Councillor G Davies left the meeting.

A report by the Interim Director of Children’s Services advised the Cabinet of the outcomes of the consultation process that had taken place in the South Wallasey planning area which had been agreed at the Cabinet meeting held on 24 June 2010 (Minute No. 24 refers).  The report also described the responses to the various options put forward for discussion, including additional suggestions made during the consultation process, and proposed recommendations with regard to statutory proposals in this area.

It was 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 met the Council’s Aim to “Close the attainment gap where poverty and disadvantage affect achievement” by the removal of surplus places to ensure public money was spent to maximum effect in all Wirral schools.

As a result of the review Kingsway Primary School in Wallasey was recommended for closure from August 2012.

The Cabinet heard representations from Miss Francine Foster, Headteacher at Kingsway Primary School, against the proposed closure.  She set out the benefits of maintaining her school which was in one of the most deprived areas in the country.

The Cabinet also heard representations from Ward Councillor D Knowles who was against the closure and from Councillor P Hayes who had chaired the consultation meetings and didn’t believe the case for closure had been made sufficiently in the report.

It was noted that the proposed closure had nothing to do with standards and performance and that all Wirral Primary Schools were doing well.  It was about reducing surplus school places.

The Cabinet put on record its thanks and appreciation of the work done in Wirral Schools over many years.

Attention was drawn to the Wirral Waters development scheme which was a 40 year project and the need for a school in the area to accommodate children who would move into this area of Wallasey in the future.

The Cabinet turned its attention to Recommendation (3) in the report as follows:

“(3)  Brentwood Early Years Centre be monitored in terms of numbers and viability and that the governing body be supported in considering alternative options for shared governance arrangements as opportunities allow;”

And it was indicated that all Members of the Cabinet were able to agree to this.

Councillor J Green proposed that further investigation may need to be carried out but Councillor S Holbrook disagreed.  He made the point that there would probably be a number of Primary School places reviews in the next 40 years or so.  He felt that any deferment of the decision may destabilise primary education in Seacombe and Wallasey and moved the following Motion which was seconded by Councillor G Gardiner in the light of the clear advice, he had received from the Interim Director of Children’s Services:

“(1)  statutory proposals be published in respect of the following option: Option A1, closure of Kingsway Primary School  ...  view the full minutes text for item 301