Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Social Care and Education.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Education Excellence in relation to St. Teresa’s Catholic Infant School and the request from the Governing Body to begin formal consultation to close St Teresa’s Catholic Infant School.

The report set out that the Cabinet, at its meeting held on 5 March 2020 agreed to give further time to St Teresa’s Governors to provide an alternative financial proposal based on a half form entry from Reception to Year 2. The proposal was presented to Cabinet on 30 July 2020 by the Governing Body who appealed to Cabinet to agree that the school remain open and to operate under a Licensed Deficit Budget Agreement.

The Cabinet agreed to allow the Governing Body more time to provide a financial plan that provided assurance that the school was viable going forward.

The Local Authority has held termly monitoring meetings to review the financial plan submitted to Members with the Governors and Leadership Team of the school.

The Governing Body, after having exhausted all options to address the pupil numbers and financial situation, requested that the Council consider beginning formal consultation to close St Teresa’s Catholic Infant School.

Decision Made:

That the formal consultation process in relation to the closure of St. Teresa’s Catholic Infant School within the timescales identified in paragraph 4, to the report be initiated and approved.

Reasons for the Decision:

The Local Authority has the power to consider all options and to agree to the request made by the Governing Body.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Alternative options have been explored by the Governing Body with support from Officers prior to the Governing Body making their request.