Agenda item

Consideration was given to a verbal presentation of the Director of Education and Early Years and the Head of Education Support Services on the plans around Education in East Oldham, with a particular focus on Oasis Leesbrook and Clarksfield School.

Members were informed that the Academy Conversion of Clarksfield School to become part of the Oasis Community Learning Trust was on track to be completed in December 2018 / January 2019. It was noted that £3.3 million of investment had been provided for the building, including £1 million allocated from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Members were informed that the Previous Head of Oasis Academy Limeside had been overseeing the development of the school which has already had great signs of improvements. Members noted that the Pupil Admission Number (PAN) for Clarksfield School would be increasing by a 1 form entry (30 pupils per year group) by Easter 2019. This would give a total PAN of 90 pupils per year group.

Members asked whether Clarksfield School would be going to the Planning Committee, they were advised that the school currently has four floors and that the swimming pool would be removed. It was stated that information is being collated and that it would be passed to Members. It was noted that the landscape around the school was looking to be changed as those working on the project want to make it an attractive setting.

Members stated that discussions need to take place within the community around the school and that there needs to be community representation. . Members were informed that Oasis hold a number of community events around their schools. An Interim Executive Board (IEB) was currently in place until December 2018 which included the Executive Director for Economy, Skills and Neighbourhood. Oasis have stated that they want the IEB to continue however they will be a slight personnel change.

Members were informed that Ofsted had recently been in contact with the Local Authority to state that they were satisfied with the progress of Clarksfield School.

Members were informed that the Oasis Leesbrook ESFA build was currently on track to be completed and opened by 2020. It was noted that the current building that the school occupies needs to be vacated by 2020.

Members commented on the location on the new school and the fact the intake for the school would bring in children from Lees that would otherwise attend Saddleworth School. It was noted that the intake for September 2018 90% of the pupils were South East Asian due to the demographics of the area. It was stated that the new school should have a diverse population due to the location.

Members enquired about Waterhead Academy and the progress it has made. Members were concerned that the development of Oasis Leesbrook might impact on the intake at Waterhead Academy, and asked that efforts were made to ensure that both schools were as attractive as possible to people in different parts of the District. Members were informed that investment has been provided to support Waterhead Academy and their aim was to become a Good school. It was noted that the introduction of the new curriculum had affected the outcomes for lots of schools, and that Waterhead Academy is learning from last year.

RESOLVED that the information presented to the District Executive be noted.