Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet consider the responses to the statutory consultation as set out in the report and Appendix 4 and approve the proposed satellite of Meadow High School at the Harefield Boarding Block and subsequent increase in number of places.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered the responses from the statutory consultation into the expansion of Meadow High School and the creation of new places at a satellite hub at Harefield Academy and weighing up all relevant factors, it agreed the statutory proposals to enable this.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education noted that Meadow High School was the largest special school in the Borough and welcomed that the school had also done a significant amount of work consulting with the parents and staff on the proposals.

The Cabinet Member set out how the plans would provide an increase in SEND places and also support the Council’s Dedicated Schools Grant Safety Valve Agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to proceed with the statutory plans for the school expansion, but considered this not to be an option given the importance of additional SEND places needed in the Borough.