Issue - meetings

This report will explain the preferred option to make changes to internal space within Scarcroft Primary School (part of the South Bank Multi Academy Trust) to allow an increase in pupil numbers.  It will also explain the options available to increase outdoor space in order to accommodate government requirements for sufficient playing areas.

Resolved:   That the Executive agree to:

(i)      Give in principle approval to the expenditure of Basic Need funding to allow Scarcroft Primary School to increase by 0.5 form of entry (15 pupils per year group) to 2 form of entry (60 pupils per year group).  (The funding will cover the cost of making internal modifications to Scarcroft Primary School; putting a small MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) on part of the school’s car park; provide additional car parking spaces on Millthorpe School site and to create a full sized MUGA.  A full sized MUGA is required as Scarcroft Primary School does not have enough outdoor playing space.) 

(ii)      Undertaking full consultation on the options to be explored for a suitable site for a full sized MUGA which include Millthorpe School, Scarcroft Green and the Little Knavesmire.

(iii)     Note that although the Council remains responsible for ensuring there are enough school places in its area it will be the South Bank Multi-Academy Trust Board who will seek approval for the increase in the size of the school through the Regional Schools Commissioner. 

Reason:     To meet its statutory duties to provide sufficient school places the Council supports the proposed changes to Scarcroft Primary school’s building and the need to create additional outdoor spaces.  (As from the 1 April 2016 Scarcroft Primary School became part of the South Bank Multi Academy Trust.) 

Consideration was given to a report which provided details of the preferred option for making changes to internal space within Scarcroft Primary School, in order to allow for an increase in pupil numbers. Details of the options available to increase outdoor space in order to accommodate government requirements for sufficient playing areas were also reported.

The results of the four week informal consultation which supported expansion of the existing Scarcroft Primary School site were noted together with the architect’s proposals for the utilisation of the existing rooms/space at the school. As the Scarcroft Primary site was now leased to the South Bank Multi Academy Trust it was noted that the Council would require permission from the academy trust, prior to any alteration works commencing on site.

The Executive Member expressed her support for the recommendations, highlighting them as an example of listening to local resident through the informal consultation undertaken.

In answer to some Members concerns Officers confirmed that the Multi Use Games Areas could be used throughout the year for a variety of other uses.

Resolved:   That the Executive agree to:

(i)      Give in principle approval to the expenditure of Basic Need funding to allow Scarcroft Primary School to increase by 0.5 form of entry (15 pupils per year group) to 2 form of entry (60 pupils per year group).  (The funding will cover the cost of making internal modifications to Scarcroft Primary School; putting a small MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) on part of the school’s car park; provide additional car parking spaces on Millthorpe School site and to create a full sized MUGA.  A full sized MUGA is required as Scarcroft Primary School does not have enough outdoor playing space.) 

(ii)      Undertaking full consultation on the options to be explored for a suitable site for a full sized MUGA which include Millthorpe School, Scarcroft Green and the Little Knavesmire.

(iii)     Note that although the Council remains responsible for ensuring there are enough school places in its area it will be the South Bank Multi-Academy Trust Board who will seek approval for the increase in the size of the school through the Regional Schools Commissioner.  ^1.

Reason:     To meet its statutory duties to provide sufficient school places the Council supports the proposed changes to Scarcroft Primary school’s building and the need to create additional outdoor spaces.  (As from the 1 April 2016 Scarcroft Primary School became part of the South Bank Multi Academy Trust.)