Children's Services Management Team sponsor:

Pam Robinson - Deputy Director of Children's Services: telephone 01962 847991; email: [email protected]

Contact: Eric Smith - Education Officer SEN: telephone 01962 846245: email: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

1.2 that the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education):

1.2.1 notes the consultation responses and approves the publication of Notices under Section 19 of the Education & Inspections Act 2006 of the County Council's intention to:

a) close the resourced provision for deaf and hearing impaired pupils at The Westgate School, Winchester, with effect from 31 August 2009; and

b) close the resourced provision for deaf and hearing impaired pupils at Woodcot Primary School, Gosport, with effect from 31 August 2009.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports Hampshire County Council's priorities:

"Making Hampshire safe and more secure for all" - by helping to ensure that deaf and hearing impaired children have appropriate support and are able to achieve and participate successfully within their school and local community;

"Maximising well-being" - by securing resourced provision for the future, which nurtures social and emotional well-being, as well as maintaining high quality education and support; and

"Enhancing our quality of place" - through effective support services and maintaining a secure pattern of resourced provision which is accessible to children throughout the County.

2.2 The proposals also contribute to the achievement of deaf and HI children of the five outcomes as specified in the Children Act 2004: viz.

· Being healthy

· Staying safe

· Enjoying and achieving

· Making a positive contribution

· Economic well-being

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 A number of options for the future pattern of resourced provision in mainstream schools were subject to consultation and reports to Executive Member in 2006 and 2007. The proposals which have been subject to further consultation, reported on in the attached report, were identified following a period of wider consultation and deliberation.

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 Not applicable

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

6.1 Not applicable

Approved by: Date:

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

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education)