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The Assistant Director for Education presented the report on behalf of the Director of Children, Families and Education. The report outlined the recommendations that arose from phase 3 of the pupil place planning review.

In March 2021, the 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.

Phase 3 of the primary phase of the review commenced in October 2023 looking at small planning areas in and around Wallasey, specifically: North Wallasey and South Wallasey. A detailed review framework and process had been undertaken and had included information gathering, stakeholder discussion. This culminated in the recommendations presented within the report.

Recommendations relating to schools controlled under the auspices of both the Diocese of Chester – Church of England, and the Diocese of Shrewsbury – Roman Catholic, had been presented, discussed, and approved as well as proposals relating to Academy Trusts. This demonstrated the strength in partnership working and collaboration across the education sector which would be harnessed as the parties progressed as a local education partnership.

Members asked for clarification on how religious schools balanced the number of students between those of the associated faith and those children that were not.

The Assistant Director for Education explained that the admissions policies were the responsibility of the religious schools, places would be allocated to them based on their policy.

Members queried whether the reduction in Published Admission Number (PAN) for the schools within the report would have an impact on the teaching staff at these schools.

The Assistant Director for Education explained that the majority of these schools were already running below PAN. He also noted that the consultations would not be taking place until the following year and the changes wouldn’t come into effect until 2027 which would give the schools plenty of time to plan.

Members asked whether reducing the PAN would cause any problems if there was an emergency influx of children as was caused by the war in Ukraine.

The Assistant Director for Education responded that there was still additional capacity within Wirral with 6% in North Wallasey and 15% in South Wallasey. There was also the possibility of increasing the PAN on these schools in future if needed.

Members discussed the government’s launch of free breakfast clubs for schools and asked whether schools would receive additional resources by applying for this.

The Assistant Director for Education said that there was a clear expectation that every school should have a breakfast club and that this was welcome news for the community. He noted that Wirral would support any schools that wished to apply for a funding for a breakfast club.

The Chair queried what the take-up for the breakfast clubs had been from Wirral schools.

The Assistant Director for Education offered to provide this information to Members in writing.

Resolved – That the following be approved:

1.  Mount Primary School consults on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68