Agenda item

To report on and consider the process for school place planning and proposed action to address changes in demand.

Nick Hewlett, Interim Assistant Director of Schools and Learning, reported that the Panel’s review on the Haringey Family of Schools had made specific reference to the impact of the reduction in demand for school places.  This was having a large impact on the sustainability of schools and their ability to respond to the range of demands that were placed upon them.

Nick Shasha, School Place Planning Lead, reported that the Annual School Place Planning report was behind much of the action that was taking place to address this issue.  The peak years for demand for primary school places were 2012-14, when there were over 3,000 first place reception preferences made.  There had been a gradual decline since then and this figure had gone down to around 2,500.  There had already been a number of temporary and permanent reductions in the number of entry forms in several schools but more still needed to be done to reduce the number of surplus places.  Discussions and consultation was taking place regarding reductions in the Planned Admission Number (PAN) at a number of schools.  There were two key guidelines behind these:

·         Parental preference would not be undermined; and

·         Schools could immediately revert back to their previous PAN should local demand warrant it.

The latest school place planning report stated that the projected annual demand for reception places would be 2,600 by the end of the decade so there was unlikely to be any change in the near future.  It was felt that the current decisions were well based on the information available currently.  Recent National Office for Statistics data had also continued to show a reduction in the birth rate.  In respect of secondary schools, there had been an upward trend in demand for places but this had now tapered off.  Whilst there was likely to be surplus places in future, this was not anticipated to be as large as for primaries and the need to address the issue was therefore not as pressing. 

In answer to a question, Mr Shasha stated that the reductions in demand for places were due to a number of factors including the high cost of housing, Covid, Brexit and a long term decline in the birth rate.    The reductions had occurred over a number of years.  Mr Hewlett stated that the impact on schools would be considerable, particularly on their finances.  There would be a need to have some challenging conversations with a number of them regarding this, including the diocesan authorities.  The issues were particularly challenging for smaller schools and there now a lot more schools that were one form entry. 

In answer to a question, Mr Shasha stated that the trends were not unique to Haringey and were also being experienced in neighbouring boroughs.  Mr Hewlett stated that, although there were significant housing developments taking place in the borough, these would probably not make much difference.   Some schools would benefit but not all.

The Panel noted that schools within geographical clusters met together from time-to-time.   These were felt to be useful and more were requested.  It was also noted that Catholic schools in the borough were currently undertaking due diligence regarding conversion to academies.   Mr Hewlett responded that it was important that schools met together to collaborate on addressing the drop in demand for places.  It would provide an opportunity to explore what might make them more sustainable.  Some smaller schools were performing very well and good practice could be shared.   Staff in many schools were staying in post for longer, which meant that they were more expensive to employ and this was proving a challenge for schools.  A number had made proposals to restructure in response.  He was aware of what was occurring with Catholic schools in the borough and had spoken to the Diocese regarding it.

The Panel noted that one school had responded to the drop in admissions by setting up a class purely for SEND children, who had thrived by being in a smaller class.  Mr Hewlett commented that he was aware of the arrangements being made for SEND children at the school in question.  However, inclusivity needed to be maintained and the process managed carefully.   One of the aims of the Safety Valve programme was to keep more SEND children in Haringey schools.  More SEND children staying in the borough meant more money for schools and therefore benefitted all children.