Decision

1. 1.       To approve the proposal to amalgamate Duncombe and Montem Primary schools on the Duncombe site on 31 August 2024.
2. 2.       To endorse the following commitments:
3. 2.1.             To provide early, dedicated, professional support as part of a comprehensive needs led transition plan for pupils with Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plans to support all aspects of transition. Additional resources will be allocated to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team to work with individual children and their parents/carers to support their transition should the proposal proceed.  
4. 2.2.             To facilitate a parent/carer group with representatives from both primary schools as part of the transition process to bring the two school communities together.
5. 2.3.             That officers will work with the parent/carer group and school staff to mitigate the risks of air pollution through developing safer walking routes to school.
6. 2.4.             That Schools HR will support any staff impacted by the proposed amalgamation.
7. 2.5.             To support the cost of any new school uniform for displaced pupils, including pupils transferred to Duncombe.
8. 2.6.             To provide additional capacity to the schools to support the amalgamation process.

AGREED recommendations

Reasons for the decision – as detailed in the report

Other options considered – as detailed in the report

Conflicts of interest / dispensations granted – none