Issue - meetings

Report of the Interim Head of Education

Further to Minute No. 119 of 5 March 2020 the Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Head of Education advising that Cabinet had agreed to allow St. Teresa’s Governors further time to provide an alternative financial proposal based on a half form entry from Reception to Year 2; that the Governing Body had been developing a financial plan to try to support the continued operation of the school; that the Local Authority had worked with the Governing Body to discuss the proposals and understand the implications; and that the issues were not related to the quality of the provision, as St Teresa’s last inspection acknowledged that the school was ‘Good’.

The Governing Body had put forward alternative proposals which they believed would support the sustainability of the school both financially and as a community resource; but there did however, remain some concerns about how they would work in practice. It was acknowledged that some of the work had been hampered by the COVID pandemic which had limited their ability to promote themselves as a school within the community. This would be closely monitored and escalated to Cabinet in the future if necessary.

Decision Made:

That:

Reasons for Decision:

The Local Authority has the power to consider all options and to allow the Governing Body the opportunity to continue with their action plan to move the school to a balanced budget.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Alternative options have been explored by the governing body with support from Officers. The Council could proceed to a statutory closure but have decided not to for the reasons outlined in the report.