From:Marisa White, Area Education Officer, East Kent

To:Roger Gough, Cabinet Member for Education & Health Reform

Subject:Proposed increase of published admission number (PAN) of Chartham Primary School and the creation of a satellite provision of St Nicholas (Special) School

Classification:Unrestricted

ElectoralDivision St Nicholas School – Canterbury City South West – Martin Vye

& Local Member: Chartham Primary School – Canterbury West – John Simmonds

Summary: This report informs the Cabinet Member of the outcome of the public consultation on the proposals to increase the PAN of Chartham Primary School from 45 to 60 and to create a satellite provision of St Nicholas School at Chartham Primary School

1.Introduction

1.1The Commissioning Plan for Education Provision 2015-19 identified an increasing pressure on primary places in the Chartham locality with a deficit of Year R places forecast from September 2015. The primary pupil population has increased over recent years with more children coming forward from the new housing development.

1.2Kent County Council’s strategy for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities recognised the need to increase capacity, including creating satellite provision in mainstream settings so that additional children can have help in a local mainstream school.

1.3Up until September 2007, Chartham Primary School had a PAN of 60 and was a two form entry primary school. The PAN reduced to 45 due to declining numbers. The primary school is accommodated in the buildings of Stour Valley Secondary School which closed in 1988 and surplus accommodation within the school buildings is used by Education Information Services.

1.4Education Information Services will no longer require use of the building from the end of this academic year. Feasibility was undertaken showing that there is sufficient space within the accommodation on the school site to allow for an increase in pupil numbers and creation of the satellite provision.

1.5This report sets out the results of an informal consultation, which took place between 27 April and 22 May 2015. Consultation meetingsfor parents/carers, governors and members of staff were held at both St Nicholas School and Chartham Primary School.

2.The Proposal

2.1Increasing the PAN of the school from 45 to 60 does not require a statutory consultation under the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013, as the physical capacity of the school will not increase. Consultation on increasing the PAN from 45 to 60 will be carried out as part of the annual Admissions consultation for permanent increase from September 2017. The school has agreed to admit up to 60 children in Year R in September 2015 and 2016 to ensure sufficient places are available for local children.

2.2As part of the growing partnership between Chartham Primary School and St Nicholas it is planned to create satelliteprovision of St Nicholas School,which will be hosted by Chartham PrimarySchool.The children attending the provision will be onroll at St Nicholas School. It is anticipated that the satellite will support up to 16 primary aged children with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) rather than the full range of Profound Severe and ComplexNeeds (PSCN). The children will have a class base where they can receive some individual and small group teaching. The class will also provide a base for Specialist Staff who will support the children when they are included in mainstream teaching groups with children of the same age. The specialist teacher and teaching assistant will be provided by St Nicholas School. A specialist assessment of the children’s needs will identify that they are suitable for mainstream school.

3.Financial Implications

3.1The planned increase in pupil numbers from 315 to 420 and the creation of the satellite provision does not require additional accommodation to be added to the school. Some internal reconfiguration of existing classrooms will be required.

a. Capital: The estimated cost for the reconfiguration of the current accommodation is £.5m.

b. Revenue: For a period of three academic years from September 2016 the school will receive protection for an additional 15 Reception Year pupils at the rate of £2,740 per pupil. For each additional classroom, resulting from the PAN increase and the addition of the satellite provision, the sum of £6,000 will be allocated towards classroom setup costs.

c. Human: Chartham Primary School will appoint additional teachersas the need arises and the school roll increases. St Nicholas School will appoint additional staff to allow staff to be deployed to the satellite provision.

4.Policy Framework

4.1These proposals will help to secure our ambition “to ensure that Kent’s young people have access to the education, work and skills opportunities necessary to support Kent business to grow and be increasingly competitive in the national and international economy” as set out in ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement (2015-2020)’.

4.2The ‘Kent Commissioning Plan for Education Provision, 2015-19’identifieda demand for additional places in the Chartham and Petham Planning Area from September 2015. The Commissioning Plan stated that pressure on places in rural areas will be managed through discussions with schools to ascertain pressure points and explore ways of ensuring that all local children are placed. Increasing the PAN of Chartham Primary School from 45 to 60 will ensure places are available to meet demand and parental preference.

4.3The SEND Strategy forms the County Council’s policy and strategy for special educational needs, and was approved by Cabinet in July 2013. It identified the need to increase capacity, including increasing the number of classes in ordinary mainstream schools so that an additional 160 children can have help in a local mainstream school.

5.Consultation Outcomes

5.1Chartham Primary School

Atotal of 41 writtenresponses were received;38respondents supported increasing the PAN back to 60; 3 were undecided. 36 of the respondents supported the plan to create a satellite provision at the school; 3 were against the plan and 2 undecided.

5.2A summary of the comments received is provided atAppendix 1.

5.4A summary of the views and comments given at the consultation meeting held on 12 May is attached atAppendix 2.

5.5St Nicholas School

A total of 24 written responses were received; 20 respondents supported the plan to provide satellite provision for primary aged children at Chartham Primary School; 2 were against the plan and 2 undecided.

5.6A summary of the comments received is provided at Appendix 3.

5.7A summary of the views and comments given at the consultation meeting held on 11 May is attached at Appendix 4.

6.Views

6.1.The view of the Headteacher and Governing Body:

(i)Both Headteachers and Governing Bodies unanimously support the creation of a satellite provision for primary aged pupils at Chartham Primary School. They view this as an exciting opportunity for primary pupils that will provide inclusive learning and social opportunities. St Nicholas school is aware that some families would like their children to access mainstream classes with the full support of the specialist expertise in the school. Where concerns have been raised by parents who feel that this opportunity would not be in the best interests and well-being of their child, the school would wish to reassure parents that no child will be moved against their parent’s wishes or contrary to the children’s educational needs.

(ii)The Headteacher and Governing Body of Chartham Primary School view the increase of the PAN as a necessary step to ensure sufficient places are available locally. A 2FE primary school is an ideal size for financial, staff and class planning, removing the need for mixed age classes.

6.2.The view of the Area Education Officer:

The Area Education Officer for East Kent fully supports these proposals and, having considered other commissioning options, is of the belief that this increase in PAN is not only necessary, but the most cost-effective and sustainable solution to increased demand in the local area. The satellite provision will give children the opportunity for a more inclusive education.

7.Conclusions

7.1Forecasts for the Canterbury districtindicate an increasing demand for primary school places in the Chartham locality. This increase of the PAN will add an additional 15 Reception Year placesin the first year and 15Reception Year places to the capacity per year, thereafter, and is in line with our vision to ensure that children and young people in Kent get the best start in life as set out in KCC’s Strategic Statement 2015-20 ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes’ and the 'Commissioning Plan for Education – Kent' (2015 – 2019).

7.2The SEND Strategy forms the County Council’s policy and strategy for special educational needs, and was approved by Cabinet in July 2013. It identified key priorities to improve and expand our provision and close the attainment gap for disabled children and those with special educational needs.

8. Recommendation(s)

Recommendation(s): The Cabinet Member is asked to consider and endorse the plans to;
  • increase the PAN from 45 to 60 at Chartham Primary School;
  • create satellite provision for up to 16 primary aged pupils for St Nicholas School on the Chartham Primary School site.

9.Background Documents

9.1Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement 2015-2020.

10.2Kent Commissioning Plan for Education Provision 2015-2019

10.3Education Cabinet Committee report– 27September 2013

10.4Consultation Documents and Equalities Impact Assessments

11.Contact details

Report Author

  • Marisa White
  • Area Education Officer –EastKent
  • Tel number: 03000 413214

Relevant Director:

  • Keith Abbott
  • Director of Education Planning and Access
  • 03000 417008

Appendix 1

Chartham Primary School

  • Creating Primary Satellite Provision of St Nicholas School at Chartham Primary School to provide up to 16 places for primary aged pupils.
  • Increasing the admission number of Chartham Primary School from 45 to 60 for Year R entry September 2016

Summary of written responses

Consultation documents (hard copies) distributed:330

Responses received: 41

Support / Against / Undecided / Total
Expansion / Satellite / Expansion / Satellite / Expansion / Satellite
Parents/Carers / 32 / 30 / 0 / 3 / 3 / 2 / 35
Members of Staff / 5 / 5 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 5
Other interested party / 1 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1
Total / 38 / 36 / 0 / 3 / 3 / 2 / 41

Comments and concerns

Parents:

  • I have heard that many children due to start in September 15 did not get a place at the school. Why can’t the places be increased to 60 from September 2015?
  • Increasing the number of places should have happened sooner.
  • Our only concern is the lack of provision for parking as it can be a problem at the moment.
  • The issue of increasing traffic in an already busy area.
  • Every child deserves the best education in and out of the classroom. I feel it also provides valuable life skills for the future
  • It is questionable that Chartham has “success in supporting vulnerable children”, primarily because of the process of recognising children have SEN and because of a lack of resources. One teacher and teaching assistant sounds inadequate for the satellite provision.
  • As a parent of child who was declined a place at Chartham Primary School, I am well aware of the need to expand to ensure children in the village can attend this school.

Staff:

  • I think the plans are very exciting – and there is clearly a need for both the satellite provision and for the additional places.
  • I can only see this as being a good thing for the school and pupils.

Appendix 2

Chartham Primary School

  • Creating Primary Satellite Provision of St Nicholas School at Chartham Primary School to provide up to 16 places for primary aged pupils.
  • Increasing the admission number of Chartham Primary School from 45 to 60 for Year R entry September 2016

Summary of the meeting held on Tuesday 12 May

Panel / Marisa White / Area Education Officer (East Kent)
Dean Jones / Headteacher, Chartham Primary School
Julia Power / Chair of Governors, Chartham Primary School
Emma Ribbans / Deputy Headteacher, Chartham Primary School
Mrs V Elvidge / Vice Chair of Governors, Chartham Primary School
Daniel Lewis / Headteacher, St Nicholas School
Nigel Wootton / Vice Chair of Governors, St Nicholas School

The meeting was opened by Dean Jones, Headteacher, who welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Marisa White, Area Education Officer, who spoke to the meeting about the plans to create satellite provision of St Nicholas School for 16 primary aged pupils at Chartham Primary School and increase the published number of the school from 45 to 60:

  • Marisa White explained the population modelling used for forecasting pupil places.
  • Chartham is on track to becoming a good school.
  • Class organisation is difficult with a half form of entry. Two forms of entry is ideal size for financial reasons and staffing.
  • EIS is vacating the property and the additional area can be brought back into use for the expansion.
  • The school has agreed to take 6 over their admission number for Year R entry in September and take an additional half form of entry in September 2016.
  • Permanently increasing the PAN from September 2017 and gradually growing the school to reach a capacity of 420.
  • Satellite provision to give children the opportunity for a more inclusive education.
  • Starting with up to 8 KS2 children, likely to be already at St Nicholas School.
  • On roll at St Nicholas School but accessing education here.
  • St Nicholas School will provide a teacher and teaching assistants, who will work closely with staff here.
  • The children will wear the uniform of Chartham Primary School.
  • Responses to consultation received so far have indicated overwhelming support for the plans.
  • KCC Property Services are working closely with both schools to make sure the accommodation is suitable.

Questions /Comments / Responses
A parent raised a concern about how staffing would change at the school that may impact on the children if the school expands. Would each class still have one teacher and one teaching assistant? / The Headteacher confirmed that staffing would be looked at on an annual basis and would be planned very carefully. Budgets change but he could not see that this would impact on the school’s ability to operate. Marisa White explained that the school would be protected financially on the increased number of pupils to ensure that the expansion would be financially viable.
A parent asked whether the children from St Nicholas would come with staff. / The Headteacher of St Nicholas School explained how it would work in the class base and supporting the children in the classrooms. Sharing staff skills between the two schools and sharing expertise and collaborating.
A member of staff at St Nicholas School commented on the fantastic facilities at Chartham Primary School.
How will the children be introduced to the children at Chartham Primary School? / The Headteachers are planning how to do this with assemblies and induction. Visits will be arranged for parents and children.
Will they have a buddy system? / That is the plan.

Appendix 3

St Nicholas Special School

Primary Satellite Provision at Chartham Primary School

Summary of written responses

Consultation documents (hard copies) distributed:200

Responses received: 24

Support / Against / Undecided* / Total
Parents/Carers / 7 / 2 / 2 / 11
Governors / 3 / 0 / 0 / 3
Members of Staff / 10 / 0 / 0 / 10
Interested Parties / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0
Total / 20 / 2 / 2 / 24

In support of the proposal

Parents:

  • As a parent of a child in a satellite class in the senior school, I can see this works really well and I think there is a need for this type of provision at primary level.
  • I agree with the plan but I am very pleased with the way things have been going at St Nicholas and whilst I have no objection to the creation of the satellite provision, it is not something I would like for my son.

Governors:

  • As a governor, one of my roles is to monitor the satellite classes. I have therefore seen first-hand how pupils thrive and how inclusion opportunities can be accessed in a supportive and appropriate manner. A number of students have benefitted enormously from having a more mainstream peer group. I therefore firmly believe that for the Primary Department to be able to access such a facility in the early stages of their educational life is a fabulous opportunity.
  • This provision would be a wonderful addition to the satellite classes already in place. Our school is at the forefront of SN provision in Canterbury and its surrounding towns.

Against the proposal

Parents:

  • We do not feel that our child would enefit or continue to thrive at a satellite provision.
  • The school has got much too big for the intake of children; class sizes have got bigger; no extra staff. The answer is to get a bigger site (school + college) for the amount of children for now + years to come.

Appendix 4

St Nicholas Special School

Primary Satellite Provision at Chartham Primary School

Summary of the Meeting held on 11 May 2015

Panel / Marisa White / Area Education Officer (East Kent)
Daniel Lewis / Headteacher, St Nicholas School
Alison Ekins / Chair of Governors, St Nicholas School
Dean Jones / Headteacher, Chartham Primary School
Julia Power / Chair of Governors, Chartham Primary School

The meeting was opened by Daniel Lewis, Headteacher, who welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Marisa White, Area Education Officer, who spoke to the meeting about the plans to create satellite provision for 16 primary aged pupils at Chartham Primary School:

  • To increase the choice for parents.
  • To be run by St Nicholas School.
  • The children will be on roll at St Nicholas School.
  • The children will have a class base where they can receive individual and small group teaching.
  • The children will benefit from inclusive learning and social opportunities with children of the same age.
  • The decision on which pupils would benefit from attending the satellite will be taken after full discussion with the parents/carers and staff.
  • Pupils needs, including their friendship groups will be taken into account.

Daniel Lewis, Headteacher spoke to the meeting about this exciting opportunity for primary pupils.

  • The school set up a link with Canterbury College for post 16 pupils, which has gone from strength to strength.
  • More satellite classes were set up in secondary schools. They are going very well and the positive impact on the progress and learning of the students is noticeable.
  • Maximises independence and social skills.
  • St Nicholas staff have also been able to support students at the secondary schools where there have been challenges.
  • For most pupils this is the best environment but some need something more challenging and the Chartham satellite will provide that benefit longer term, planning in league with parents for moving into a secondary satellite.
  • The project will be started with KS2 pupils identified as being ready for this opportunity.
  • It is anticipated that the pupils will spend 4 days at Chartham Primary School and 1 day at St Nicholas School.
  • The children would wear the CharthamPrimary School uniform while attending Chartham School.
  • The children would engage in assemblies and social times as well as lesson time.
  • At the end of the consultation period there will be a lot of work to do in planning together what can be achieved.