Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services which presented future options for the provision of education at Greenfield Community College in order that a solution is found to current challenges, sufficiency, building conditions, and impact of the split site model on the breadth and quality of the curriculum (for copy of report see file of minutes).

The Leader of the Council then invited Cllr F Langley of Shildon Town Council to read out his statement. Councillor Langley’s statement set out reasons as to why he felt the Cabinet should explore additional options for Greenfield Community College.

Councillor T Henderson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services explained that Shildon had three very strong primary schools where pupils had traditionally gone to both Sunnydale and Bishop Auckland Schools. The trend for a larger majority to attend Bishop Auckland schools started well over a decade ago. Scenarios in which all children attended a school in Shildon are therefore unrealistic and would still not address DfE requirements for viable schools.

Councillor M Johnson then asked questions on behalf of Cllr S Quinn and Cllr O Gunn and two questions of his own.

Councillor T Henderson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services responded to each question individually.

In relation to the question asked on behalf of Councillor S Quinn, Councillor T Henderson explained that new schools in Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe were part of the priority school building project and school rebuilding programme commissioned by DfE.  The location of their sites must take into consideration the nearest source of the school population. 

In relation to the question asked on behalf of Cllr O Gunn regarding consultation, Councillor T Henderson explained that the consultation document would be circulated to staff, governors and parents of Greenfield. In addition, it would be made available to primary schools in Shildon and Aycliffe, to secondary schools in Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland. The AAP would bring it to the attention of Town Councils. Documentation would also posted on the Durham County Council’s website and placed in local libraries and leisure centres.

Councillor M Johnson asked two questions which concerned pupil numbers and pupil place planning. In his response Councillor T Henderson explained that there was no evidence to suggest that new build schools would attract more pupils. Councillor T Henderson also explained that pupil place planning could be affected by a number of factors but especially Ofsted inspections and that the Cabinet were trying to give Greenfield Community College the resources and infrastructure which would secure strong outcomes and progress for all pupils.

Councillor S Townsend then asked four questions relating to the Middridge Lane site options, crime, equality impact and government policy to which Councillor T Henderson responded to.

Councillor M Stead asked a question relating to the current hire and energy costs used to heat the porta cabins and how much it was costing for the new electric connections. In response, Cllr T Henderson, explained that the cost of sustaining the current set up at Greenfield was not sustainable and money had been wasted on temporary remedies when a long-term solution was required.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.