Primary School Expansion Programme 2012

Overview

In recent years there has been a marked upturn in the numbers of children born in the Borough, we have already had to increase capacity during the last two years to meet the additional demand for places at reception year. This increased demand is projected to continue at least up to 2013 and probably beyond.  The Local Authority has a core duty to ensure there are sufficient places to meet the needs of its children and families and therefore it is obliged to plan for the expansion of its school capacity.

Why your views matter

We have to increase the number of primary school places to meet additional demand. We believe that the proposals should ensure that every Sutton child requiring a school place will get one.

Public consultation on the possible expansion of up to 5 primary schools took place from mid May to the end of June. We set out specific proposals for school expansions in the consultation document. These places should come into operation for September 2012. Feedback on the proposals was generally positive, although there were concerns expressed at certain schools about possible overcrowding and impacts on traffic congestion.

The Council’s Executive considered the matter at its meeting on 12 September and agreed to publish formal proposals for the permanent expansion of four of the five schools. These are:

• All Saints Church of Benhilton Primary
• All Saints Carshalton Primary
• Primary
• The Federation of St Elphage’s Catholic Infants

The fifth school, Cheam Common Infants, will be subject to further consideration in the light of the responses received during the public consultation.

What happens next

Statutory Notices for the permanent expansion of the four schools will be published on 22 September. There will then follow a four week consultation (representation) period, when comments on the proposals may be submitted to the Local Authority. This consultation period will end on 20 October.

Any responses will be carefully considered and a decision taken on the proposed expansions should be made by early November for implementation in September 2012.