Issue - items at meetings - Special Educational Needs and Disability review - proposed closure of Patcham House Community Special School

Report of the Executive Director- Families, Children & Learning (copy attached).

1)            That the Urgency Sub- Committee confirm the proposal contained in the statutory notice and make a final decision to close Patcham House Community Special School on 31 August 2018.

2.1         The Urgency Sub-Committee considered a report of the Executive Director Families, Children & Learning that provided feedback from the recent formal representation period following the issue of statutory notices in respect of the proposal to close Patcham House School from 31 August 2018 and sought Member approval for the proposal. The proposal was part of the planned re-design of special school and Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) provision in the city. No representations or communications had been received in response to the publication of Statutory Notices.

2.2         Councillor Brown stated that the issue was a sensitive as any proposed closure of schools would be however, enhancements in Special Facilities in mainstream schools and the proposed hubs would be a good thing for all pupils in the city and ensure educational provision could be more sustainable.

2.3         Councillor Knight asked for the timeline for the specialist facility and whether it would coincide with the closure of Patcham House.

2.4         The Assistant Director, Health, SEN & Disabilities clarified that it was the intention to open a new Special Facility in a mainstream secondary school in September 2018 and negotiations to that end were ongoing. The Assistant Director added that whilst it was at the discretion of the Headteacher, schools had been asked to give priority in recruitment to the existing staff at Patcham House and every effort would be taken by the Council to ensure those staff were retained in the city.

2.5         The Chair stated that the issue of closure would always be a difficult and sensitive topic, the plans had were very thorough and would ensure future proofing of the service and benefit schools and pupils throughout the city.

2.6         RESOLVED- That the Urgency Sub- Committee confirm the proposal contained in the statutory notice and make a final decision to close Patcham House Community Special School on 31 August 2018.