Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:  

1)    Agree the School Organisation Plan and for publication.

2)    Agree to the School Organisation Plan being updated and presented to the   Cabinet Portfolio Member, relevant Select Committee and schools annually with the latest data and forecasts.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed a School Organisation Plan to support strategic school place planning and for schools to be kept informed and to plan effectively for the future.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education presented the report. The report provided an overview of Hillingdon’s educational landscape, summarising current and projected pupil demand across primary, secondary, and special school settings. It outlined the Council’s plans for future school places within the Borough, emphasising the need to manage school places effectively and maintain a balance of sufficiency.

The Cabinet Member explained that the document projected place requirements for the next seven years, noting a decline in demand that had led to a planned reduction by 18 forms of entry in the primary sector by 2026. The report also addressed the growth in demand for special educational needs placements since 2014, highlighting the creation of specialist resource provisions and designated units benefiting 71 children.

The Cabinet Member underscored that the report set out the need for schools to adapt and become flexible within the educational landscape, mentioning the conversion of schools to Academy status and the formation of multi-Academy trusts or collaborations within the Borough.

The Leader of the Council commended the Director of Education & SEND for the strong, informative, and useful report, requesting the Chief Executive to convey Cabinet’s gratitude.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.