Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Enterprise, which outlined the methodology used to prioritise the schools for the Basic Need funding for 2013/14 and 2014/15.

The Board was advised that, Basic Need funding was allocated to local authorities in recognition of the significant pressures faced in providing additional school places. For Halton, the Basic Need funding for 2013/14 would be £1,203,445. The model which Halton used to allocate Basic Need funding in previous years had been applied again for 2013/14 and 2014/15, and identified those schools with the strongest case for support.

The report contained a more detailed explanation of those schools which had been considered as being the highest priority. Birth data was also analysed for 2014 and 2015 and compared against the Pupil Number Capacity. It was noted that the forecast data indicated that there was sufficient capacity for pupils entering the schools in Runcorn and Widnes at Reception age. However, Beechwood Primary School was identified as being in need of Basic Need support as it was operating above capacity overall with four year groups oversubscribed.

Reason(s) for Decision

To deliver and implement the Basic Need Capital Programme.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Implementation Date

Works at Beechwood Primary School to commence as soon as possible, in order for the school to increase their planned admission number.

RESOLVED: That the Board

1)    agree the prioritisation process outlined within the report;

2)    agree that a capital project be developed to address a Basic Need issue at Beechwood Primary School; and

3)    a further report be submitted to Executive Board, detailing how the balance of the Basic Need funding for 2013/14 and 2014/15 will be allocated.