Early Years Centre be approved; and

(4)  the Director of Children, Families and Education be granted all necessary authority to implement the proposals.

Having previously declared a prejudicial interest in respect of this agenda item, Councillor Collinson left the room during consideration of this matter.

The Principal Officer for School Admissions, Place and Planning introduced the report of the Director of Children, Family and Education which provided the outcome of a consultation on proposals for prescribed alterations to The Observatory School. The report advised how The Observatory School is a mixed age 11 to 16 community special school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. It was explained how the proposals listed within the report relate to making permanent a trial scheme providing places to primary school age pupils, increasing the number of places offered by the school and also an expansion onto a satellite site in the Leasowe area.

Members were advised how a public notice setting out the three prescribed alterations was published on 5^th October 22 followed by a 4 week representation period to which no objections were received.

In response to a query, members were advised that the Assistant Director for Education would work closely with the school to address provision with regards to staffing. Furthermore with regards to staff moving from site to site, members were advised that the school are working with existing staff regarding any new working arrangements.

On a motion by Councillor Carubia and seconded by Councillor Povall it was:

Resolved – That

(1)  the change to the lower age limit of The Observatory School from 11 to 8 be approved;

(2)  the permanent change of the number of places at The Observatory School to 100 be approved;

 (3)  the expansion of The Observatory School onto a satellite site be located at the former Leasowe Early Years Centre be approved; and

 (4)  the Director of Children, Families and Education be granted all necessary authority to implement the proposals

The proposed alterations, 1 and 2 were set out in order to make permanent a trial scheme to extend the age range of the school and to formally increase the number of places the school provides in line with the extension of age range and other agreed changes to place numbers.

The third alteration was to expand onto a satellite site which had become available due to changes in primary and early years provision in the Leasowe area.

A Public Notice setting out the three prescribed alterations was published on 5th October 2022 followed by a 4 week representation period during which no objections were received. 1.3 It is recommended that the prescribed alterations be approved and the Director of Children, Families and Education be given all necessary authority to implement these proposals.

As an alternative to recommendations 1 and 2, the school could cease to offer Year 5 and Year 6 pupil places. This option is not supported by the success of current trial provision for this age range.

As an alternative to recommendation 3, the school could establish additional accommodation on the current site. This would not be recommended as it would incur significant cost for new build or modular accommodation.