Decision details

PHASE 1: PUPIL PLACE PLANNING CONSULTATION OUTCOME

Decision Maker: Assistant Director: Education

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The purpose of the report is to outline the consultation feedback arising from phase 1 of the pupil place planning review.

 

In March 2021, the Children Young People and Education Committee endorsed the Pupil Place Planning Strategy 2021 -2026. This Strategy set out a planned framework for the review of school places in both primary and secondary mainstream schools over the next 5 years.

 

At the March 2022 Children, Young People and Education committee, a consultation was approved in relation to recommendation 6, that the Diocese of Shrewsbury amalgamate St Peter’s Catholic Primary School and St Paul’s Catholic Primary School recommendation 7, to amalgamate Hillside Primary and Manor Primary schools.

As part of the committee report and consultation process it was made clear any alternative proposal arising from consultation would need to achieve a sustainable educational outcome within the local area.

Fundamental to the work had been adherence to the principles outlined. These are the drivers for change and are intrinsically aligned to the ‘Brighter Futures’ priority in the Wirral Plan 2021 - 2026. The work has already been captured as a strategic driver within the Plan and this report and recommendations form part of its delivery.

 

This is a key decision as it affects residents from two or more wards.

 

Decision:

The Assistant Director for Education:

 

1.  Notes the Pupil Place Planning Consultation Report;

 

2.  supports the alternative proposal put forward by the Diocese of Shrewsbury in relation to St Peter’s and St Paul’ RC Primary Schools as articulated in paragraph 3.16 of the report;

 

3.  supports the alternative proposal put forward by Hillside Primary School as articulated in paragraph 3.17 of the report; and

 

4. supports the alternative proposal put forward by Manor Primary School as articulated in paragraph 3.18 of the report.

 

Reasons for the decision:

1.1  It is important that the Council demonstrates its support for the work and proposals considered and agreed by the Diocesan who are important partners in supporting education outcomes for Wirral children.

 

1.2  The outcome of the Pupils Place Planning consultation makes clear the significant opposition by the local community to the possibility of amalgamation of the schools within the recommendations from the previous committee report.

 

1.3  The alternative proposals that have been put forward by the Diocese of Salford in relation to St Peter’s and St Pauls RC Primary Schools and the alternative proposals put forward by Manor and Hillside Primary Schools have considered the importance of securing the long-term viability of each schools and are supportive of positive educational outcomes for young people.

 

1.4  The Officer Decision that has been made, in relation to this report is due to its time sensitive nature and allowing schools to communicate the   outcome of the consultation process to parents/carers and the local   community.

Alternative options considered:

  Continue with the previous proposals outlined in the March 2022 committee.

 

Publication date: 20/09/2022

Date of decision: 20/09/2022

Effective from: 24/09/2022

Accompanying Documents: