Issue - meetings

That:

1)        the preferred approach of relocating and expanding Farley Hill Primary School to a potential capacity of 630 places from September 2021 by taking on the management of the new Arborfield Primary School premises be endorsed;

2)         a formal consultation on the preferred approach be undertaken; and

3          authority to make a final decision be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Lead Member for Children’s Services.

The Executive considered a report setting out the options for the management of the New Arborfield Primary School.

The Executive Member for Children’s Services outlined the issues with Farley Hill School, which whilst being judged a ‘good’ school and oversubscribed, its building was old and the School could only be reached by car.  Councillor Clark went through the options considered and advised that the preferred option was the relocation and expansion of Farley Hill Primary School to the new Arborfield Primary School premises.  This would make it easier for children to walk to school, thereby minimising traffic congestion.

Councillor Clark advised that the proposal would have capacity for 420 pupils (plus a nursery) with planning permission to enable growth to 630 places if required. 

The Ward Member for Barkham advised that he supported the relocation of Farley Hill into the new building as he had concerns that if a new school was opened this would have a detrimental effect on the number on role at the Coombes School.

RESOLVED that:

1)        the preferred approach of relocating and expanding Farley Hill Primary School to a potential capacity of 630 places from September 2021 by taking on the management of the new Arborfield Primary School premises be endorsed;

2)         a formal consultation on the preferred approach be undertaken; and

3          authority to make a final decision be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Lead Member for Children’s Services.