Archived decisions

Contact: Ian Lawson, Strategic Planning Officer (01962 846350)

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That public notices be published, in accordance with section 31 (1) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to make a prescribed alteration to Osborne School, Winchester, by closing the off-site class currently based in accommodation at Toynbee School, Chandlers Ford, with effect from 1 September 2003.

2. Reasons

2.1 On 27 March 2003, the Executive Member, Education decided, following advice from the Education Policy Review Committee, that Osborne School's off-site class based at Toynbee School should permanently close.

2.2 At the time of that decision, it was expected that this could be formally effected by requesting that the Secretary of State should modify the original approval for the reorganisation of special schools in Winchester and Eastleigh, which made reference to the transfer of the off-site class to Osborne (then Lankhills) School. Subsequent discussion with the DfES has indicated that this is not within the range of changes for which the Secretary of State is prepared to make a modification and that new regulations, which have not yet been published but are intended to come into force on 1 June 2003, will add the closure of one site of a split-site special school to the list of changes defined as "prescribed alterations" and for which public notices are therefore required.

2.3 In the light of this advice it is proposed that public notices should now be published. If any objections are received, the proposal will be submitted to the School Organisation Committee for approval.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Retention of the off-site class. This is not considered to be practicable, for reasons contained in the report considered by the Policy Review Committee on 25 March 2003.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or member or officer consulted

4.1 None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable

7. Decision

7.1 In the light of the DfES advice, it is recommended that public notices be published, in accordance with section 31(1) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, to make a prescribed alteration to Osborne School, Winchester, by closing the off-site class currently based at Toynbee School, Chandlers Ford. If there are no objections, this could take effect from 1 September 2003. If there are objections, approval would be sought at the meeting of the School Organisation Committee on 9 September 2003.

Approved by: Date of decision:

Councillor D. Allen

Section 100D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB: the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

Correspondence with DfES, on Education Department file.