Issue - items at meetings - Consultation of the future of Falmer High School and proposals for the development of an Academy on the school site

42.1

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services that updated Members on the process for the proposed development of an Academy on the Falmer High School site. The report informed Members of the outcomes of the informal consultation process and sought approval for the further formal consultation stage (for copy see minute book).

42.2

A revised version of the report had been circulated to the Cabinet and made available to Members and the public. The revised report was the version considered in determining the decision.

42.3

Following a request to speak the Chairman invited Councillor Hawkes to address the meeting. Councillor Hawkes broadly supported the initiative but was concerned that there was not enough detail contained within the report about the variety of responses made to the consultation.

42.4

Councillor Caulfield, speaking as a ward councillor for the area, thanked Councillor Hawkes for her support and noted that the prime driver for pursuing the initiative was to improve the lives and education opportunities for residents in the area.

42.5

Councillor Kemble endorsed the comments made by Councillors Hawkes and Caulfield, noting the unique opportunity that the project afforded.

42.6

RESOLVED – Having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:

(1) To note the progress since the Policy & Resources Committee Meeting of 6 March 2008.

2) To consider the outcome of the informal stage of consultation undertaken between 19 May and 4 July 2008 shown at Appendix 3 of the report.

3) That based on the outcomes of that consultation, to approve the next stage of the procedure and authorise the Director of Children’s Services to publish the statutory notice on 1 September 2008 for the closure of Falmer High School in August 2010.