Content

RESOLVED:
 
That Cabinet approve that informal
consultations are carried out on the:
 
1. 
Proposed
closure of De Beauvoir Primary School from September
2024.

 
2. 
Proposed
closure of Randal Cremer Primary School from September
2024.
 
3. 
Proposed
merger/amalgamation of Colvestone
Primary School and Princess May Primary School, onto the Princess
May site from September 2024.

 
4. 
Proposed
merger/amalgamation of Baden Powell Primary School and Nightingale
Primary School, onto the Nightingale site from September
2024.
 
REASONS FOR DECISIONS
 
1. 
Summary
Following years of growth, the number of primary aged
children joining Hackney primary schools has been in steady decline
since 2014/15, a trend observed across London, and most prevalent
in inner-London boroughs. Pupil numbers are forecast to continue
falling until at least 2028.
 
School funding is primarily determined by the number of
children on roll, and falling rolls equates to reduced funding to
deliver education across the borough. While primary schools’
rolls are falling but the number of schools remains unchanged,
there is effectively less financial resource per
school/child.
 
The Council has a statutory duty to ensure there are a
sufficient number of school places for pupils and that places are
planned effectively. Published Admission Numbers (PANs) reflect the
maximum number of pupils schools can accommodate in each year
group: this is derived from dividing the whole school PAN by the
number of years within the school. Reductions to PANs have been
implemented across several schools in recent years, however, they
have not kept pace with falling numbers, leaving the surplus well
above viable levels.
 
The Council monitors surplus reception places, a key
measure of demand, and aims to maintain a 5-10% surplus across all
Hackney primary schools. In 2023, the reception vacancy rate in
Hackney was 21%. Without taking action, surplus reception places
are forecast to rise above 25% by 2029.
 
Allowing surplus places to remain above 20% through
inaction would directly and negatively impact the financial
viability of many Hackney schools, which will have an impact on
education. This is because schools with less income have less money
for staff salaries, for extra
curricular activities, for equipment, to pay bills and carry
out maintenance work. The quality of education and classroom
support offered for children in these schools would deteriorate in
time, as the affected schools would have to deplete surplus funds
or go into deficit to maintain their current education
offer.
 
The proposals outlined in this report begin to address the
issue of falling rolls. The Hackney Education team will continue to
work together with our schools to review and adjust future plans in
line with the priorities outlined in the Education Sufficiency and
Estates Strategy to bring surplus places to within a sustainable
range.
 
2. 
Demand for
reception places
2.1 Historical and current demand
In 2007 a surge in demand for reception places began to
occur in Hackney, a trend replicated across other London boroughs.
In response to this, LAs created additional places, at speed,
either through new provision or by implementing bulge classes in
existing schools.
 
In addition, outside of Hackney Council’s control,
the Department for Education (DfE)
approved the opening of four new free schools/academies, creating a
further 290 unplanned reception places: The Olive School (Sep
2013), Hackney New Primary School (2015), Halley House School (Sep
2015), and Mossbourne Riverside Academy
(2015). The current number and type of Hackney schools can be
viewed in appendix A.
 
After the surge in demand for reception places between
2007/08 and 2014/15, demand has decreased, with the most recent
years seeing drops of over 100 children each year. (Figure
1).
 
This London-wide decrease in the demand for reception
places has resulted in LAs (including Hackney) having to take
action to reduce the high levels of surplus reception places to
more manageable levels.
 
Historically, LAs have sought to maintain a level of 5% -
10% surplus reception places against the total number of places
available to accommodate in-year arrivals. However, as rolls have
reduced, surplus reception rates have far exceeded the target
level.
 
Figure 2 below shows the high level of surplus reception
places throughout the borough at the latest school place census
(January 2023), ranging from no vacancies to 39% vacant reception
places in the individual planning areas 
(PAs).
 
Nine out of the fourteen planning areas (PAs) had a
reception place surplus of 20% or more. Four of the fourteen
planning areas had a surplus of 10% or below, covering the areas of
Stoke Newington, Lower Clapton, Hackney Central and London
Fields.
 
2.2 Projected demand for reception places
Hackney commissions the Greater London Authority to provide
an annual 1 school rolls projection output based on January school
census data in the year that the projections are
produced.
 
For the 2024/25 academic year, the projected number of
surplus places is predicted to fall to 18% as a result of the PAN
reductions scheduled to come into effect from September
2023.
 
However, the projections go on to show a year on year rise
in surplus places until 2027 due to fewer projected children and no
further school organisation changes being proposed. Between 2027
and the end of the projection period (2031), the surplus is
projected to stagnate at 25-26%.
 
Projections become less robust the further forward the data
projects. This risk is mitigated by ensuring that the number of
reception applications are routinely monitored against current
projections data. It is clear that further action must be taken to
reduce surplus places. The next set of projections based on January
2023 census data is expected by the end of May 2023 and is likely
to reflect a further decline in demand for reception
places.
 
2.3 Factors driving the reduction in reception
demand
Demand for reception places depends upon a range of factors
including parental perceptions of schools in a given area, parental
choice, birth rates, migration and the ability to afford to live in
an area.
 
The reasons for Hackney’s declining numbers are
multifaceted, but include a combination of falling birth rates,
changes to welfare benefits, the housing crisis, increases in the
cost of living, the withdrawal of the right of entry and freedom of
movement from EU nationals (Brexit) and
as a result of families leaving London during the Covid-19
pandemic.
 
Many of these factors remain outside the Council’s
control and are no fault of the schools or their current
leadership. A report on Managing Surplus School Places in London
(2023) published by London Councils in January 2023 provides some
wider context and independent analysis of the issue.
 
3. 
Reducing
the surplus through managing published admissions numbers
(PANs)
For the reception intakes in 2019, 2022 and 2023 a total of
375 reception places were removed through reducing PANs, with the
result that the projected surplus is likely to reduce to 18% in the
2024/25 academic year.
 
Hackney Council has the authority to reduce school PANs at
all community schools (ie. 38 out of 58
primary schools), and to recommend PAN reductions at the remaining
20 academies, free or faith schools. The final decision to reduce
PAN at these schools rests with their governing body or academy
trust.
 
Reducing a school’s PAN (e.g. from 60 to 30) allows
governors and school leaders to plan for and employ fewer staff
knowing they will only need one teacher for each year
group.
 
However, while PAN reductions directly reduce the number of
surplus places, they are not a long term solution because the size
of the school building remains 
unchanged. The unused space (eg. empty
classrooms) that PAN reductions create in schools must still be
maintained, heated etc, and this draws
on resources that could be more directly used to educate and
support children.
 
The Council continues to consider reducing PANs wherever
possible at schools significantly affected by falling rolls.
Further details of PAN reductions are available in appendix
B.
 
Diocese
Of the 58 primary schools in Hackney, 11 are faith based
Roman Catholic or Church of England primaries (19%). The 2021
Census data found that 30.7% of Hackney residents identify as
Christian. It is important that we retain an appropriate mix of
faith-based schools to reflect the needs and beliefs of our
communities.
 
While the Council is not the decision maker regarding PAN
reductions at faith schools, it should be noted that the relevant
dioceses have taken steps to reduce their combined published
admission numbers to reflect changes in Hackney’s
population.
 
Each Roman Catholic primary school has moved to one form of
entry, thereby reducing their total PAN by 60, from 180 to 120. For
September 2023 starters, there were 157 applications for 120
places.
 
In spite of most Church schools being one form of entry,
the Church of England primary schools have reduced their overall
PAN by 15, with a further 30 places removed temporarily via an
informal cap. This reduces places from 285 to 240. For September
2023 starters, there were 284 applications for 240
places.
 
The Council will continue to work within a collaborative
process and take a graduated approach in partnership with both
dioceses.
 
4. 
The impact
of falling rolls and surplus places
The impact of fewer children starting reception in
individual schools creates challenges for school leaders and needs
to be managed both individually and collectively.
 
This impacts disproportionately with oversubscribed schools
being unaffected while others are now facing serious financial
pressure after year-on-year declines to their roll. This impacts on
the efficient running of schools, financial stability and education
outcomes as outlined below.
 
4.1 School income and deficit
School funding is primarily determined by the number of
children on roll and falling rolls equates to reduced funding to
deliver education across the borough. While primary schools’
rolls are falling but the number of schools in Hackney remains
unchanged, there are effectively less financial resources per
school/child.
 
Figure 3 shows the falling number of children in Hackney
primary schools, down by 1,776 between 2018 and 2023. This reduced
borough-wide roll means that in 2022/23, Hackney receives circa
£11.5m less Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Schools Block
funding based on 2022/23 per pupil 3 funding rates, compared with
2018/19.
 
In accordance with DfE funding
regulations, the majority of school funding must be allocated on
the basis of pupil numbers. The impact of surplus places can be
significant to a school’s overall budget and financial
viability.
 
In the 2022/23 academic year, for every surplus place that
a maintained primary school carries, it loses on average
£6,484 per pupil, meaning that a 33% surplus equates to
approximately £64,840 in lost potential income per class
while there is no change to the number of year groups or class
teachers.
 
High levels of surplus places results directly in a
reduction in income, which can lead to deficit budgets. Falling
rolls is a major theme that runs through the budget planning
considerations of many schools in financial difficulty. A number of
schools are currently managing small year group sizes that prove to
be uneconomical and require adopting a more flexible approach to
resourcing i.e. vertical grouping (children from different years
groups taught together) and capping of PAN.
 
To manage and balance budgets, many Hackney school leaders
have had to make efficiencies and innovations, which include
reducing costs and exploring opportunities to increase income, for
example, by hiring out facilities. However, in many cases these
options have already been taken and budgets are still under
pressure before they must deal with the financial impact of surplus
school places.
 
Whilst federations can provide some financial support
through economies of scale, our current data in relation to budget
deficits suggests that it does not protect schools sufficiently.
Deficit budgets of course directly contribute to a school's lack of
viability.
 
It is key that schools experiencing falling rolls produce
realistic 3-year budget plans (in accordance with DfE requirements for all schools) and deficit
recovery plans (if necessary), and consider their options regarding
future financial viability. These options could include staffing
restructures, reducing costs, amalgamating with (an)other school(s)
and potentially closure.
 
4.2 School performance and outcomes
While school performance and Ofsted grading often helps to
strengthen demand and protects a school from falling rolls, this
isn’t the case for Hackney, as 94.7% of primary schools in
the borough are rated good or outstanding.
 
Managing school performance in the context of falling rolls
requires governors and school leaders to make difficult decisions
affecting changes to provision for existing pupils. eg. around restructuring the staffing complement or
the removal of important enrichment provision or wrap-around
provision such as after school clubs to balance reducing
budgets.
 
What has been done already?
Further detail provided within the report. In summary, the
Council and school
leaders have:
· 
reduced the admission
number at schools that don’t fill up.
· 
combined different
year groups to keep schools financially viable.
· 
reduced their staffing
resources to balance budgets.
 
The Council has no control over the factors causing a
reduction in school aged children.
 
The Council must now start looking at schools that have
been hardest-hit by falling pupil numbers and budget pressures and
consider school closures or mergers.
 
4.3 Schools with excess physical space and large
sites
Reduced budgets impact on schools’ ability to set
aside sufficient budget to deal with day to day repair and
maintenance issues as resources must be prioritised to deal with
staffing and delivery of education.
 
This can have a significant impact on larger school
buildings and sites with fewer pupils which will have higher
premises costs. Underinvestment in the premises will create longer
term issues and increased need for capital funding to deal with a
lack of maintenance.
 
Many schools who have had their PANs reduced or capped
still have larger buildings and sites to maintain, while having a
significantly smaller budget.
 
4.4 Roll instability
Surplus places make it easier for families to move their
children from school to school, as so many have vacancies. These
unplanned transfers between schools present significant challenges
for schools, as high levels of mobility can be unsettling for
schools, and may require significant additional resources to
properly induct and support new starters.
 
School admissions regulations protect parental preference,
meaning that regardless of whether the new school is in a position
financially to meet the joining child’s needs, they are
obliged to admit.
 
4.5 Quality of education offer
Schools with reduced budgets have less income for support
staff such as teaching assistants and learning mentors, who provide
important support for pupils through academic and pastoral
interventions. Specialist teachers with expertise in physical
education, languages or art become too expensive, meaning primary
class teachers who may not be skilled or trained in these areas
have to teach these subjects themselves. It is also common in small
schools to see leaders double up on roles, such as headteachers taking on the SENCO
responsibility.
 
As budget pressure becomes greater, and class sizes drop
below 50%, schools must also consider the option of vertically
grouped classes to avoid going into deficit. This involves a
sufficiently experienced and able teacher being employed to teach
children from across two year groups in the same classroom.
Vertical grouping brings increased complexity in day to day
management and organisation and increased workload for the teacher.
The challenges of recruiting and retaining skilled and experienced
teachers in London can make schools under grave financial pressure
less attractive.
 
In addition, limited budgets mean that occasional but
important work to maintain the quality of experience at school is
not taken forward in a timely manner e.g. the computers used by
staff and children become increasingly obsolete and need
replacement, sometimes across the whole school at once due to their
original purchase being made in bulk.
 
5. 
Impact of
new housing and regeneration
There are proposed areas for regeneration and new housing
across the borough and in some of the areas close to the schools
covered in this report. However, despite the extensive council and
family housing planned, the expected initial child yield is low and
thus would not impact on school place demand in the short to medium
term, and there would remain enough school places to accommodate
need. Projections obtained annually from the Greater London
Authority take into account proposed new developments that have
attained planning permission.
 
Adopted in July 2020, the Hackney Local Plan 2033 (LP33),
requires that all new development in the borough have regard to
existing social infrastructure, which includes the provision of
education facilities. Within LP33, policy LP8 states that
‘where proposed development is expected to place pressure on
existing social infrastructure by increasing demand, these
developments will be expected to contribute towards the provision
of additional social infrastructure to meet needs, either through
on-site provision or through contributions towards providing
additional capacity off-site.
 
The Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which informed the
policies within LP33, notes that while the borough’s
population is expected to increase to 321,000 by 2033 42,000 higher
than in 2018), that the age mix of the borough is anticipated to
shift towards the older community with the growth in over 65s being
four times greater than the growth in the school age population,
ages 0-15.
 
Since 2011, the Council’s in-house building programme
has delivered more than 1,000 new homes, prioritising homes for
Council social rent. Between 2018 and 2022, we started, completed
or received planning permission for 1,984 homes – more than
half being genuinely affordable. Over the next few years,
we’ll also complete 1,146 homes, including 255 social rent
homes and 136 shared ownership homes, on the existing programmes of
council homes.
 
This means that between 2022 to 2026, we’ll start
building, and support partners to build, 1,000 new homes for social
rent through a mix of methods. In this context, the Mayor and
Cabinet agreed, in December 2022, a direct programme of 400
additional new homes on sites we’ve identified via our HRA
asset base; 75% of which are proposed for Council social
rent.
 
While there are variances across the different housing
tenures, across the Councils programme as a whole, just over 70% of
the homes delivered have been 1 and 2 bed homes; with just under
30% comprising a mix of 3 and 4 bed family sized homes. This is
broadly consistent with policy LP14 as outlined in LP33, which,
depending on the tenure of housing, requires all new developments
to comprise a mix of family sized homes, ranging from 15 to 36%.
Despite Hackney building new homes the numbers will be insufficient
to have any significant impact on the proposals in this report for
schools in scope for closure or amalgamation.
 
Options for reducing surplus places
A
review of schools with falling rolls has been undertaken to
identify how excess places can be removed from Hackney’s
school estate from September 2024. A range of options, outlined
below can be implemented to achieve this in addition to the PAN
reductions already outlined in this report
 
5.1 Merger / Amalgamation
An amalgamation can only be achieved by closing one or more
schools and providing spaces for displaced children in another
‘host’ school. This option would involve the host
school retaining its original DfE
school number as it is not technically considered a new school.
However, following the amalgamation process, governors have the
option to rename the school to create a new identity for the merged
schools.
 
Historically, an amalgamation would have involved the
closure of multiple schools and the creation of one new school.
However, under current legislation, this option would fall under
the ‘free school presumption’ meaning that the Local
Authority is unable to open a new school, but instead are placed
under a duty to seek proposers for a free
school/academy.
 
5.2 Closure
The DfE advises that school
closure decisions should be taken when there is no demand for the
school in the medium to long term and there are sufficient places
elsewhere to accommodate displaced children.
 
A
school closure would see a school cease to exist as a statutory
entity with all displaced children taking places in other local
schools. School closures can take the form of a full and immediate
closure, whereby all children on roll are supported to find places
in other local schools, or the closure can be
‘staggered’. Full and immediate closures are
recommended in this report.
 
A
staggered closure option would cease the admission of children into
reception each year until all remaining children have worked their
way through to year 6, at which time the school would close. While
this may be a less disruptive option for some families, it
significantly increases the financial burden and further damages
the quality of education at the school as pupils do not benefit
from the mixing of year groups they would usually
experience.
 
6. 
Options
review process to identify schools at risk
Following approval of the School Estates Strategy by
Cabinet in February 2022, the Council developed the framework
outlined below to include objective measures impacting on a
school's viability, using available key data to identify the
schools most at risk from falling rolls.
 
Criterion A - was the starting point for review:
Schools were reviewed based on meeting one of the following
three criteria:
· 
25% or greater surplus
reception places;
· 
25% or greater surplus
physical capacity;
· 
budget deficit in the
top 10 schools raising most financial concern.
 
Criterion B - The list created from the above criteria A
was then refined to include:
· 
schools meeting more
than one of the initial three criteria, or
· 
schools with greater
than 45% surplus reception places.
· 
Additional schools
falling outside these criteria were also considered where they are
located geographically near a shortlisted school and identified as
a potential partner for amalgamation.
 
Criterion C - The list created from the above B criteria
was further refined:
· 
The list of schools
derived from the above quantitative data driven criteria were then
reviewed for further data and qualitative
considerations.
· 
The community schools
were reviewed based on: locality and geographic partnership options
[walking distances], suitability of site to host an amalgamation
and finally overall school effectiveness and quality of education,
as indicated by current Ofsted grading, trajectory of pupil outcome
data and local reporting.
 
Finally, a feasibility review of the options created from
the above criteria was completed, this included:
· 
Number check on
projected school pupil numbers and check if all pupils would fit in
the proposed amalgamated school for September 2024.
· 
If closures were
proposed, a review of nearby schools with surplus places was
completed to ensure alternative options were available
nearby.
· 
Community impact and
children centre locations.
· 
The impact of local
area plans, such as whether new neighbourhoods and new-build
estates will create significantly more need for school places in
that area in the future.
 
The proposals that have been included in this report are a
direct result of the application of that options review
process.
 
7. 
Individual
school data for the 6 school proposed for
closure/merger
7.1 De Beauvoir Primary school - Closure
proposal
7.1.1 Background
De Beauvoir Primary School is a 1 form entry school in the
south-west of Hackney. The school was graded good when inspected in
January 2022. The school sees positive outcomes in primary
assessments 2022.
 
Prior to 2018, the school had a PAN of 60. This was reduced
to 30 from September 2019. From September 2021, the school has been
operating a capped PAN of 15, which is unprecedented for
Hackney.
 
The January 2023 census recorded 13 reception children on
roll for a capped PAN of 15 places (official PAN is 30). There were
a total of 10 offers made on national offer day for children to
join the school in September 2023.
 
7.1.2 Financial position

Financial Year

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

Brought Forward Balance

 
-73,473.57

 
-212,875.50

 
-125,557

 
82,566 *

 
140,418

 
*De Beauvoir school received the sum of £154,132, in
support of the directed PAN reduction in the financial year
2021-22.
 
7.1.3 Reason for proposed closure
Due to sustained falling rolls over several years, the
school will not be financially viable in the future. Despite a
capped PAN of 15, the school has been unable to fill all the
places. A total of 10 children were offered places to join
reception in September 2023 on national offer day.
 
At the January 2023 census, De Beauvoir recorded 13
children in Reception (a surplus of 17 places, or 57%) and 115
children across all year groups (a surplus of 185 places, or
62%).
 
Based on the number of children on roll, 73% of the
intended capacity of the school building is unused.
 
The school remains financially viable through vertically
grouping of all year groups. This is not a model of school
organisation that is encouraged or sustainable as it brings
increased complexity in day to day management and organisation and
brings increased workload for teachers and leaders who often need
to pick up multiple roles.
 
Should De Beauvoir close, there are several nearby schools
(all of which have been graded ‘Good’ or
Outstanding’ by Ofsted) that also have low rolls that
children can transfer to. These schools include Holy Trinity,
Princess May and St Matthias - all 16 minutes or less walk away and
0.52 miles and under. If a decision is made to progress with a
closure, further information and support for families affected will
be provided from the admissions team throughout the
process.
 
7.1.4 Impact and equalities
If the proposal is agreed, by September 2024, De Beauvoir
Primary School is projected to have approximately 95 pupils who
will need to find an alternative school. There is a high incidence
of need at the school with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
numbers at De Beauvoir of 10 [which is 9%], and pupils on free
school meals (FSM) [67%], both above the Hackney average [Spring
2023 Census, reception to year 6]. The school has 20 staff members
[including classroom teachers, head teacher, other support staff,
teaching assistants]. Additional support to enable a smooth
transition will be offered to affected pupils who have
EHCPs.
 
7.2 Colvestone Primary School
& Princess May Primary School - Amalgamation
proposal
7.2.1 Background
Princess May School is currently graded good by Ofsted
(October 2017) and has strong Year 2 and 6 outcomes. The school is
continuously improving. Colvestone
School is also graded good (March 2018) and has strong Year 2 and 6
outcomes. The school was part of the Soaring Skies Federation with
Thomas Fairchild school. This was dissolved by its governors in
2021 because, as reported by Ofsted after a monitoring inspection
in May 2021, ‘…Thomas Fairchild has not improved
quickly enough following the previous inspection in
2020’.
 
Both the executive headteacher
and head of school left in August 2022.
 
Subsequently, the school is in a soft partnership with the
Blossom Federation until July 2024 to receive leadership and
business support. Colvestone is also
receiving intensive level support which brings additional school
improvement adviser time and funding for curriculum development
from Hackney Education as part of its Good to Great Policy due to
the changes in leadership.
 
At Colvestone, the January 2023
census recorded 18 reception children on roll for a PAN of 30
places. There were a total of 12 offers made on national offer day
for children to join the school in September 2023.
 
At Princess May, the January 2023 census recorded 19
reception children on roll for a PAN of 60 places. There were a
total of 29 offers made on national offer day for children to join
the school in September 2023.
 
7.2.2 Financial position
Colvestone

Financial Year

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

Brought
Forward
Balance

 
-300,669.36

 
-475,486.70

 
-664,807

 
-589,966

 
-561,646*

 
*Colvestone was granted
£50k from contingency in the financial year
2022-23
to aid the stabilisation of the school post
de-federation.
 
Princess May

Financial Year

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

Brought
Forward
Balance

 
361,302.83

 
88,584.70

 
48,454

 
24,947

 
29,630

 
7.2.3 Reason for proposed amalgamation
At Colvestone, in 2014
Reception was full with no unfilled places and there were 3%
unfilled places across all year groups (6 places out of 210). By
January 2023 there were 40% unfilled Reception places (12 places
out of 30) and 38% unfilled places (80 places out of 210, or nearly
3 classes) across all year groups.
 
At Princess May, in 2014 there were 2% unfilled Reception
places (1 place out of 60) and 6% unfilled places across all year
groups (24 places out of 420). By 2022 this had increased to 68%
unfilled Reception places (41 places out of 60) and 53% unfilled
places (222 places out of 420, or more than 7 classes) across all
year groups. This downward trend is forecast to continue. There is
a temporary PAN of 30 in operation for Reception, Yr 1, Yr 3,
Yr 4 and Yr
5.
 
Other schools within the Blossom Federation were not
considered for amalgamation with Colvestone due to the distance between
them.
 
Princess May and Colvestone
both featured on the list of schools derived from applying the
criteria and are both facing the issue of falling rolls. The
proposal to amalgamate with Princess May is due to the close
proximity of the schools, minimising disruption, but also due to
both schools having a high surplus as well as high unused capacity
in their buildings. Princess May is 0.3 miles away from
Colvestone, which is a 6-minute walk
between the two schools. The process of amalgamating the two
schools would create a stronger educational
establishment.
 
The decision to propose an amalgamation on the Princess May
site takes intoaccount the capacity to
host the merger. Princess May school is a 2 form entry building
with a current net capacity of 420. Based on the number
of  children on roll, 53% of the
intended capacity of the Princess May school building is
unused.
 
Colvestone is a 1 form entry school, the capacity of
the school is 243 at the latest net capacity assessment (the number
of pupils that could be accommodated at the school). Based on the
number of children on roll, 47% of the intended capacity of the
Colvestone school building is unused.
The existing buildings at Colvestone do
not have the physical capacity to accommodate pupils from Princess
May.
 
7.2.4 Impact and equalities
If the proposal is agreed, by September 2024, Colvestone is projected to have approximately 120
pupils who would move to the Princess May site. There is a high
incidence of need with EHCP numbers at Colvestone of 10 [which is 8%] and Princess May of
10 [5%], and pupils on FSM at Colvestone of 35% and of 46% at Princess May
[Spring 2023 census, reception to year 6]. Additional support to
enable a smooth transition will be offered to affected pupils who
have EHCPs.
 
Colvestone has 18 staff members and there are 29
staff members at Princess May [including classroom teachers, head
teacher, other support staff, teaching assistants].
 
Postcode analysis on average time parents travel to school
shows that Colvestone parents travel on
average 10 minutes by walking, and travelling to Princess May would
make the average travel time 13 minutes to get to school. By
comparison, current Princess May families on average travel 14
minutes walking to get to school.
 
7.2.5 Travel to school routes for merger proposals - Impact
assessment
An analysis of key journeys based on clusters of
Colvestone pupil postcodes was
completed and mapped on Google Maps to highlight key desire lines
for travel to Princess May. These key routes have been used to
identify potential impacts on active travel to Princess May Primary
School. They include:
· 
A proportion of pupils
will need to cross the A10 to get to Princess May, with most
Colvestone pupils living east of the
A10. Approximately half of current Princess May pupils live east of
the A10 and already make a similar journey.
· 
A10 is a much less
child friendly walking route to school than surrounding quiet
residential roads that pupils may have previously used.
· 
Dunn Street may become
more heavily used for active travel to school, to avoid walking
along the A10, this road has narrow and inconsistent
pavements.
· 
Downs Park Road
between Amhurst Road and St
Mark’s Rise may become more heavily used for active travel to
school.
 
The following measures are proposed to mitigate the above
impacts:
· 
An assessment of safe
crossing points with which we engage Transport for London, as the
strategic transport authority with responsibility for the A10.
TfL are planning a new crossing across
the A10 at Sandringham Road as part of
the Cycleway 23 route, along with restrictions to vehicle movements
from Sandringham Road onto the A10 that
will make it easier to cross Sandringham Road as well.
· 
Completion of the
Cycleway 23 route connecting Lea Bridge to Dalston
· 
The Council has
committed to implement a low traffic neighbourhood east of the A10,
which will reduce traffic, and improve walking and cycling routes
in the area.
· 
Monitor footfall on
Dunn Street and conduct a footway inspection to consider pavement
improvements if needed.
· 
Monitor recent traffic
scheme at the junction of Downs Park Road and St Mark’s Rise,
which improved the westbound cycle lane.
· 
Additional public
realm improvements on Princess May Road and Barrett’s Grove
considering the higher number of children using them following the
amalgamation.
 
In addition to the mitigations outlined above, pupils of
Princess May Primary school already benefit from a School Streets
scheme, which was permanently implemented in 2022 to reduce traffic
congestion around the school estate at the beginning and end of the
school day, thereby improving road safety. Additionally, as a
matter of course, the Council will continue to undertake a rolling
programme of traffic monitoring in the area, to ensure that any
existing and new measures remain appropriate.
 
7.3 Baden Powell Primary School & Nightingale Primary
School - Amalgamation proposal
7.3.1 Background
Nightingale Primary School is currently graded Good by
Ofsted (November 2017). It has strong 2022 Year 6 outcomes and has
a good curriculum model in place. The school is on an upward
trajectory. The January 2023 census recorded 30 reception children
on roll for a PAN of 30 places. There were a total of 30 offers
made on national offer day for children to join the school in
September 2023. The school is not currently impacted by falling
rolls consistently, maintaining less than 10% surplus places in
recent years.
 
Baden Powell is graded good by Ofsted (October 2018). Its
Year 6 outcomes are higher than the national average and it is
performing well. The January 2023 census recorded 15 reception
children on roll for a PAN of 30 places. There were a total of 13
offers made on national offer day for children to join the school
in September 2023.
 
7.3.2 Financial position (Baden Powell)

Financial Year

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

Brought
Forward
Balance

 
313,664

 
257,386

 
274,666

 
111,747

 
31,768

 
7.3.3 Reason for proposed amalgamation
Baden Powell Primary School has been affected by falling
rolls. In 2014 the school was full to capacity in every year group.
By January 2023 there were 50% unfilled Reception places (15 places
out of 30) and 23% unfilled places (48 places out of 210, or more
than one class) across all year groups. This downward trend is
forecast to continue. Baden Powell school was selected for a
proposed amalgamation after applying the selection criteria, as one
of the schools most affected by the falling rolls.
 
Nightingale has a net capacity of 420 which is the actual
physical capacity of the building. With 198 pupils on roll there
currently is 53% unused capacity in the building. There is
sufficient capacity on the Nightingale site to accommodate the
children from Baden Powell. Nightingale school was selected to host
an amalgamation because this school is in a new building which was
built for 2FE, and currently operating at 1FE due to the low pupil
numbers in the area.
 
7.3.4 Impact and equalities
If the proposal is agreed, by September 2024, an estimate
of 140 children would move from Baden Powell to Nightingale. There
is a high incidence of need at the schools, with the pupils with an
EHCP at Baden Powell at 8, [this is 5%], and at Nightingale 22,
[this is 11%]. The percentage of pupils on FSM is 51% at Baden
Powell and 44% at Nightingale [Spring 2023 census, reception to
year 6]. Additional support to enable a smooth transition will be
offered to affected pupils who have EHCPs. Staff numbers at Baden
Powell are 34 and at Nightingale are 33 [including classroom
teachers, head teacher, other support staff, teaching
assistants].
 
Postcode analysis on average travel time to school shows
that Baden Powell parents travel on average 8 minutes by walking,
and travelling to Nightingale would keep the same average walking
travel time. By comparison, current Nightingale families on average
travel 9 minutes walking to get to school.
 
7.3.5 Travel to school routes for merger proposals - Impact
assessment
An analysis of key journeys based on clusters of Baden
Powell pupil postcodes was completed and mapped on Google Maps to
highlight key desire lines for travel to Nightingale. These key
routes have been used to identify potential impacts on active
travel to Nightingale Primary School. They include:
· 
In terms of travel,
overall, there appears to be very limited impact, as Nightingale is
very close to Baden Powell. It is a 2 minute walk between
schools.
· 
For those living south
of Hackney Downs the journey will be shorter, and pupils can
continue to travel through Hackney Downs to lower exposure to
traffic on their journey to school.
· 
The cut-throughs from Charnock
Road and Heyworth Road will become increasingly important and
utilised (connect Baden Powell to Nightingale).
 
Mitigation measures:
· 
Potentially child
focused improvements to the cut-throughs from Charnock  Road and
Heyworth Road.
· 
There would be more
children using Tiger Way in case of an amalgamation, so additional
public realm improvements may be beneficial, including school
focused planters, or planters to indicate School Street.
 
7.4 Randal Cremer - Closure proposal
7.4.1 Background
Randal Cremer is currently graded good by Ofsted (March
2020). The school has managed well despite the impact falling rolls
has had on leadership capacity. 
Assessment data in 2022 was low. The school is currently receiving
focussed support from Hackney Education as part of the Good to
Great policy.
 
The January 2023 census recorded 29 reception children on
roll for a PAN of 45 places. There were a total of 16 offers made
on national offer day for children to join the school in September
2023.
 
7.4.2 Financial position (Baden Powell)

Financial Year

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

Brought
Forward
Balance

 
37,601

 
42,574

 
179,035

 
273,791

 
310,032

 
7.4.3 Reason for closure proposal
Randal Cremer Primary School has been severely affected by
falling rolls. In 2014 there were 3% unfilled Reception places (2
places out of 60) and 4% unfilled places (15 places out of 420)
across all year groups. By January 2023 the surplus had increased
to 36% unfilled Reception places (16 places out of 45) and 40%
unfilled places (163 places out of 405, or more than 5 classes)
across all year groups. Based on the number of children on roll,
41% of the intended capacity of the Randal Cremer school building
is unused.
 
7.4.4 Consideration of an amalgamation with other nearby
schools
Options were considered for amalgamation, but there was no
local school located close enough [walking distance] with the
required surplus to take all of the pupils. However, there are
sufficient schools nearby with surplus places that could
accommodate the pupils from Randal Cremer. Hoxton Garden,
Sebright, St Monica’s and St John
the Baptist are likely destination schools - they are all under
0.45 miles away from Randal Cremer as the crow flies [all under 13
minutes walking] and all Ofsted rated Good or
Outstanding.
 
If a decision is made to progress with a closure, further
information and support for families affected will be provided from
the admissions team throughout the process
 
7.4.5 Impact and equalities
If the proposal is agreed, by September 2024, Randal Cremer
Primary School is projected to have around 200 pupils who will need
to find an alternative school. The school has 56 staff members
[including classroom teachers, head teachers, other support staff,
teaching assistants]. There is a high incidence of need at the
school with EHCP numbers at Randal Cremer of 14 [6%], and the
percentage of pupils on FSM at 51% [Spring 2023 Census, reception
to year 6]. Additional support to enable a smooth transition will
be offered to affected pupils who have EHCPs.
 
7.5 Air Quality review
Air quality as measured by average Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
at the six school sites in Hackney was reviewed. For 2021 all of
the diffusion tubes located near these schools were well below the
Hackney air quality objective of 40 (?g/m³), as seen in table below.
 

Site name

2021 NO? annual concentration (?g/m³)

Pollutants monitored

Randal Cremer Primary School

20

NO2

Nightingale Primary School

19

NO2

Baden-Powell Primary School

18

NO2

De Beavior primary
school

20

NO2

Colvestone Primary School

23

NO2

Princess May 1

23

NO2

Princess May 2

32

NO2