Decision

(1)       That the statutory process undertaken in relation to the proposal to close (discontinue) St Teresa’s RC Primary School, as set out in Section 3 of the report, be noted.

(2)       The outcome of the pre-publication consultation, including the matters raised by consultees and the Council’s response as set out in Sections 4 and 5 and Appendices 3 to the report, be noted.

(3)       That the representations received during the statutory representation period following publication of the statutory notice, together with the officer responses set out in Appendix 7 to the report, be noted.

(4)       That the Executive has regard to the Equality Impact Assessment in Appendix 8 to the report and the Council’s duties under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010.

(5)       That the Executive has regard to the Department for Education statutory guidance for decision-makers set out in Appendix 9 to the report.

(6)       That, having considered all relevant factors, including the financial sustainability of the school, educational provision, the availability of alternative school places, the impact on pupils and families, travel implications, SEND considerations, parental choice, Catholic education provision and community impacts, the Executive determines that St Teresa’s RC Primary School be closed (discontinued) with effect from 31 August 2027.

(7)       That authority be delegated to the Interim Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support, in consultation with the Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People, to take all necessary steps to implement the decision, including arrangements for pupil transition and stakeholder engagement.