Councillor G Davies left the meeting whilst this item of business was under discussion.

A report by the Acting Director of Children’s Services informed that on 3 February 2011, the outcomes of the consultation process which took place in the South Wallasey planning area, as agreed at the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 June 2010 (Minute No. 25 refers), were reported to the Cabinet.  The recommendations included the publication of statutory proposals for the closure of Kingsway Primary School from August 2012, which were the subject of discussion.

The Cabinet has resolved:

“That no other decisions be made in respect of primary school places until an investigation has been undertaken and further information is presented to the Cabinet, as soon as possible in respect of the growth bid and the implications of the Wirral Waters planning application.”

The report updated the Cabinet on the demographic projections for primary age pupils in Wirral, with particular reference to South Wallasey, and provided further information on potential impact of Wirral Waters on the pupil population locally.

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

RESOLVED:

That Kingsway Primary School be subject to a review commencing in Autumn 2013.

Councillor G Davies returned to the meeting.

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.