Councillor Martin Whelton introduced the report and explained that Chapel Street and The Harris Federation had put forward Free School applications. (‘Pre-opening’ DfE approval has already been given to Chapel Street but no decision has yet been made on the Harris application).  Cllr Martin Whelton expressed his reservations about the Chapel Street application stating that he supported Harris on the basis of their proven track record in the borough and elsewhere and existing strong relationships with Merton. The Strategy was focused on filling surplus places in the first instance, and expanding existing schools as well as having new provision. The location of demand for secondary schools shows the need to be primarily in the west of the borough. The panel is aware of the limited site options available to the council. No new proposals for church schools were being brought forward at this time; however, the council recognises the popularity and success of these schools and will keep the position under review as regular pupil projections are undertaken.

Councillor Martin Whelton also stated that value for money was of paramount concern in considering ways of meeting the increasing demand for secondary school places over the coming years. The report also shows the need for expanding places in special schools.

Councillor Martin Whelton referenced the capital programme and the outline costs and stated that there were no additional proposals for further permanent primary school expansion at present.

Councillor James Holmes asked about the Cabinet Member’s preference from the Free School applications made. Councillor Martin Whelton stated that the track record of the providers needed to be considered. Councillor James Holmes stated that it might be difficult to make a judgement about track record given that Chapel Street is still a relatively new Free School provider. Councillor Martin Whelton responded that there is also a concern regarding the model of secondary provision proposed in the Chapel Street application – a school operating over three sites. This model is unproven.

Councillor Linda Taylor stated that she supported the extension of provision in the west of the borough. If residential developments are going ahead on Plough Lane and Gap Road then we need to factor in provision of school places there and also take account of other proposals coming through. Infrastructure needs to be in place.

Paul Ballatt added that the more Free Schools and academies the borough has, the harder it makes pupil planning for the Local Authority as those schools are their own admissions authorities. There are two current secondary Free School applications and, if approved, they would significantly impact on the balance of provision in the borough and, therefore, on choice for pupils and parents.

Colin Powell stated that there should be consideration of further church school provision as  these schools are a positive choice.  The Church of England Diocese is disappointed to not have been more involved in development of the strategy despite its close working relationship with the council. He added that the Diocese would still like to work with LBM to support extension of provision.

In respect of the Chapel Street application, Colin Powell expressed the opinion that a school split over three sites would be too complex to manage. Colin Powell added that parental choice should also be an influencing factor when thinking about expanding provision. Councillor Martin Whelton explained that he was due to meet with the Diocese shortly. Councillor Dennis Pearce stated that he felt there was a duty placed on Harris first and foremost to find the site and quality premises before making an application.

Councillor Sally Kenny asked what priority there was for building/expansion in the East of borough and why only 36% of the last 30 places at faith schools were given to children from the borough. Councillor Martin Whelton informed the Panel that this was partly due to borough boundaries with Wandsworth. Tom Procter added that although catholic schools do not  only have practising catholic students their admissions policies give priority to practising Catholics, in tightly defined terms.

Councillor Marsie Skeete asked about site availability for the proposed Free Schools (Chapel St Trust and Harris Federation). Councillor Martin Whelton explained that Chapel Street could decide to be based in another borough. Councillor David Chung expressed his concerns about agreeing Free School applications without having identified available sites first.

Councillor James Holmes stated that we should proactively be supporting both the Chapel Street and Harris applications to ensure we can meet demand. He added that if there are reservations regarding Chapel Street then the council should be engaging with them to ensure they provide the standard of school that we would want.

Yvette Stanley explained that the decision on Free School applications was outside the hands of the council. The DfE makes these decisions supported by new schools  commissioners.

Councillor Jeff Hanna asked if there was a way for the council to actively support the Harris bid. Yvette Stanley explained that the council had shared information with the Secretary of State and the schools commissioner for the region but that there was no formal influence the council could exert.

Colin Powell stated that there needed to be transparency in terms of residents knowing what was happening and also the admissions policies of these schools. Councillor Jeff Hanna asked what communication was planned or being undertaken with parents. Paul Ballatt explained that, as part of the primary school expansion strategy, the council undertook a major consultation programme involving a number of public meetings supported by written materials. The intention is to undertake similar communication and engagement with the public in respect of additional secondary provision but the timing of these remains uncertain.

Councillor Dennis Pearce asked if sites were not identified, how far existing provision could reasonably be expanded. Paul Ballatt stated that the council recognised that some schools do not wish to expand beyond 8-10 FE. This position has been reflected in planning the strategy.

RESOLVED:  Panel noted the report and wished to record their thanks to Tom Procter and his team for their work.