Contacts:

Chris Holt - Head of School Organisation;

Tel: 01962 845673; e-mail: [email protected]

Eric Smith - Education Officer (SEN);

Tel: 01962 846245; e-mail: [email protected]

Alex Munro - School Organisation Officer;

Tel: 01962 846462; e-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That, in relation to the proposed first phase of development, Cabinet

1.1.1 approves the publication of a notice proposing the closure of Forest Edge and Salterns Schools with effect from 31 August 2009, and the opening in Totton from 1 September 2009 of a 2 - 19 school, comprising a 72 place school on the Forest Edge site and continuing use of the Salterns School building, catering for the full range of learning difficulties (LD);

and, in relation to the proposed second phase of development,

1.1.2 grants the Director of Children's Services the authority to undertake further consultations, to coincide with the timing of the County Council's eligibility for funding through the government's Building Schools for Future strategy for secondary schools and its availability in the New Forest area of the county, on the proposals

a) to close Oak Lodge School and to open on the same site an 11 - 19 school catering for the full range of learning difficulties (LD);

b) to reduce the age range of pupils at the 2-19 school established in Totton to 2 - 11.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priorities:

"Maximising well-being" - by providing new facilities and a wider range of staff expertise to respond to pupils' individual special educational needs and enhance their ability to play a full part in their community.

"Enhancing our quality of place" - by providing new school buildings and infrastructure within the context of a wider learning campus.

2.2 The decision supports the following Aims of the Children Act:

being healthy: (enjoying good physical and mental health and living a healthy lifestyle) by ensuring that recreational facilities are enhanced, that healthy living is incorporated into all pupils' curriculum and that the particular health needs of the most disabled pupils are safeguarded ;

staying safe: (being protected from harm and neglect) - by having access to a secure learning environment and ensuring that those pupils for whom transport is provided are fully supervised by trained personnel on their journey to and from school.

enjoying and achieving: (getting the most out of life and developing the skills for adulthood) - by providing a high standard of education for children in improved accommodation;

making a positive contribution: (being involved with the community and society and not engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour) - by encouraging curriculum and social links with other schools and involvement with the local community;

economic well-being: (not being prevented by economic disadvantage from achieving their full potential in life) - by ensuring that proposals will be to the benefit of all children, giving them a sound start to their schooling and developing their independence and life skills.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 These are considered in paragraphs 9.21 - 9.25 of the report.

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

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

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

Approved by: Date:
Councillor T.K. Thornber, C.B.E. - Chairman