Issue - meetings

To report on demand for pupil places in Haringey Primary, Secondary and Special schools, and to update on action to respond to this demand (Report of the Deputy Director, The Children’s Service)(attached)

Ian Bailey, Assistant Director, Children’s Services, presented the 2006 School Place Planning Annual Report and advised that this was the third report to the SOC.    The report updates on progress to ensure sufficient school places are available to meet local demand and summarises recent school rolls projections.  These figures are available and in the public domain.  Further data had been added on mobility and special school places.  All data will be available on Haringey’s website for interested parties.

In previous years proposals had brought together infant and junior schools through amalgamation.  There were currently four schools in Haringey going through amalgamation.

In future with the passing of the 2006 Education Bill, the SOC would probably cease.  Therefore it was proposed that new reporting arrangements for statutory consultations be referred to the Executive member for Children and Young People after the initial consultation with interested parties.  A diagram on page 6 of the report sets out the arrangements.

Mr Bailey also advised Members that developments were taking place around Haringey.  Particularly in Tottenham Hale where it was proposed to develop 1250 units of housing.  There was also a lot of work taking place in the Heartlands Area which could have an impact on school places in the next few years.    There were no significant changes since last year for secondary schools.  Members raised concern as there was scarce detail on secondary schools in the report.  The Deputy Director agreed to provide further details on individual secondary schools as provision was tight and it was announced there was a need for a new secondary school in Haringey being planned to open in 2010.  

The Committee also noted the falling numbers in admissions particularly for Blanche Neville School and had observed there would be financial implications.   A comprehensive review was being undertaken. 

It was reported that the main focus for the coming year would be:

• School rolls and surplus situations in Seven Sisters and Noel Park wards.
• The impact of the Heartlands building developments.
• Developing a greater understanding of the reasons for and impact of mobility in junior years
• Continued monitoring of pupil place demand.

RESOLVED:  

1. That the deputy director provide further details on secondary school place planning.
2. That Members note the 2006 school place planning report.