Decision details

Purpose of Report: The report provides the Executive with a briefing on the complex and challenging context impacting on the future of Naburn Primary School. It provides a briefing on the outcomes of the recent Ofsted inspection of the school and presents the options for consideration about the future of primary school provision in Naburn.

The report asks the Executive for permission to begin a period of statutory consultation about a proposed closure of Naburn Primary School in September 2023, if an academy sponsor cannot be found for the school.

Resolved:  That Option 3 be approved: to follow a twin track approach of working to identify an academy sponsor within the next 6 to 8 months, whilst at the same time consulting on the future of primary school places in the village of Naburn.

Reasons:   a)      To ensure that the local authority is fulfilling its statutory duty to manage the sufficiency and quality of school places in an efficient and cost effective way, given that the school has received a directive academy order as a result of being placed in special measures and is vulnerable due to falling rolls and the impact this is having on its future financial sustainability.

b)      The publication of the statutory notice proposing the closure of Naburn Primary School, followed by a six-week representation period, will allow the LA to fully consider all further observations and comments received and decide whether to proceed with the proposals; at the same time work will continue to take place to support the school’s improvement and to continue the search for an academy sponsor.