Contact: Chris Holt, Head of School Organisation

Telephone: 01962 845673, e-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education)

a) approves consultations taking place during the summer term 2008 with parents, staff, governors, pupils, Rushmoor Borough Council, local schools and other interested parties on the proposal to close Oak Farm Community School.

b) agrees that options be explored to consider how community learning and education provision might continue to operate on the Chaucer Road site in the event of the school's closure.

c) agrees that a report on the outcome of the consultations be prepared for submission in autumn 2008.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following County Council County Council priority:

- "Maximising well-being" - through the securing of an accessible, broad and balanced curriculum for secondary age pupils and through the exploration of opportunities to build on and enhance extended and community services.

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 maintaining the opportunity for pupils to attend a school within a reasonable walking distance.

Staying safe: (being protected from harm and neglect) - by having access to a secure learning environment.

Enjoying and achieving: (getting the most out of life and developing the skills for adulthood) - by providing the facilities and support to offer a high standard of education for pupils and larger peer groups which offer wider opportunities across the curriculum.

Making a positive contribution: (being involved with the community and society and not engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour) - by safeguarding friendship and neighbourhood groups by continuing to provide secondary education within a reasonable distance of pupils' homes.

Economic well-being: (not being prevented by economic disadvantage from achieving their full potential in life) - by providing access to a high standard of education offering pupils the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge to aid them in securing gainful employment and the future ability to provide for themselves and their families.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 None.

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.

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

6.1 N/A.

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education)