Decision details

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of School Support Services which sought approval to expand Mayfield Primary School.

The Cabinet was informed that the Local Authority had a statutory duty to provide sufficient school places within its area. There was a forecasted shortfall in the East Oldham planning area from September 2018 and ongoing and, in order to meet this demand, the Local Authority was under a statutory obligation to provide an additional 2 forms of entry (FE) in East Oldham by 2020. Current predictions showed that an additional 2 FE will be needed by 2020, increasing to 3 to 4 FE by 2023. One additional form of entry at Clarksfield Primary School had already been agreed by Cabinet in July 2018 and there was now a requirement to secure an additional form of entry to satisfy demand.

Cabinet noted that four schools were considered for expansion (Greenhill Academy, Woodlands Academy (formerly Watersheddings Community Primary School), Greenacres Academy, and Mayfield Academy. Following site visits and a desk top analysis the Education Provision Group (EPG) had recommended that Mayfield Academy be expanded by 1 FE to ensure that demand was met. Only Good and Outstanding schools could be expanded and Mayfield Primary School was given an Ofsted rating of Good in June 2018. In addition, Mayfield Primary School was the most oversubscribed school of those considered. The cost per place represented good value for money and was the most cost-effective option.

Options/Alternatives considered:-

Option 1 - Expand Mayfield Primary School.

Option 2 - Expand Woodlands Primary school.

Option 3 - Expand Greenacres Primary School.

Option 4 - Expand Greenhill Primary School.

RESOLVED – That:

1.     The basic need funding of up to £2.5m for a 1 FE expansion at Mayfield Academy be approved.

2.     Authority be delegated to the Director of Education and Early Years to develop, consult, procure and arrange for the execution by the Director of Legal Services of any relevant contracts and incidental and ancillary documentation in accordance with the agreed school expansions programme.