The General Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Cabinet's decision to close Bradstow Community Special School and its associated children's homes. The committee voted to take no further action on the call-in request, meaning the Cabinet's decision to close the school will proceed.

Call-in Request: The Discontinuance of Bradstow Community Special School and Registered Children's Homes

The committee considered a call-in request regarding the Cabinet's decision to close Bradstow Community Special School and its registered children's homes, which was due to take effect on 31 December 2025. The call-in was initiated by the Conservative opposition, who argued that the decision was made without sufficient transparency and was potentially unreasonable or irrational.

Councillor Sheila Boswell, Chair of the committee, opened the meeting by emphasising the importance of scrutiny and accountability in the democratic process. She acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision to close Bradstow School, a specialist provision in Broadstairs, Kent, which caters for children with severe learning disabilities and autism. Councillor Boswell stated that the closure was primarily due to the school's unsustainable financial position, with significant debts owed by other local authorities, most notably Kent County Council. She highlighted that Wandsworth Council's primary responsibility lies with its own residents and taxpayers.

Mrs. Sarah Adams, the principal of Bradstow School, addressed the committee, expressing her view that the decision was made without full information and that the school had repeatedly demonstrated its viability. She argued that preventing new admissions had undermined the school's financial stability and that viable options for the school's future had been blocked or ignored. Mrs. Adams also pointed to the interest shown by several academies and independent providers as evidence of the school's potential viability.

Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, Leader of the Opposition, outlined the reasons for the call-in, citing a lack of openness and transparency regarding correspondence with the Department for Education (DfE) and concerns about the reasonableness and rationality of the decision. He highlighted discrepancies in statements made about the DfE's position on academisation and argued that the Cabinet had not fully considered the school's business plan, which he believed demonstrated its viability. Councillor Richards-Jones also requested that Mrs. Adams be allowed to answer questions from the committee, a request that was ultimately voted down by the committee.

Councillor Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, responded by reiterating that the decision was painful but necessary due to the school's dire financial forecast and an accumulated deficit approaching £1 million by December 2025. She explained that investment in local SEND provision in Wandsworth, such as the Paddock Secondary and Sixth Form School, meant that the need for placements at Bradstow had declined significantly. Councillor Gasser detailed the council's efforts to explore alternative arrangements, including a proposed transfer to Kent County Council, which ultimately did not materialise. She also mentioned discussions with Cygnus Trust and Bridge Academy Trust regarding academisation, but stated that these had not resulted in a viable solution. Councillor Gasser emphasised her duty to protect the best interests of Wandsworth children and taxpayers.

The committee then engaged in a lengthy debate, with councillors from both the majority and minority parties raising questions and making points. Key themes included:

• Financial Viability: The significant debt owed to Bradstow by other local authorities, particularly Kent County Council, was a central point of contention. Arguments were made about the council's ability to recover this debt through legal proceedings and the financial burden on Wandsworth taxpayers.
• Alternative Provision: The availability and suitability of alternative placements for children with SEND were discussed, with the opposition arguing that Bradstow provided a unique and essential service that could not be easily replaced. The council maintained that it had invested significantly in local SEND provision and that sufficient alternatives existed.
• Academisation and DfE Involvement: The role of the Department for Education in the academisation process and the interpretation of correspondence between the council and the DfE were debated. Councillor Richards-Jones argued that Wandsworth had preempted the DfE's decision, while Councillor Gasser maintained that the DfE's lack of positive engagement indicated they were not minded to grant an academy order.
• Impact on Children and Staff: The emotional impact of the closure on pupils, families, and staff was acknowledged by all parties. The council outlined the support measures in place for staff and the transition plans for children.
• Council's Intentions: The opposition alleged that the council had a predetermined agenda to close the school, citing an internal asset management strategy that identified the Bradstow site for potential sale. The council strongly refuted this, stating that the document was an internal officer-level paper and not council policy.

Following the debate, Councillor Sara Apps proposed recommendation 1c: to take no further action in relation to the decision. This was seconded by Councillor Rex Osborne. The committee voted on this recommendation, with three votes in favour and two against.

Therefore, the committee agreed to take no further action, allowing the Cabinet's decision to close Bradstow Community Special School and its registered children's homes to come into force immediately.

The meeting also included a brief item on Declarations of Interest, where no disclosable pecuniary interests, other registrable interests, or non-registrable interests were declared by the committee members. Councillor Sara Apps, Councillor George Crivelli, Councillor Rex Osborne, and Councillor Steffi Sutters declared an interest due to having visited Bradstow School. Councillor Sheila Boswell also declared an interest for the same reason.