SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL Cabinet Report 9

Report of: Sonia Sharp ______

Date: 12 th May 2010 ______

Subject: Strategy for Expanding Primary School Places ______

Author of Report: Peter Mucklow 0114 2735720 ______

Summary: The purpose of the report is to provide an overview of the impact of the growth in population and the requirement to provide additional primary school places from 2010/11.

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Reason for Recommendation: Providing sufficient primary school places is essential to the City of Opportunity priority to raise attainment and aspirations, and is a statutory duty of the Council. This will mean that all Sheffield children reaching primary school age in 2011 and beyond will continue to have a school place in the area of the city in which they live.

Recommendations: (i) note the Council’s duty to provide primary school places to meet demand, and endorse the policy of securing permanent high quality accommodation for the additional primary school pupils, as essential to their attainment, in those areas of the city where the trend for higher births is sustained;

(ii) give permission for officers to consult with parents and carers, for the schools identified for expansion, and to report back to Cabinet in the summer with firm proposals following the consultation;

(iii) note the estimated cost of the necessary expansions of £13.8m, which can now be met from the recent DCSF allocation of £13.8m of capital grant in response to our application for funding to support the provision of additional primary places by 2011;

(iv) agree that further decisions on capital expenditure for 2011/12 be taken later in the year when the capital funding position for 2011/12 and beyond is clearer

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1 Background Papers:

Category of Report: OPEN

2 Statutory and Council Policy Checklist

Financial implications

YES Cleared by: Allan Rainford Legal implications

YES Cleared by: Nadine Wynter

Equali ty of Opportunity implications YES Cleared by:Bashir Khan

Tackling Health Inequalities implications

N/A

Human rights implications

N/A

Environmental and Sustainability implications

N/A

Economic impact

N/A

Community safety implications

N/A Human resources implications

N/A Property implications

YES/NO N/A

Area(s) affected Meersbrook; South Netherthorpe; Central South; South, South West South West; South, South West, Central Southey; North East

Relevant Scrutiny Board if de cision called in Children and Young People’s

Is the item a matter which is reserved for ap proval by the City Council?

Press release

YES

3 1. Purpose

1.1 The purpose of the report is to provide an overview of the impact of the growth in population and the requirement to provide additional primary school places from 2010/11.

2. Summary

2.1 A rapid increase in Sheffield’s birth rate means that by the 2011/12 academic year, Reception places will be required in Sheffield schools for 6,170 pupils, compared to 5,329 in the 2005/06 academic year. Action already taken within existing budgets to meet increased demand includes some expansion in Burngreave/Fir Vale, Southey Green and Greystones. While some areas can cope with the increase within existing primary capacity there are 6 areas which will require further expansion which are Netherthorpe, Meersbrook, South Sheffield, Southey Green, Mosborough and South West Sheffield. We also need to monitor carefully trends in Darnall, Attercliffe and Tinsley to take account of potential housing developments.

2.2 The latest births information confirms the recent rise has been sustained in 2008. Therefore, we now know that to meet our statutory obligations we need to provide by 2011 approximately 240 Reception places in these 6 areas, over and above current plans. Each year, as additional births data becomes available, we will secure further assurance as to how far the current increased birth rate in these areas is a long-term sustained trend. Three years of continued population growth would be a good indicator that a permanent response is required.

2.3 In order to meet the statutory proposal requirements detailed in Section 5, we are proposing to carry out the formal consultation process with stakeholders of the schools recommended for expansion between May and July 2010.

2.4 The options recommended for consultation take into account discussions with families of schools in the autumn 09, which explored the full range of possible options (see Appendix 3). The process has identified one or more options for each area that are the closest possible match with where the places will be needed and with which sites are the most feasible to expand. The consultation will allow further time for possible alternatives to be identified and discussed, including opportunities for innovative solutions e.g. involving co-location and wider community use of school sites. The process will therefore incorporate our proposed new policy of actively seeking opportunities for wider use of sites.

2.5 Revenue costs of additional places are funded centrally through the Dedicated Schools Grant and should therefore be neutral to the Council.

2.6 An initial estimate of the capital costs of the proposed expansions is around £13.8m. Resources of £13.8m have been secured in capital grant from DCSF in the form of Basic Need Safety Valve (BNSV) funding and have to be spent by August 2011. This timescale presents significant challenges for the Council to gain the necessary statutory approvals and to undertake the design and build work within the timescales of the Programme. The capital requirements of future growth and demand for primary places from 2012/13, including longer term solutions for the Southey and South West areas will therefore depend on DCSF making future rounds of capital grant available. It is possible that if sustained into the future,

4 higher birth rates may lead to a need for further primary expansion, without the help of additional DCSF grant for that purpose. This will require increasingly innovative approaches including possible use of other sites for primary age pupils such as children's centres and secondary schools.

3. What this means for Sheffield people

3.1 Providing sufficient primary school places is essential to the City of Opportunity priority to raise attainment and aspirations, and is a statutory duty of the Council.

3.2 This will mean that all Sheffield children reaching primary school age in 2011 and beyond will continue to have a school place in the area of the city in which they live. This will encourage stronger communities through friendships between both children and parents.

3.3 Providing children with a primary school place within their own community supports the council’s vision to disseminate and support good practice in schools by encouraging families to walk to and from school. Support will be provided to each school to develop their School Travel Plan further and promote measures and initiatives encouraging healthy and safe travel.

3.4 The programme is rooted within a school improvement framework working to raise attainment and aspiration and aims to:

• Provide parents with a choice of good schools of the right size and age range, and in the right place to meet community needs. • Develop plans for school organisation that support school improvement and raising standards in all the areas of need. • Engage with partners to exploit the opportunity to provide transformational learning projects • Include effective parental and community engagement empowering people to participate in an open, honest and transparent process

3.5 At the heart of this vision for expanding primary education in Sheffield is the council’s priority of ‘Creating A Better Life for Children and Young People’. Clearly, access to good quality education in a creative learning environment integrating children from their local community is a key starting point for children to develop both their academic and social skills.

3.6 The expansion brief for each of the proposed schools incorporates the vision for Children’s Services to provide integrated services for children, young people and their families across the City. In this way they will be able to receive timely and responsive services, close to where they live, enabling us to deliver the five outcomes for all children and young people of:

• Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a positive contribution • Economic well-being

5 3.7 A key principle of the programme is to support the policy of making school sites wider centres for community services and activities.

4. Background – Increased Birth Rates

4.1 Since 1977 birth rates in Sheffield have fluctuated, with a more recent peak of 6,805 in 1990/91, followed by a steady decline to 5549 in 2001/02. This downward trend was reversed in 2002/03 as Sheffield saw an increase in births, rising steadily to 6,665 in 2007/08.

4.2 The changes in the birth rate are not uniform across the city, with some areas affected more greatly than others. Out of 97 catchment areas, 63 have experienced growth. The broad distribution across the city of the increase in births is set out in the table below.

Service A B C D E F G CITY District Parson Shiregree/ Arbourthorne/ Mosborough/ Greenhill/ Rivelin Hillsborough/ Cross Burngreave Manor/ Handsworth Gleadless - Sheaf Upper Don /Ecclesfield Darnall 2000/01 723 900 853 830 659 950 780 5695 2001/02 626 900 856 862 666 939 700 5549 2002/03 614 968 871 880 643 987 752 5715 2003/04 753 1045 942 913 643 1008 804 6108 2004/05 793 1049 946 855 681 1060 813 6197 2005/06 727 1074 951 797 719 1066 843 6177 2006/07 716 1136 960 886 769 1188 863 6518 2007/08 706 1119 969 911 826 1198 936 6665 Source: Sheffield NHS Primary Care Trust

4.3 Growth Areas The areas identified as having a shortage of primary pupil places have been grouped together using a number of factors:

• population growth • geography - physical hurdles/barriers, such as main roads and difficult routes • surplus places – neighbouring schools within a reasonable distance with available places • existing migration patterns – clear relationships between catchment areas with a history of positive preferences.

4.4 Action has already been taken in a number of areas. The first area of growth to highlight a deficit between the demand for primary pupil places and the number of places available at local schools was the Burngreave and Fir Vale area. Although 2 distinct communities, a great deal of pupil migration across the area was evident and a clear increase in the pupil population could be evidenced in 2005/06. As a result of extensive planning, consultation, a robust statutory process with financial support from the Primary Capital Programme Pathfinder and Primary Capital Programme Year 1 commitment, the following projects are either completed or nearing completion.

i) expansion of St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School from 1 Form Entry (FE) to 2 FE from 2009 ii) expansion of Pye Bank CE Primary School from 1 FE to 2 FE from 2009

6 iii) expansion of Owler Brook NI School from a Nursery Infant with a net capacity for 270 children to a Primary School with a net capacity of 420 children from 2009 iv) expansion of Whiteways J School from a Junior School with a net capacity for 360 children to a Primary School with a net capacity for 420 children from 2009.

4.5 As a response to a clear forecast increase in pupil numbers in the Southey catchment area, a temporary expansion at Meynell Primary School from 2FE to 3FE has been agreed for 3 years from 2009. Also, an increase in pupil numbers in the Greystones Primary catchment has resulted in a temporary increase to provide an additional 30 places at Reception in the 2009/10 academic year. The Primary Population Growth and Primary Provision Programme will develop proposals for long term solutions for both the Greystones and Southey areas.

5. Current Position

5.1 The forecasting of pupil numbers is not an exact science with factors such as mobility in and around the city in addition to parental preference playing a key role in predicting pupil numbers. Historical data and evidence shows that the method used by Sheffield provides a good indication of the demand for school places.

5.2 Based on our current forecasts, the areas where further action now needs to be taken to expand capacity are as follows:

a) Netherthorpe The growth in this area can be seen around the Netherthorpe Primary catchment area, with forecast demand for additional places becoming particularly acute in the 2011/12 academic year. Approximately 16 additional Reception places are required for 2010, increasing to approximately 64 in 2011/12 and 2012/13 academic years.

b) Meersbrook The growth in this area is specifically around the Meersbrook Bank catchment area, with forecast demand for additional places becoming particularly acute in the 2011/12 academic year. Approximately 31 additional Reception places are required for 2011/12 and 2012/13 academic years.

c) South Sheffield The growth in this area can be seen around the Abbey Lane and Lowedges catchment areas, with forecast demand for additional places becoming particularly acute in the 2011/12 academic year. Approximately 25 additional Reception places are required for 2011/12, increasing to around 45 across the area in the 2012/13 academic year.

d) Southey Green This area has experienced rapid population growth in recent years. A temporary measure to provide 30 additional Reception places has been implemented at Meynell Primary School (see para 4.5 above). However, a further demand for additional places is forecast for the 2011/12 academic year. Longley Primary, Meynell Primary, Southey Green Primary and Watercliffe Meadow Primary Schools

7 will considered within the context of their relationship with each other and the history of pupil migration and exchange. A minimum of 17 additional primary pupil places will be required in this area from 2011/12. This will be in addition to the temporary solution of 30 additional Reception places agreed at Meynell Primary from 2009/10 for 3 years.

e) Mosborough The growth in this area can be seen specifically around the Mosborough Primary catchment area. This contrasts with neighbouring catchments where a consistent decline in pupil numbers has left schools with surplus places. However, analysis of pupil movement suggests the schools with surplus would not be considered reasonable alternatives to Mosborough Primary. We therefore support the school’s request for an expansion of 15 additional Reception places from 2010/11 .

f) South West Sheffield A temporary measure to provide 30 additional Reception places has been implemented at Greystones Primary School (see para 4.5 above). However, a further demand for additional places is forecast for the 2011/12 academic year. Greystones catchment area will be considered within the context of the other South West. The bulk of the growth in this area is around Greystones and Sharrow. Due to the urgency for places in this area a phased approach has been taken. Approximately 54 additional Reception places are required for 2011/12, steadying at around 43 in 2012/13.

g) Darnall, Attercliffe and Tinsley The situation across this area is complex, with clear pupil movement and exchange across some catchments and borders. The situation is further complicated by the uncertainty of future housing developments and their potential impact. Therefore, further analysis of pupil forecasts, pupil movement, site feasibility studies and stakeholder discussion is required before any action for this area can be considered.

6. Options

6.1. There are a number of potential options for delivering additional primary school places within the required timeframe. These options are:

• providing temporary additional accommodation: e.g. mobile classrooms. • expansion of existing schools: involves adding additional classrooms and infrastructure (toilets, school hall etc) to the existing building

6.2 Further analysis of pupil movement, site feasibility studies and stakeholder discussions have resulted in a number of proposals for expansion, as summarised in the table at Section 6.3 below. The proposals were developed from a detailed options appraisal process that was undertaken in consultation with stakeholders in each area (see Appendix 3 ). The proposals take into account all known factors about the projected demand in each area, the feasibility of expansion on each school site and the achievability of any expansion. In each case, the school proposed for expansion is the best fit taking these factors into account.

8 6.3 Expansion Proposals

Area School Proposal Places Added Per Year School Total Netherthorpe Walkley Expand Walkley 20 140 Primary school from 40 places per year group to 60 places per year group. Westways Expand Westways 30 210 Primary School from 60 places per year group to 90 places per year group. Meersbrook Mundella Expand Mundella 20 140 Primary School from 40 places per year group to 60 places per year group. Carfield Expand Carfield 15 105 Primary School from 75 places per year group to 90 places per year group. South Abbey Lane Expand Abbey Lane 35 245 Primary School from 55 places per year group to 90 places per year group. Lowedges Expand Lowedges 30 210 Primary School from 30 places per year group to 60 places per year group. Southey Longley Temporarily Expand 30 90 Longley Primary School from 60 places per year group to 90 places per year group. Mosborough Mosborough Expand Mosborough 15 105 Primary School from 45 places per year group to 60 places per year group. South West Abbeydale Expand Abbeydale 15 105 Primary School from 45 places per year group to 60 places per year group. Greystones Temporarily Expand 30 90 Greystones Primary School from 60 places

9 per year group to 90 places per year group for 3 years. Lowfield Expand Lowfield 15 105 Primary School from 45 places per year group to 60 places per year group. Total 255 1,545

6.4 Feasibility studies have firstly looked at using existing school buildings to accommodate additional pupils, thus maximising the availability of existing resources, both physical and human.

6.5 Where a temporary solution is being proposed, as at Longley Primary and Greystones Primary Schools, further development and feasibility work will be carried out to determine a longer term permanent solution. This work will need to reassess how far the growth in demand in these areas will be sustained beyond 2011 and will look at all options, however innovative, for providing the necessary places. It will also give consideration to Early Years, Community Learning and Co-location requirements for the areas. These proposals will be outside the 2010/11 programme and will depend on future capital grant allocations.

6.6 In addition, further options will be explored for delivering primary education, in the event of further growth and the impossibility of expansion and/or refurbishment. Options such as more radical co-locations with other services (for example teaching older primary school year groups on secondary school sites) or extending the school day with a ‘shift system’ provide examples of models employed in other countries. However, it has been acknowledged that the full exploration and consultation required for such a significant change in approach could not be complete in the timeframe available to meet the immediate short-term need to expand by 2011 but will be considered for any further expansions required.

6.7 Carrying out the permanent expansion of these schools can provide opportunities for other positive enhancements. Modern and fit for purpose buildings will improve the climate and conditions for learning. This will enable schools to deliver the Every Child Matters agenda by providing a quality environment for pupils and teachers and increasing the ability to attract the necessary expertise to meet the requirements for the fuller curriculum. The improved or new buildings will:

o ensure the necessary adaptations are made to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act compliant, o provide modern technology and ICT; o upgrade sports facilities; o install/upgrade the appropriate facilities to deliver quality school meals to 1 or more schools; o improve the energy efficiency rating o give consideration to the light and colour to promote a stimulating learning environment o incorporate flexible space that can be easily transformed to promote a personalised learning environment/family learning/extended school activity /wider community use.

10 o incorporate flexibility around ICT, so systems can be updated easily

6.8 These principles will be incorporated into any proposals/plans in order to maximise the impact of capital investment on attainment.

6.9 All options for providing additional primary pupil places will take into account any requirements for additional pre-school places and out of hours childcare facilities, where possible.

6.10 All proposals to provide additional primary pupil places will take into account any requirements for the co-location of local services.

6.11 Schools will be supported to agree and enable plans for increasing community use of the school. This will include incorporating the security measures required to ensure the safeguarding of children is still a priority.

7. Consultation and Decision Making

7.1 As with all proposals to reorganise school provision, a clear and consistent process of consultation is required to ensure all the relevant stakeholders are considered within the council’s decision making process. Please see Appendix 1 for the structure chart for an outline of this process.

7.2 The objective of the Advisory Group is to give officers an opportunity to agree some key principles for each area and ensure any developments reflect the strategic direction of their services. This group will agree the options and proposals that are presented for decisions. Proposals will be approved by Children and Young People’s Services’ Capital Strategy Group and Service Leadership Team, EMT and Cabinet.

7.3 The objective of the Local Area Groups is to give stakeholders at a more local level an opportunity to comment on possible solutions to the issues identified. These groups will also be instrumental in steering the consultation process to ensure the methods of parental and community engagements are appropriate and effective for their areas.

7.4 The reorganisation of school provision, such as the permanent expansion of existing schools, is a statutory change and therefore subject to a formal legal process. There is a legal framework surrounding school organisation, which sets out specific requirements for consultation and the publication of proposals. Please see Appendix 2 for an outline of the statutory decision making process.

7.5 The following table provides an overview of key dates for the consultation and decision making process for the programme.

Advisory Group established June 09 Event to launch Programme to headteachers, local members etc. Sept 09 Local Area Groups: Develop feasible options for consultation Sept 09 - Jan.10 Carry out site feasibility work Dec 09 - Mar10 Cabinet (request permission to consult) May 10

11 Consult stakeholders on school reorganisation in all 6 areas May -July 10 Report back to Cabinet (outcome of consultation and permission August 10 to publish statutory proposals where appropriate) Publish Statutory Proposals Sept 10 Report back to Cabinet (consider any representations and make Dec 10 final decision) Design Process: temporary/refurbish/new build plans developed Mar -Dec 10 Construction Phase Jan-Sept 11

7.6 Subject to gaining permission from Cabinet with this report, we are intending to consult with stakeholders on the proposals set out in the following table. The first part of that process is to consult widely in order that all parties affected by the proposal can express their views. The consultation will be carried out during the Summer Term of 2010. There will be meetings for parents, governors and staff.

7.7 A Consultation Document will be sent to parents and carers of each child attending schools proposed for expansion. The Headteacher and Governors of each school will also be sent the document. At the end of the period the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services will present a report to Cabinet on the outcome of the consultation, clarifying any questions that have been raised during the process. If Cabinet decides to go ahead with the proposed changes, legal notices will be published in a local paper and displayed at the schools. The notice will include details of how individuals can make a representation about the proposal.

8. Legal Implications

8.1 The proposals to reorganise school provision will be governed by the procedures set out in the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2007, as amended.

9. Financial Implications

9.1 Revenue At School level the revenue costs associated with supporting a primary school through the transition process are assessed on an individual school basis and approved by the Schools Forum. These costs can vary according to the nature and scale of the expansion. This is particularly true for schools with pupils of ages 4+ to 6+, owing to the statutory requirement that classes be kept to 30 pupils or fewer. If a class rises from 29 to 30 pupils, this will simply result in a relatively small increase in grant (about £2,000). However if a class rises from 29 to 31 pupils, a statutory requirement to run two classes results. The school’s grant will rise by £4,000, but it will also need to employ an additional teacher at a cost of around £34,000, leaving the school with a potential shortfall of £30,000. This can be offset by granting additional funding to schools in this position, but this in turn results in a further dilution of the unit of resource, as total grant income from the Government remains fixed.

9.2 At Local Authority level Schools Budgets are funded from the Government’s annual Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), which is largely based on the size of the pupil population, counted as at January each year. Rising pupil populations should therefore not result in major long term funding problems for the Council. However rapid expansions in population can result in some temporary dilution of the 12 available unit of resource, owing to the time lag between the admission of additional pupils in schools (usually in September and January) and the resultant increase in DSG, which does not take effect until the following April, and is not back dated.

9.3 Potential Estimated Capital Implications The following table shows the estimated costs to carry out the proposed expansions. The costs are based on a per m2 formula with an allowance for on costs (feasibility, design, procurement furniture, contingencies etc).

Area School Capital Costs Area Total £000 £000 Netherthorpe Walkley 700 2,200 Westways 1,500 Meersbrook Mundella 1,600 2,400 Carfield 800 South Abbey Lane 3,000 4,000 Lowedges 1,000 Southey Longley 250 250 Mosborough Mosborough 600 600 South West Abbeydale 150 500 Greystones 250 Lowfield 100 Total 9,950 On Costs 3,850 Total 13 ,800

9.4 Basic Need Safety Valve Funding (BNSV) In August 09, we applied for BNSV, which is a capital grant available to authorities who can demonstrate that there is exceptional growth in primary pupil numbers between 2008/09 and 2010/11 to support the provision of permanent primary school places where they are needed by September 2011. It was announced in December that we have been allocated £13.8m towards permanent expansions. This will obviously cover a substantial amount of the costs of the requirements for 2011/12. The challenge for the council is to carry out a robust consultation, design and construction process within the short time frame.

9.5 Opportunities to maximise other funding sources available for Early Years Education and Childcare, Extended Schools Activity, School Meals etc. will be fully explored.

10. Human Resources

10.1 There are no direct Human Resource implications as a result of this planning phase of the process. The Children’s Commissioner is the sponsor for the Population Growth and Primary Provision programme. Officers from the School Organisation Team will manage the planning phase of this project with the Senior Manger for School Organisation coordinating officer support and advice from other key departments such as Learning and Achievement Service, Capital Development, Early Years, Admissions, Extended Schools, Cabinet Member, Admissions,

13 Finance, Community Assemblies, Human Resources, Forward and Area Planning, Diocese, Headteacher Representative.

11. Equality of Opportunity

11.1 The overall aim of this programme is to ensure that access to quality primary school provision is available to all children of primary school age across Sheffield.

11.2 This project will support the council’s priority to enable a better life for children and young people by providing access to an education and help to raise attainment and aspirations.

12. Environmental and Sustainability Implications

12.1 Providing additional local school places will increase the number of families who are able to go to their local school. This will reduce the number of longer journeys and should therefore increase the number of pupils who are able to travel to school in a sustainable way.

13. Reasons for Recommendations

13.1 Providing sufficient primary school places is essential to the City of Opportunity priority to raise attainment and aspirations, and is a statutory duty of the Council. This will mean that all Sheffield children reaching primary school age in 2011 and beyond will continue to have a school place in the area of the city in which they live.

14. Recommendations

14.1 It is recommended that Cabinet:

(i) note the Council’s duty to provide primary school places to meet demand, and endorse the policy of securing permanent high quality accommodation for the additional primary school pupils, as essential to their attainment, in those areas of the city where the trend for higher births is sustained;

(iv) agree that further decisions on capital expenditure for 2011/12 be taken later in the year when the capital funding position for 2011/12 and beyond is clearer.

14 Appendix 1: Population Growth & Primary School Provision: Consultation & Decision Making Structure

Cabinet Decision Making Consultation EMT Cabinet Team

CYPS SLT

CYPS Capital Strategy Group

Advisory Group Cabinet Member, School Organisation Team (SOT), Learning and Achievement Service, Early Years Education and Childcare Service, Extended Schools, Admissions, Finance, Parental Engagement,

Community Assemblies, Human Resources, Forward and Area Planning, Diocese, Headteacher Representative

South West Local Netherthorpe South Sheffield Southey Green Meersbrook Local Area Group Local Area Group Local Area Group Local Area Group Area Group Community Community Community Community Community Assemblies, SOT, Assemblies, SOT, Assemblies, SOT, Assemblies, SOT, Assemblies, SOT, Local Local Local Local Local Headteachers, Headteachers, Headteachers, Headteachers, Headteachers, LAS, Service LAS, Service LAS, Service LAS, Service LAS, Service District Co- District Co- District Co- District Co- District Co- ordinator, ordinator, ordinator, ordinator, ordinator, Members Members Members Members Members

Engagement with Engagement with Engagement with Engagement with Engagement with parents, carers parents, carers parents, carers parents, carers parents, carers and wider and wider and wider and wider and wider community community community community community

1 Appendix 2: Population Growth & Primary School Provision – Expanding a School Statutory Process

Consultation Publication Representation Decision Implementation

Pre Consultation: Sept 10 Sept – Oct 10 Dec 10 Jan – Aug 11 June 09 – April 10 (Displayed for 4 weeks)

Statutory A statutory notice containing Once proposals are The final Design and Build Consultation: aspects of the complete published there decision will be Phase May - July 10 proposal must be published follows a statutory taken by the LA in a local newspaper, and period during which at Cabinet also posted at the main representations (e.g. entrance to the school and objections or at another conspicuous comments) can be place in the area served by made. The statutory the school e.g. library period is 4 weeks.

2 Appendix 3: School Expansion Options Appraisal

A range of options have been explored in each of the growth areas to determine which schools could/should be expanded to accommodate the forecast additional demand for primary school places from 2010/11.

One key factor that should be noted when considering the emerging proposals is the funding criteria attached to the capital available for this programme. In December 2009, DCSF announced that it has allocated £13.7m to assist Sheffield respond to an unexpected rise in pre-school population and the need to provide additional primary pupil places. This Basic Need Safety Valve funding (BNSV) can only be invested in primary school expansions and has to be spent by September 2011. Clearly, this presents a number of challenges for CYPS to gain political and statutory approval and design and build the number of schemes required to increase the primary provision in 6 areas of the city.

It should also be noted that a new school option has been tentatively explored for each area in terms of potential sites. However, the constraints imposed on the programme by the funding available and the deadline of September 2011 means this is not achievable, but may wish to be considered for a longer-term proposal.

Netherthorpe Area - Approximately 54 additional places required for 2011/12 The outcome of the feasibility to date is to consult on proposals to expand Walkley Primary School and Westways Primary School in order to provide an additional 50 places in this area.

The growth is predominantly around the Netherthorpe Primary catchment area, but permanent expansion is not possible at this school. However, a history of migration to both Walkley and Westways can be evidenced providing an alternative option for parents within a reasonable distance.

Meersbrook Area - Approximately 30 additional places required for 2011/12 The outcome of the feasibility to date is to consult on proposals to expand Carfield Primary School and Mundella Primary School in order to provide an additional 35 places in this area.

The growth is predominantly around the Meersbrook Bank Primary catchment area, but permanent expansion is not possible at this school. However, a history of migration to both Carfield and Mundella can be evidenced providing an alternative option for parents within a reasonable distance.

South Sheffield Area – Approximately 44 additional places required for 2011/12 The outcome of the feasibility to date is to consult on proposals to expand Abbey Lane Primary School and Lowedges Primary School to provide an additional 65 places in this area. This option will create more places than is forecast for 2011/12, building in capacity for further growth. If the population in this area continues to grow, Greenhill and Lower Meadow provide a further options for expansion. However, the current concern is about accommodating the forecast number of children in the Lowedges catchment area, which are 112 children for 30 places. This contrasts with Greenhill Primary where there are forecast to be 72 children in catchment for 75 places and Lower Meadow where there are forecast to be 56 children in catchment for 45 places.

Southey Area – A minimum of 17 additional primary pupil places will be required in this area from 2011/12. The outcome of the feasibility to date is to consult on proposals to expand Longley Primary School and Meynell Primary School to provide an additional 60 places in this area. A temporary solution has been implemented at Meynell Primary of to provide 30 additional Reception places from 2009/10 for 3 years. It is possible that a similar approach will be taken at Longley Primary to enable more time to explore alternative options and funding.

3 Mosborough – Approximately 15 additional primary pupil places are required in this area. The outcome of the feasibility to date is to consult on a proposal to expand Mosborough Primary School to provide an additional 15 places. This will support both existing and future growth by providing the capacity to continue to accommodate children that have been placed at the school by the appeals panel.

South West Area – Approximately 60 additional primary pupil places are required in this area. The outcome of the feasibility to date is to consult on proposals to expand Abbeydale Primary School, Greystones Primary School and Lowfield Primary School to provide an additional 60 places. Other schools in this area have been considered, but have been ruled out on school size, building and site constraints.

4 Useful Information BB99 Guidance sets out for Local Authorities the minimum recommended site size for different sized primary schools. The minimum site size for 2FE and 3FE primary schools is as follows.

2FE Primary 3FE Primary 17,320sqm 24,880sqm 2FE Primary on Confined Site 3FE Primary on Con fined Site 4,600sqm 5,650sqm

Netherthorpe Area Site and Buildings School size and structure Places and Accessibility Achievability Netherthorpe Primary Confined Site with Grade II 1FE Primary School Catchment area of growth. Cannot be achieved on (Site Area 3,485 sqm) listed building. existing site. Forecast higher numbers in School building could not catchment than school can accommodate expansion. accommodate.

No scope for site expansion. Lydgate I/J J Site could accommodate 4FE separate phase schools Not catchment area of growth. Cannot be achieved on (I Site Area 6,803 sqm some expansion within on separate sites. existing I site. (J Site Area 16,690 sqm) confined site guidance. Schools can accommodate Exceeds maximum 3FE catchment pupils for Would exceed max school school size policy foreseeable future. size. St Mary’s CE Existing school building could 1FE Primary school No Cathcment Area Cannot be achieved on (Site Area 2,780sqm) not accommodate expansion. existing site

No scope for site expansion. Walkley Primary Existing school building and Would increase school from Catchment area of growth. Expansion of 20 places can (Site Area 46,630 sqm) site could accommodate 40 to 60 places, removing be achieved on site. some expansion. awkward class sizes. Westways Primary Existing school building and Would increase school from Catchment area of growth. Expansion of 30 places can (Site Area 10,240 sqm) site could accommodate 2FE to 3FE (60 to 90), not be achieved on existing site. some expansion within exceeding maximum school School can accommodate confined site guidance. size and maintaining whole catchment pupils for class sizes. foreseeable future. Meersbrook Area Carfield Primary Existing school building and Would increase school from Not catchment area of growth. Expansion of 15 places can (Site Area 8,959 sqm) site could accommodate 2.5FE to 3FE (75 to 90), be achieved on existing site. some expansion within removing awkward class School can accommodate confined site guidance. sizes. catchment pupils for

5 foreseeable future. Meersbrook Primary Existing school building could 1FE Primary School Catchment area of growth. Cannot be achieved on (Site Area 3,153 sqm) not accommodate expansion. existing site. Forecast higher numbers in No scope for site expansion. catchment than school can accommodate. Mundella Primary Confined Site but within Would increase school from Not catchment area of growth. Expansion of 20 places can (Site Area 5,131 sqm) acceptable guidelines. 40 to 60 places, removing be achieved on existing site. awkward class sizes. Schools can accommodate catchment pupils for foreseeable future. South Sheffield Area Site and Buildings School size and structure Places and Accessibility Achievability Abbey Lane Site could accommodate Would increase school from Catchment area of growth. Expansion of 35 places can (Site Area 18,180 sqm) some expansion within 2FE to 3FE (55 to 90), not be achieved on existing site. confined site guidance. exceeding maximum school Forecast higher numbers in size and securing whole class catchment than school can sizes. accommodate. Bradway Site could accommodate Would increase school from Not catchment area of growth. Expansion of 30 places can (Site Area 22,698 sqm) some expansion with 2FE to 3FE (58 to 90), not be achieved on existing site. confined site guidance. exceeding maximum school School can accommodate size and securing whole class catchment pupils for sizes. foreseeable future. Greenhill Primary Site could accommodate Would increase school from Not catchment area of growth. Expansion of 15 places can (Site Area 36,460 sqm) some expansion. 2.5FE to 3FE (75 to 90), be achieved on existing site. removing awkward class School can accommodate sizes. catchment pupils for Consider only if solution in foreseeable future. growth catchment cannot be achieved. Lowedges Primary Site could accommodate Would increase school from Catchment area of growth. Expansion of 30 places can (Site Area 27,530 sqm) some expansion. 1FE to 2FE. be achieved on existing site. Forecast higher numbers in catchment than school can accommodate. Lower Meadow Site could accommodate Would increase school from Catchment area of growth. Expansion of 15 places can (Site Area 11,930 sqm) some expansion within 1.5FE to 2FE (45 to 60), be achieved on existing site. confined site guidance. removing awkward class Forecast higher numbers in sizes. catchment than school can accommodate. St Thomas of Canterbury Site could accommodate Would increase school from No catchment area. Expansion of 30 places can Catholic Primary some expansion within 1FE to 2FE (30 to 60). be achieved on existing site. (Site Area 13,390sqm) confined site guidance.

6 Diocese no desire to expand, Consider only if solution in but expressed wish to create growth catchment area Foundation Unit. cannot be achieved. Woodseats Primary Confined Site and Buildings. Would increase school from Not catchment area of growth. Cannot be achieved on (Site Area 6,402 sqm) 2FE to 3FE (56 to 90). existing site. Could not accommodate School can accommodate expansion. catchment pupils until 2011/12. Southey Site and Buildings School size and structure Places and Accessibility Achievability Longley Primary Buildings and Suitability Would increase school from Not catchment area of growth. Expansion of 30 places can (Site Area 13,010 sqm) issues 2FE to 3FE (57 to 90), not be achieved on existing site. exceeding maximum school School can accommodate Site could accommodate size and maintaining whole catchment pupils for Consider only if solution in some expansion class sizes. foreseeable future. growth catchment cannot be achieved. Meynell Primary Buildings and Suitability Would increase school from Not catchment area of growth. Expansion of 30 places can (Site Area 41,930 sqm) issues 2FE to 3FE (60 to 90), not be achieved on existing site. exceeding maximum school School can accommodate Site could accommodate size and maintaining whole catchment pupils for Consider only if solution in expansion class sizes. foreseeable future. growth catchment cannot be achieved. Southey Green Primary Confined Site, but within Already at maximum size of Catchment area of growth. Would exceed max school (Site Area 16,210 sqm) acceptable guidelines. 3FE size. Forecast higher numbers in catchment than school can accommodate. Watercliffe Meadow Primary New 2 FE school on confined New purpose built 2FE Catchment area of growth. Expansion not achievable on (Site Area 16,345 sqm) site. Could not school, co-located with existing site. accommodate 3FE on site children’s centre and Forecast higher numbers in and no scope for expansion community centre. catchment than school can onto neighbouring land. accommodate. School has been through extensive reorganisation already. Mosborough Mosborough Primary New 1.5FE school on site Catchment area of growth. Expansion of 15 places can (Site Area 21,590 sqm) with flexibility to expand to be achieved on existing site. 2FE. Forecast higher numbers in catchment than school can accommodate. South West Area Site and Buildings School size and structure Places and Accessibility Achievability

7 Abbeydale Primary Confined Site but within Would increase school from Catchment area of growth. Expansion of 15 places can acceptable guidelines. 1.5FE to 2FE (45 to 60), be achieved in existing (Site Area 5,477 sqm) Existing building originally removing mixed age classes. Forecast higher numbers in buildings. accommodated 51 pupils per catchment than school can year group. Could be accommodate. refurbished to accommodate 60 pupils per year group at minimal cost.

Clifford CE I Site and buildings too small Single phase CE school. Any No catchment area. Expansion not achievable on (Site Area 1,960 sqm) to accommodate any expansion would impact at existing site. expansion. KSII. No appropriate neighbouring sites that could be incorporated. Ecclesall I Site could accommodate Any expansion at Ecclesall I Not catchment area of growth. Not achievable within current (Site Area 19,760 sqm) some expansion. would have to include Clifford timeframe and difficult to CE I and Ecclesall J. A School can accommodate achieve any additional places. longer more complex catchment pupils for proposal of amalgamation of foreseeable future. 3 schools (2 CE schools and 1 community) Would not result in any more than reconfiguration of 3FE Primary School and not add any more places. Greystones Confined site, but within Would increase school from Forecast higher numbers in Expansion of 30 places can (Site Area 7,987 sqm) acceptable guidelines. 2FE to 3FE (60 to 90), not catchment than school can be achieved on existing site. exceeding maximum school accommodate. size and maintaining whole class sizes. Holt House I Could accommodate some Any expansion at Holt House Not achievable in current (15,760 sqm) expansion. Scope to would need to incorporate timeframe. Would only incorporate some of Carter Knowle J. A longer achieve 30 more places per neighbouring CYPS owned more complex proposal of year group for approximate site (Bannerdale). amalgamation and extensive £7m investment. Could be new build to create 3FE explored further if no other Primary School. achievable expansions identified. Carter Knowle J Confined site and Grade II See Holt House I for No further feasibility required Not achievable in current (6,788 sqm) listed building. implications. at this stage. timeframe. Would only

8 achieve 30 more places per year group for approximate £7m investment. Could be explored further if no other achievable expansions identified. Hunters Bar I/J Confined site with no scope Already at maximum size of Not area of growth. Expansion not achievable on I and J combined sites (2,595 for expansion. 3FE. existing site. sqm + 3,120 sqm = 5,715 sqm) School can accommodate catchment pupils for foreseeable future. Lowfield Primary Confined site, but within Increase of 15 would increase Area of growth. Expansion of 15 places can (5,776 sqm) acceptable guidelines. school from 45 to 60 (1.5FE be achieved on this site to 2FE), removing mixed age Forecast higher numbers in classes. catchment than school can accommodate. Porter Croft CE IJ Confined site. No scope for 1 FE Primary School. No catchment area. Expansion not achievable on (3,841 sqm) expansion on existing site. Increase of 15 would create existing site. Open space behind site is mixed age classes. used by the community for sports and is on a High Risk flood plain. Sharrow Primary New 2 FE school on confined School has been through Area of growth. Expansion not achievable on site. Could not extensive reorganisation existing site. accommodate 3FE on site already. Forecast higher numbers in and no scope for expansion catchment than school can onto neighbouring land. accommodate.