Archived decisions

    WEDNESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2004 AT 2.15 P.M.

    COUNCIL CHAMBER, THE CASTLE, WINCHESTER

          (* Please note the change of venue)

Further guidance can be found at the School Organisation Committee website address: www.hants.gov.uk/hampshiresoc/

1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

    In accordance with Section 6 of the Constitution, nominations for the appointment of Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year are requested.

2. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN

    In accordance with Section 6 of the Constitution nominations for the appointment of Vice Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year are requested.

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

4. MINUTES (pages 1 - 6 )

    To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Friday 25 June 2004.

    MATTERS FOR DECISION

5. PINEWOOD INFANT SCHOOL, FARNBOROUGH - PROPOSED CLOSURE

    SOUTHWOOD INFANT SCHOOL, COVE - ESTABLISHMENT OF REPLACEMENT PROVISION FOR CHILDREN WITH SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION NEEDS (pages 8 - 269)

    To receive deputations in relation to these proposals.

    The County Education Officer to be invited to present the Local Education Authority case. The Committee are also asked to consider the prescribed information to discontinue Pinewood Infant School, with effect from 31 August 2006; and to make a prescribed alteration to Southwood Infant School, by establishing resourced provision for children with speech, language and communication needs, with effect from 1 September 2006.

    The Committee are also asked to consider the representations received to these proposals following publication of notices.

6. BLACKFIELD INFANT AND JUNIOR SCHOOLS - PROPOSED AMALGAMATION (pages 270 -317)

    The County Education Officer to be invited to present the joint proposals of the Local Education Authority and Governing Body of Blackfield Junior School. The Committee are asked to consider the prescribed information to discontinue Blackfield Infant School with effect from 31 August 2006; and the prescribed alteration to Blackfield Junior School by extending the age range to become a foundation primary school, to cater for 540 boys and girls, irrespective of ability, aged 4 to 11, with effect from 1 September 2006.

    NOTE:

    No representations were received in response to the public notices published on 14 June 2004, however the Committee must still consider the linked proposals.

7. SCHOOL ORGANISATION PLAN (2004 REVIEW) (pages 318 - 415 )

    To consider the draft plan and submit comments to the Local Education Authority by 1 November, 2004.

8. THE SUNDRIDGE SCHOOL, COWPLAIN - ENLARGEMENT AND TRANSFER TO NEW SITE IN LEIGH PARK (pages 416 - 417)

    As there were no objections to these proposals, the Local Education Authority (LEA) was required to determine whether to implement them. The LEA has been unable to make a determination within the statutory time period and, therefore, the proposals have fallen to the Committee for determination. The LEA has sent a letter dated 31 August, 2004 requesting that the Committee defer consideration of the proposals setting out the reasons for this request.

    RECOMMENDATION:

    That the Committee decide whether to defer consideration of the proposals and, if the Committee decides not to do so, to determine whether to approve the proposals.

9. CONSULTATION ON THE (EDUCATION) (MISCELLANEOUS) (ENGLAND) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2004

                    (pages 418 - 431)

    The Department for Education and Schools (DfES) is consulting on a number of mainly technical amendments being proposed to school organisation regulations, namely: the Education (School Organisation Proposals) (England) Regulations 1999 (no 2213); the Education (School Organisation Committees) (England) Regulations 1999 (no 700); and the Education (References to Adjudicator) Regulations 1999 (no 702). The consultation period ends on 30 September 2004 and the SOC is a statutory consultee.

    RECOMMENDATION:

    That the Committee decide whether it should respond to the DfES.

    MATTERS FOR INFORMATION

10. REVISED GUIDANCE ON STATUTORY PROPOSALS TO CLOSE RURAL SCHOOLS (pages 418 - 431)

    RECOMMENDATION:

    That the Committee note new guidance for the consideration of closures of rural schools, comes into effect from 1 October, 2004. (i.e. for proposals submitted to the SOC for decision after that date).

11. HAWTHORNS SCHOOL, BASINGSTOKE - PROPOSED CLOSURE

                  (pages 432 - 433)

    No objections were received in response to the public notices published on 26 May 2004 and accordingly the Local Education Authority has determined to implement the proposals as set out in the notice.

    RECOMMENDATION:

    That the Committee note the action taken by the Local Education Authority.

12. FUTURE MEETINGS

    The Committee are asked to note in their diaries the following dates:

    · 15 December, 2004 at 2.15 p.m

    · 4 February, 2005 at 10.15 a.m.

    · 15 April, 2005 at 10.15 a.m.

    · 17 June, 2005 at 10.15 a.m.

    · 23 September, 2005 at 10.15 a.m.

    · 2 December, 2005 at 10.15 a.m.

(* venues to be confirmed)

Karen Widdowson

For Secretary to the School Organisation Committee