Purpose

This report summarises the case for an expansion of specialist  provision for learners aged 4-19 across the city, outlining changes to provision being progressed and seeking cabinet approval to consult on further changes.

Decision

Appendices 5 and 6 are exempt from publication because they contain information of the kind described in paragraphs 14 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person) and 21 (public interest test) of parts 4 and 5 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

RESOLVED: that

1. officers be authorised to:

a)    Consult on the proposals to increase the number of places for learners with Emotional Health and Wellbeing Needs and the number of places for learners with Complex Learning Needs/ Autism Spectrum Condition.

b)    Proceed, ahead of the Sustainable Communities for Learning rolling programme, with the design and procurement of the Ty Glas and Oak House sites, and the temporary accommodation on the existing Fitzalan High School works through the School Organisation Programme.  

1. The following be noted:

a)    The increase in the Pupil Referral Unit provision and expansion of the age range to include Key Stage 3 pupils.

b)    The expansion of the Community Teaching provision and the transfer of the service to the former Severn Adult Education Centre.

c)     The temporary relocation of Lansdowne Primary School to the existing Fitzalan High School site.

d)    That officers will bring a report on the outcome of the consultations on proposals to a future meeting to seek authorisation as to whether to proceed to publish proposals in accordance with section 48 of The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013

1. authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development to acquire the freehold interests for land at adjacent to the existing Greenhill Special School site, in line with an independent valuation, to allow the delivery of the replacement Greenhill Special School, subject to Ministerial approval for Welsh Government capital funding.