Purpose

Proposal to consult on closing, repurposing and redesignation three Enfield schools in response to falling pupil numbers and increasing demand for SEN provision.

Decision

DECISION:

The Cabinet agreed to:

I.               Approve commencement of consultation on the proposed closure of Bishop Stopford's School and alternatives to closure.

II.             Approve commencement of consultation on the proposed closure of Starks Field Primary School and alternatives to closure.

III.            Approve commencement of consultation on the closure of Suffolks Primary School and alternatives to closure.

IV.           Approve the allocation of up to £150,000 from Council General Fund resources to fund the consultation process including legal advice, consultation materials, stakeholder engagement & consultation events.

V.             Delegate authority to the Executive Director of People to undertake consultation with the relevant stakeholders, parents, staff, governors, diocesan authorities, trade unions, neighbouring local authorities and other interested parties.

VI.           Delegate authority to the Cabinet member for education to agree the consultation document.

VII.         Note that a report will be brought back to Cabinet, following consideration of consultation responses, setting out the recommended options for the schools, including whether to proceed to commence the statutory process to close any of the schools.

VIII.        Note that the consultation process will make it clear that the council wishes to seek the widest possible range of views about the future of the schools.