Archived decisions

KINGS COPSE PRIMARY SCHOOL, HEDGE END

1. On 18 March 2005 the Executive Member for Education approved a strategy for primary school provision in the Hedge End/West End/Botley areas designed to reduce the level of surplus places and, at the same time, improve teaching and learning facilities at schools in the area. Two elements of the strategy were the provision of a new, 210 place, one form entry (1fe) primary school to serve a housing development (Dowds Farm) in the north of the area and the rebuilding of Kings Copse Primary as a 1fe 210 place school on its existing site.

2. Following further consultations with both Botley CE (Controlled) and Kings Copse Primary Schools, the Executive Member on 13 July 2005 has now approved the establishment of resourced provision for up to 10 children with a visual impairment as part of the new Kings Copse Primary School building at Hedge End with effect from 1 September 2007. Such provision in a mainstream school for pupils with statements of special educational needs (SEN) is a "prescribed alteration" and therefore requires a decision by the Executive Member to publish notices of the County Council's intention to make this provision.

3. Whilst both the Botley and Kings Copse Primary Schools offered a suitable base for such provision, it was felt that the opportunity of including the facility as part of the design of a new Kings Copse Primary School building would offer the most benefit. There has been a wide measure of support for this provision by all concerned, including the governing body, teaching and support staff of Kings Copse Primary School. The visually impaired pupils will not be admitted until the new accommodation is completed.

4. This supports aim 1 (maximising life opportunities) and aim 5 (improving services) of the Corporate Strategy by making the best use of physical resources and the establishment of new provision for visually impaired children.

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