This report outlines place planning processes, forecasting of pupil numbers and capacity for mainstream and special primary and secondary schools to ensure sufficiency of places.

The Director of Children’s Services, Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), submitted a report providing the Committee with an outline of place planning processes, forecasting of pupil numbers and capacity for mainstream and special primary and secondary schools to ensure sufficiency of places.  The following appendices were attached to the report:

The report explained that, for Early Years and Primary Schools, the low birth rate and decrease in Early Years pupil numbers would impact on early years and primary provision, with more empty places which would affect school budgets.  The five year forecast to 2023 was for a continuing surplus of places and BFFC needed to work with Early Years providers and primary schools to manage this in terms of space and budgets.

The report explained that there was increased demand for secondary places in Reading schools, and that three bulge classes and an additional 12 places had been negotiated for September 2019, with a possibility that further bulge classes would be needed in 2020 and 2021.  The new secondary school was unlikely to open until September 2022 at the earliest and there was a risk of shortfall in places as only two schools remained that did not currently have a bulge class.

The report also explained that there was insufficient Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision in Reading, particularly in the areas of ASC and SEMH.  With the number of SEND pupils increasing there was likely to be a shortfall of SEND places.  The SEND strategy planned for a 70 place special school to increase capacity, but this would not be open until 2022 at the earliest.  Pupils would therefore continue to be placed outside Reading - potentially in expensive provision – which would have a financial impact and delay any savings that the new school places would provide.  The strategy included working with neighbouring authorities to enable pupils to attend schools nearer their home, and reduce expenditure on school transport and potentially on placements.

Resolved –    That the report be noted.