Archived decisions
Appendix E1
Special school provision in the East New Forest
Forest Edge School - Governors' Consultation Meeting
7 February 2007
Present from Local Authority:
Chris Holt - Education Officer (School Review)
Sue Stares - SEN Inspector
Alex Munro - Education Officer
Present from Forest Edge School:
11 governors and the clerk to the governing body
Miss R Wiles - Headteacher
Start of Meeting: 10.00 am
Close of meeting: 11.05 am
Introduction
Sue Stares explained the background to the current review of special school provision in the East New Forest area, referring to a joint working party of headteachers, officers, educational psychologists and SEN inspectors which had reviewed the developing role of special schools throughout the county. From this had developed an overall strategy which, in turn, linked to a complementary strategy for SEN provision in the New Forest. Sue Stares emphasised the increasing links between mainstream and special schools and associated partnership working with other children's services.
Chris Holt outlined the timescale for decisions, saying that, if school closures were proposed, decisions would be taken by the County Council's Cabinet on 21 May 2007. Notices would then be published and, as a direct consequence of the 2006 Education and Inspections Act, would invite expressions of interest from other potential sponsors. September 2009 was the earliest date by which any new school could be completed.
Mr Holt also referred to the key role of the temporary governing body whose first task would be the appointment of a new headteacher.
The following questions were asked and comments made by governors:
Pupils
1. What would happen at Year 7 to those "traditional" Forest Edge pupils?
2. How certain can one be about future numbers on roll?
3. How many primary pupils are currently being educated out county?
4. Some parents are concerned about the potential wider mix of pupils with special educational needs. Would they be taught in separate classes?
Procedures
5. Would the more complex public notice procedures required by the 2006 Act mean any delay in the proposed September 2009 start date?
6. Would there be any significant difference if the new school was "sponsored" rather than being set up as a community school?
7. Has the County Council had experience of merging special schools elsewhere? If so, what lessons have been learnt?
Buildings
8. How disruptive would the building works be to the education of those pupils still on site?
9. Would details of the new buildings be available on the County Council website?
10. Access to the Forest Edge site was very difficult and it was crucial, therefore, that this should be addressed in any proposals for a new school.
11. Would there be enough space in the new school for all the facilities which were now deemed essential for pupils with complex special needs?
12. Had the County Council thought of attempting to purchase the adjoining allotments?
Staff
13. Would staff at both Forest Edge and Salterns have to apply formally for a post in the new school?
14. What would happen to any staff who were unsuccessful in gaining a post in the new school?
Governance and management
15. Would it be possible for the governing body to visit other schools which have been reorganised?
Other issues
16. Have Lydlynch Infant School and Abbotswood Junior School been consulted about the proposals?
17. What would be the future of the Clifford Centre, currently on the Forest Edge site?
18. Were there any plans to build a Children's Centre on site?
19. Would there be closer links with other agencies such as health?
Governors were encouraged to submit a formal response to the consultations. Individuals could also reply via the response sheet incorporated within the consultation booklet or the County Council's website.