Begin consultation on South Wallasey.

The Director of Children’s Services reported upon progress on the Phase 6 Area Reviews of primary school places in the small planning areas of South Wallasey, Greasby, Upton and Moreton. Following meetings with key stakeholders in each of these areas, the report contained a summary of provision in each area and put forward recommendations for options for consultation, and commented briefly on some of the issues involved.

The report also provided an update on two primary schools in special measures, with recommendations for options in relation to these schools.

The Director confirmed that all the latest information would be used in the consultation process and he would be happy to clarify points raised by Councillor Lewis in respect of enrolment to all reception classes and the impact of private sector nursery provision.

On a motion by Councillor Sheila Clarke, seconded by Councillor Simon Holbrook, it was –

Resolved – That,

(1) consultations be undertaken regarding the following options for change in the South Wallasey small planning area:

A - Closure of Kingsway Primary School.

B - Closure of Kingsway Primary School and Riverside Primary Schools in order to open a new establishment on the Riverside site (B1) or on the Kingsway site (B2).

C – Closure of Brentwood Early Years Centre, to be converted to Early Years provision governed by Somerville Primary School either in situ on the Brentwood site (C1), or in new accommodation on the Somerville site (C2);

(2) consultations be undertaken regarding the closure of Well Lane Primary School in the South Birkenhead planning area, following that school’s placement by Ofsted in Special Measures;

(3) the governing body of Manor Primary School be supported in entering a federation, with close monitoring and a further review if standards do not improve;

(4) all of the public consultations should provide opportunities for other options to be brought forward, considered and reported back to Cabinet;

(5) the remaining Phase 6 small planning areas be reviewed again as necessary or through the usual review process.