Agenda item

Officers presented a report on changes to School Admission Arrangements. The focus was on the proposed reduction in Published Admission Numbers (PAN) for Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School, suggesting a decrease from 120 to 90 in both schools. The reasoning behind this recommendation was related to the financial viability of classes, as it was deemed necessary to have around 25 children per class to achieve this. Continuous reviews of PAN and admissions arrangements were conducted to ensure schools can manage financially while meeting local demand.

The School Admissions Code mandated consultation on all changes for a minimum of six weeks. The consultation period for this proposal took place between 23 October and 18 December, with no responses received. The report emphasised the importance of monitoring changing numbers over time to align with demand.

Members raised concerns about the available spaces in primary planning area six, citing the census from the previous year. Members highlighted the limited spaces between schools, especially in reception classes (based on the Census May 2023 Roll). Expressing concern about the proposed reduction for Whitehall, Members urged consideration of current year numbers instead of relying on last year's data. Officers noted that the confirmed entry numbers for September 2023 for Whitehall Infant School was 93 and for Whitehall Junior School was 87, which represented a significant reduction. This decline was attributed to a projected decrease in roles. Officers were monitoring to ensure that PANs were in line with demand. Officers were also creating a School Organisation Plan with more detailed projections. It was noted that if schools reduced their PAN, they could increase them later if required.

Members noted the overall decrease in primary numbers across the borough. Officers clarified that the decrease was a pan-London issue, and the primary goal was to be responsive to changes to avoid financial challenges for schools. Officers assured that they were closely monitoring numbers and creating a detailed School Organisation Plan for projections over time. The flexibility within the system allowed schools to adjust their PAN according to demand.

Members enquired about the seven empty classrooms between the two schools and suggested considering the utilisation of vacant classrooms for other purposes, such as temporary SEND provision or Council initiatives. Officers acknowledged the challenge of setting up temporary provisions and emphasised the need for careful decision-making. Officers noted ongoing collaboration with schools to explore creative ways to support them. It was noted that creating SEND provision had to comply with regulations.

Members raised a question about teacher redundancies due to decreasing roles. Officers noted that schools would gradually reduce staffing over time, avoiding large-scale redundancies.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1.    Reviewed the proposed changes to Hillingdon’s Admissions Arrangements detailed in the Cabinet report;

2.    Noted the NIL response from the consultation on a PAN change to a community primary phase school; and

3.    Delegated to the Democratic Services Officer in conjunction with the Chairman (and in consultation with the Opposition Lead) to agree comments to be submitted to Cabinet.