In our third report in response to the recently published Delegated Decision Report in relation to school reorganisation on the Isle of Wight, we look at provision of primary school places for Newport and East Cowes.
Although the wording is quite vague, it also appears from the report, that increased demand from new housing developments in Newport and East Cowes have not previously been accounted, for when forecasting primary school provision.
The latest predictions are that by 2016 there would be an additional 29 reception age children requiring provision in the Newport area, with the same figure (29) for East Cowes by 2018.
Provision could be increased
Unlike the situation in West Wight and East Wight, this could see an increase being made to primary schools in Newport and East Cowes, as they’d clearly need at least one extra class each.
This is what’s being recommended:
Option C – to develop options, consult on those options and, subject to the outcome of consultation, to publish proposals to increase provision for the Newport area.
Option E – to develop options, consult on those options and, subject to the outcome of consultation, to publish proposals to increase provision for the East Cowes area.
Some schools will lose income
The report also points out that due to changes in the way the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) will be distributed from April 2012, some schools may face a reduction in total income unless their pupil numbers rise, possibly prejudicing the financial viability of the school.
Schools to commission services from marketplace providers
There is one section of the paper that could do with some clarification. Point 12 within the Strategic Context section reads
In the context of the economic climate, the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Coalition Government’s policy direction and the changes in the public sector at regional and local level, the environment in which the Council will operate is radically changing.
It is very apparent that the range and level of central services provided to schools is not sustainable.
Therefore, there is a need to develop a relationship with schools that recoups the full cost of centrally provided support services, builds capacity within schools to undertake support functions themselves or enables schools to commission these services from other marketplace providers.
We’re not quite sure what the implications of this would be.
Perhaps anyone in the education sector might be able to shed some light on the pros and cons of schools having the authority and funds to commission services themselves. Is this a good thing or will they run into difficulties?
All feedback welcomed.
Full report below
