Decision - Special School and Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) Reorgaisation Proposals

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the Children, Young People and Skills Committee should confirm the proposal contained in the statutory notices and make a final decision to:

(a) Extend the age range of Hillside School from the existing 4-16 years to 2-16 years with effect from September 2017

(b)Extend the age range of Downs View School from the existing 3-19 years to 2-19 years, with effect from September 2017

(2)  That the outcome of the formal consultation on the proposal to close Patcham House School should be noted and agreement be given to the publication of statutory notices to progress this proposal.

(3)  Formal Consultation – Integrated Hubs East & West

That the Local Authority should agree to proceed to formal consultation on the proposal to:

(a)  Expand, re-designate and extend the age range up to the age of 18 years for Hillside Community Special School and to close Downs Park Community Special School to form the integrated hub for learning difficulties in the west of the city

(b)  Expand and re-designate Downs View Community Special School and close the Cedar Centre Community Special School to form the integrated hub for learning difficulties in the east of the city

(4) Integrated Hub for Social Emotional Mental Health needs

To agree that the Local Authority should:

(a)  Consult on the creation of an integrated hub for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs by merging the two Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and bringing them together with Homewood College under the oversight of an executive head teacher.

(b) Begin a formal consultation on the expansion of pupil numbers and site of Homewood College and extension of the age range of pupils from 11-16 years to 5-18 years.