Agenda item - Update and outcome of the formal consultation stage for the proposed Falmer Academy

Report of the Director of Children’s Services (copy to follow)

(1)       That progress since the Cabinet Report of 10th July 2008 be noted.

(2)       That the outcome of the statutory stage of consultation undertaken between 1 September and 13 October 2008 be considered.

(3)       That, taking into account the requirements of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, the statutory guidance contained in the DCSF document entitled ‘Closing of a Maintained Mainstream School – A Guide for Local Authorities and Governing Bodies’ and the responses to consultation, the conditional approval be given to close Falmer High School on 31st August 2010 to enable the immediate opening of Falmer Academy on 1st September 2010. This approval is conditional upon the making of an agreement under Section 482(1) of the Education Act 1996 for the establishment of an Academy. This condition must be met by 31st January 2009.

(4)       That the Director of Children’s Services be delegated authority to submit the Outline Business Case (OBC) to the DCSF to enable the project to move into the Implementation Stage.

90.1    The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services that updated Members on the process of the proposed development of an Academy on the Falmer High School site. The report also informed Members of the outcome of the statutory consultation process and sought approval to determine the closure of the Falmer High School in August 2010 to enable the opening of the Falmer Academy in September 2010 (for copy see minute book).

90.2    Councillor Brown thanked officers for their hard work and noted the extensive consultation undertaken.

90.3    Councillor Caulfield noted that the majority of residents affected in her ward were positive about the proposed changes. The only concerns that had been bought to her attention regarded the catchment area.

90.4    The Chairman noted that Councillor Hawkes had requested to speak on the issue and invited her to address the meeting.

90.5    Councillor Hawkes supported the proposals made and noted the additional opportunities the project gave to children in the area.

90.6    RESOLVED -

(1)       That progress since the Cabinet Report of 10th July 2008 be noted.

(2)       That the outcome of the statutory stage of consultation undertaken between 1 September and 13 October 2008 be considered.

(3)       That, taking into account the requirements of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, the statutory guidance contained in the DCSF document entitled ‘Closing of a Maintained Mainstream School – A Guide for Local Authorities and Governing Bodies’ and the responses to consultation, the conditional approval be given to close Falmer High School on 31st August 2010 to enable the immediate opening of Falmer Academy on 1st September 2010. This approval is conditional upon the making of an agreement under Section 482(1) of the Education Act 1996 for the establishment of an Academy. This condition must be met by 31st January 2009.

(4)       That the Director of Children’s Services be delegated authority to submit the Outline Business Case (OBC) to the DCSF to enable the project to move into the Implementation Stage.