Purpose

The report will set out options for managing the number of school places in Windsor first schools as falling numbers challenge financial and educational viability. It will report the outcome of an options appraisal and propose public consultation on one or more options.

Decision

AGREED: That Cabinet noted the report and:

i)             Approved public consultation on the proposal to close Alexander First School at the end of the 2027/28 academic year, and requests that a report on the outcome be brought to Cabinet in January 2027.

ii)            Approved, in principle, the use of any closed first school site for special educational needs and alternative provision use, and requests that the proposal is developed as part of the forthcoming special educational needs capital strategy.

iii)           Approved the development of a scheme to manage the movement of children from a closing school to alternative schools in the area.