1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

1. That the County Council adopts a strategy for the provision of Key Stage 2 swimming involving a reduction in the number of primary and secondary school pools receiving central capital financial support.

2. That a capital investment strategy is developed for the improvement and repair of those pools which will continue to receive financial support over a planned period of five years, with investment to be split equally between Children's Services and Policy and Resources.

3. That the level of investment is set provisionally at a total of £750,000 per annum.

4. That those pools listed in Appendix A receive capital investment under the strategy.

5. That further work is now undertaken to develop the strategy and to communicate in more detail with schools affected significantly by the proposals.

2. Reason

2.1 The decision supports the following County Council priorities:

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all" - by promoting the provision of swimming facilities of a high standard

"Enhancing our quality of place" - by investing in the improvement of swimming facilities in schools.

The decision supports the Aims of the Children Act by proposing an investment strategy in high quality facilities for children to learn to swim.

3. Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 Consideration was given to continuing with the status quo. This was rejected, however, as taking no action would mean that pools were likely to become unusable over time, with consequential difficulties for schools in meeting the Key Stage 2 swimming requirement. Investment in all school pools was rejected because the estimated cost of £27m could not be met from available resources.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education)