Issue - meetings

To defer the decision pending further research into the options.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills proposed that a decision on this item be deferred pending further research into all the options.

Consideration was given to the report which outlined the consultation outcomes and sought the Cabinet’s approval to publish a public notice to combine Godshill Primary School and Chillerton and Rookley Primary School with effect from the 31 August 2022.

The views of Chillerton and Gatcombe Parish Council were shared, and questions were raised regarding whether the decision could be delayed further to enable potential applications from other academies. The Cabinet Member advised that the decision had already been delayed by a year, no applications had been forthcoming, and it was time to give certainty to the children, parents, and staff.

It was agreed that the Cabinet Member and Director of Children’s Services would meet with Cllr Spink to discuss the matter prior to the meeting of the Cabinet on 10 February 2022.

RESOLVED:

THAT the proposed recommendation be noted.