Agenda item - Proposal to change the age range of Blatchington Mill School to remove sixth form provision final decision

Report of the Executive Director; Families, Children and Learning (Copy attached)

RESOLVED: That the committee agreed –

1.    That the Children Young People and Skills Committee confirm the proposal to change the age range of Blatchington Mill School from 11 to 18 to 11 to 16.

63.1    The Head of School Organsiation gave a brief overview of the Blatchington Mill Sixth Form change to age range and Sixth Form removal. He stated the events leading to the closure of the Sixth Form in 2019; he further stated that students have access to other schools in the area. It was confirmed that the age range will be set by 2019 and that questions were raised regarding the opportunities for teachers to teach sixth form students and surrounding concerns on staff retention.

63.2    Ruth King, Deputy Head of Blatchington Mill School, stated that much time had been spent debating this at the school. She gave a brief overview of events that have taken place leading to the proposal being put forward. She noted there were 4 members of staff who were entirely sixth form teachers, and were consulted individually to discuss the prospect of teaching at Hove Park school. She further noted that they wouldn’t need retraining. The panel heard that there were 74 applicants for a new assistant head position.

63.4    Councillor Wealls enquired if the number of A-Levels would be the same or if they would diminish. He noted that a school with a broad curriculum could be good.

63.5    Ruth King, Deputy Head of Blatchington Mill School, stated that it was hard to specify on the numbers of A-Levels following this proposal however reduction would be minimal. She noted that more vocal students who were not academically abled had stayed with Blatchington Mill. She further noted that the joint Sixth Form Head of Blatchington Mill and Hove Park was at Blatchington Mill 2 days a week to help any transition over.

63.6    Josh Cliff, Youth Council, enquired of any notable changes to the Key Stages between upper and lower school

63.7    The Head of School Organsiation stated that discussions regarding this are currently ongoing and that a range of options are being considered as nothing has been agreed.

63.8    Martin Jones enquired if there will be extra structures in place to help with any transitions for vulnerable students and if any considerations had been made in regards to flexible working environments for teachers such as part time work

63.9    Ruth King, Deputy Head of Blatchington Mill School, stated that SEND students moving to Varndean and other locations will have extra help; she stated that an effort to look for transitions for over 16s was being undertaken. She noted that for the first time this academic year, everybody will have some form of help. In regards to staffing, there have been part time staffers working at 2 different schools, also there work share with Hove Park was employed which included swapping some students.

63.10  Councillor Hamilton stated the he hoped an increase of viability for more groups with certain disciplines would be made available, he further noted that if Blatchington Mill and Dorothy Stringer took another 30 students this might play a part in stopping redirections of students.

63.11  RESOLVED: That the committee agree

1.    That the Children Young People and Skills Committee confirm the proposal to change the age range of Blatchington Mill School from 11 to 18 to 11 to 16.