Contact: Robin Thomas, Acting Assistant County Education Officer, Tel: 01962 846426 email: [email protected]

Ian Lawson. Strategic Planning Officer. Tel 01962 846350 e-mail: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the content and recommendations of the Hawthorns and Ashwood Education Centre paper are supported in terms of:

_ Approval for the publication of statutory proposals for the closure of Hawthorns School as from 31 August 2004

_ The closure of the Ashwood Education Centre as from 31 August 2004

_ Interim arrangements from 1^st September 2004

1.2 The proposal is consistent with Hampshire County Council's corporate aims in terms of:

_ Aim 1 - maximising life opportunities

_ Aim 4 - building strong and safe communities

_ Aim 5 - improving services

2. Reason

Closing both Hawthorns School and the Ashwood Education Centre, whilst establishing new, forward looking, pro-active provision, provides the County Council with the opportunity to begin implementation of the behaviour support strategy, as presented to the Education Policy Review Committee on 23 March 2004.

3. Other Options considered and rejected:

The only other option is to continue with the status quo, with little evidence of likely improvement in the education of these vulnerable young people in the future. This option has been rejected in the best interest of the young people involved.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - none

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable

Approved by: Date:

Councillor