Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the Growth Fund Update 2020/21.

Piers Brunning presented the Growth Fund update 2020/21 report.

Piers Brunning stated that the plan would be delivered with the allocated budget of £800k.  The plan included the expansion of three maintained primary schools, three primary academies and one secondary academy school and the pre-opening grant payments for three new primary schools.

Piers Brunning stated that there were plans to open new schools.  The Alder Grove CoE Primary Free School (formerly Shinfield West Primary School) would open in September 2020; and noted that this year all Shinfield schools were fully allocated.  Two further new primary schools were planned to open in 2021, these were in north Wokingham (Matthews Green) and in the Arborfield Strategic Development Locations.

Piers Brunning stated that there were some localised pressure points, notably in Woodley this year due to a high birth rate.  However, this pressure was not expected for next year.  The Council was considering the pressure on places for KS2 children.

The Chairman thanked Piers Brunning and stated that Schools Forum was looking forward to receiving a more detailed report, containing the future plans at the next meeting.

RESOLVED That:

1)     The report be noted; and

2)     A Growth Fund report, including the long term growth strategy would be submitted to the next meeting.