The Overview & Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to consider a call-in regarding a Cabinet decision on pupil place planning and school repurposing. The committee will review the reasons for the call-in and an officer's response before deciding on potential actions.

Call-In Regarding School Repurposing Consultation Proposal

The main item scheduled for discussion is a call-in concerning the Pupil Place Planning: School Repurposing Consultation Proposal that was decided by the Cabinet on 14 October 2026. The committee will examine the procedure and guidance for such call-ins, review the list of councillors who initiated the call-in, and consider the specific reasons provided for requesting the review. An officer's response to these reasons is also expected to be presented.

The report pack indicates that the councillors calling in the decision are concerned about material inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the evidence presented to Cabinet, insufficient transparency regarding the selection of schools and consideration of pupil needs, and a failure to demonstrate that reasonable alternatives to closure have been adequately considered. They also raise concerns about the inadequate assessment of the impact on vulnerable pupils, inconsistencies in school place planning, insufficient financial justification, and potential impacts on pupils completing their GCSEs and A-Levels at Bishop Stopford's School. Furthermore, the councillors express concerns about the integrity and fairness of the consultation process, citing potential political interference, predetermination, and the risk of judicial review.

The report pack outlines the potential options for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee: to take no further action, allowing the original decision to be implemented; to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration, detailing the committee's concerns; or to refer the matter to the full Council for consideration.

The original report and associated appendices detailing the Pupil Place Planning: School Repurposing Consultation Proposal are also included for the committee's reference. This report, KD6131, was presented to the Cabinet on 14 October 2026, with the purpose of seeking approval to commence consultation on the possible closure of Bishop Stopford's School, Starks Field Primary School, and Suffolks Primary School due to increasing surplus capacity and financial pressures. The report details demographic changes in Enfield, including falling birth rates and pupil numbers, and outlines the potential implications for primary and secondary provision. It also discusses various alternatives to school closure, such as further reductions in Published Admission Numbers, federation, amalgamation, academy conversion, shared use of premises, and the expansion of specialist SEND provision. The report also addresses statutory requirements, equalities implications, human resources, environmental, public health, and property considerations.

The committee is also scheduled to note the dates of future meetings, including an OSC Business Meeting on Tuesday 10 November 2026 and provisional call-in dates for Monday 30 November 2026.