The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Helyn Clack, approved the financial deficit plans for three maintained schools and agreed to extend the age range of St Giles' C of E (Aided) Infant School to become a primary school. Additionally, a specialist inclusion base will be established at Send C of E Primary School to support pupils with autism.

Approval of Maintained Schools' Deficits

Councillor Helyn Clack, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, approved licensed projected deficits for three schools in Surrey. This decision allows these schools to operate within defined financial parameters for monitoring purposes. The schools approved for licensed deficits are:

• St James CE (Aided) Primary School: A one-year licensed deficit of £195,595. The report noted that the school's deficit arose from fluctuating pupil numbers and the dissolution of a federation, which led to increased leadership costs. Despite these challenges, the school was judged Good by Ofsted in June 2024.
• Meadowcroft Primary School: A three-year licensed deficit of £131,138. This deficit is attributed to the school managing a significant building works programme and associated staffing requirements as it transitions from an infant to a primary school. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in April 2026 found it provided a good standard of education.
• Trumps Green Infant School: A one-year licensed deficit of £63,041. The deficit is primarily due to low pupil numbers, a consequence of a surplus of school places in the Virginia Water Planning Area. Despite financial pressures, the school was judged Good by Ofsted in September 2022.

The decision to approve these deficits was made following the review of the report detailing the financial balances of Surrey maintained schools as at 31 March 2026. The report, available as part of the Public reports pack, outlines that 127 out of 139 maintained schools had surplus balances at 31 March 2026. The total projected value of the licensed deficits requiring approval was £389,774.

Proposal to Extend the Age Range of St Giles' C of E (Aided) Infant School

Councillor Helyn Clack approved the proposal to extend the age range of St Giles' C of E (Aided) Infant School from ages 4-7 to ages 4-11, transforming it into St Giles' C of E (Aided) Primary School from September 2027. This decision aims to promote the school's sustainability in response to falling pupil numbers across Surrey, which have decreased by the equivalent of 47 classes between September 2016 and September 2025.

The school will grow incrementally, with pupils progressing from Year 2 to Year 3 within the same institution. This change is supported by the Diocese of Guildford and the school's governing body, with a consensus that it will aid pupil retention and ensure the school's future viability. The proposal has been shaped through engagement with local schools to complement existing provision.

The decision follows a statutory process, including consultations where 91% of respondents supported the proposal, and a statutory notice period where 88% agreed. The Office of the Schools Adjudicator has approved the school's application to reduce its published admissions number (PAN) from 30 to 15 from September 2027, allowing it to operate as a half-form entry primary school. The Decisions document details this decision.

Proposal to Establish a Specialist Inclusion Base at Send C of E Primary School

Councillor Helyn Clack approved the establishment of a specialist inclusion base at Send C of E Primary School, providing 28 places for pupils aged 4 to 11 with autism. This initiative is part of Surrey County Council's strategy to increase specialist provision for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and reduce reliance on out-of-county or independent placements.

The specialist base will offer pupils a tailored curriculum within a mainstream setting, promoting inclusion and reducing the need for long-distance travel. This aligns with national SEND reform proposals aiming to strengthen capacity within mainstream schools. The proposal was supported by 68% of respondents during the initial consultation and 94% during the statutory notice period. Concerns raised during consultation primarily focused on potential disruption to existing pupils, which the report indicates has been mitigated through careful planning of the base's location and refurbishment within existing school buildings.

The Decisions document confirms that the statutory notice to agree the proposal has been determined. The base is expected to open in January 2027 with 16 pupils, growing to 28 by September 2028. This initiative is supported by the council's High Needs Provision Capital Allocation Grant.