Archived decisions

Decision Maker:

Cabinet

Item 5

Date of Decision:

27 April 2009

Decision Title:

Oak Farm Community School, Farnborough - approval to discontinue the school with effect from 31 August 2011

Decision Reference:

631

Report From:

The Director of Children's Services

Contact name:

Glenn Parkinson - School Organisation Officer

Chris Holt - Head of School Organisation

Tel:

01962 846664

01962 845673

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

1) The following decision was made:

1.1. That Cabinet approval be given to the following proposal, published by the local authority, in accordance with Section 15 (1) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006:

To discontinue Oak Farm Community School, Farnborough with effect from 31 August 2011 and that there be no admissions to year 7 in 2010 and beyond.

1.2. That Cabinet re-affirms its commitment to continuing use of the Oak Farm Community School site for educational and community purposes.

1.3. That, as a matter of urgency, Cabinet instructs the Chief Executive and Director of Children's Services to begin discussions on the community use of the facilities at Oak Farm Community School with Rushmoor Borough Council and appropriate community organisations, including the Nepalese community.

2) Reasons for the decision

These are the reasons for this decision being made, including any links to the corporate strategy.

2.1. The Local Authority believes the proposal will lead to improvements in the standard, quality and range of educational provision for all pupils, including those with special educational needs.

2.2. The significant surplus places, continued low admission numbers and poor examination results mean that, in line with the DCSF Guidance for Local Authorities and Governing Bodies on Closing a Maintained Mainstream School, the Local Authority has considered the future of the school and considers that closure would result in a more efficient targeting of resources and better opportunities for pupils in the area.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Option 1: The school to remain open

a) Pupils' access to a broad and balanced curriculum would be compromised

b) The school would not be viable in educational and financial terms

c) Surplus places in the area would be at an unacceptably high level in the context of Building Schools for the Future

4) Conflicts of Interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker:

None

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted:

None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent :

None

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

Approved by:

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Date:

27 April 2009

Chairman of the Cabinet

Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE