Amendment added 22.7.26

Council considered a motion regarding the future provision of secondary school places on the Isle of Sheppey.

In moving the motion, Councillor Lee-Anne Moore referred to discussions that had taken place at a recent Councillor and Resident Forum, and expressed concern regarding both the current and projected shortage of secondary school places. She said that whilst the immediate position had improved compared with the previous year, concerns remained regarding future intakes and projected shortfalls in school capacity.

Councillor Moore highlighted the difficulties faced by families whose children had been unable to secure a local school place and spoke of the impact that long travel distances and the absence of suitable provision had on pupils and their families. She said that some children had been without a school place for an extended period and stressed the importance of ensuring that every child had access to appropriate education. Councillor Moore emphasised that the purpose of the motion was to bring together all relevant bodies in order to identify solutions rather than apportion blame.

Councillor Lloyd Bowen seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.

An amendment submitted by Councillor Richard Palmer was withdrawn with the agreement of the seconder, Councillor Chris Palmer.

During the debate, Members expressed broad support for the motion and discussed a range of issues relating to secondary education provision across the Isle of Sheppey and the wider Borough.

Members' comments included:

•          concerns regarding current and future shortages in secondary school places and the projected increase in demand over coming years;

•          the impact on children and families of being required to travel significant distances to attend school;

•          highlighted the effect that lengthy journeys could have on pupils' wellbeing, educational attainment and ability to participate in extracurricular activities;

•          concern that some children had been without suitable school places for prolonged periods;

•          discussion regarding the respective responsibilities of Government, Kent County Council (KCC), academy trusts and local authorities in securing sufficient school provision;

•          the need to ensure that planned housing growth was accompanied by appropriate educational infrastructure;

•          concerns regarding the operation of admissions arrangements and the accessibility of school places for children living in parts of the Isle of Sheppey;

•          discussion regarding the use of developer contributions and wider planning considerations relating to school provision;

•          the importance of ensuring that children and parents were represented in future discussions;

•          concerns regarding the potential impact of a lack of educational provision on future opportunities for young people; and

•          the need for all relevant organisations to work collaboratively to identify and implement solutions.

A number of Members stated that greater accountability was required from those responsible for education provision, whilst others emphasised the need for joint working between all agencies involved. Members were united in expressing concern regarding the consequences for children and families if additional provision was not secured.

Councillor Bowen said that the issue was not a political matter, but one of ensuring that all young people had access to high quality secondary education. He referred to projected shortages in future secondary school provision and highlighted the practical and financial burden placed on families required to travel long distances to access school places. Councillor Bowen welcomed the motion's proposal to bring together KCC, Members of Parliament, academy trusts, school leaders, the Borough Council and parents in order to develop a clear plan and timetable for addressing future need.

In summing up, Councillor Moore thanked Members for their support. She said that the debate demonstrated the importance of the issue for families across the Isle of Sheppey and expressed appreciation that Members from all groups had supported efforts to secure improved educational provision for children and young people.

Resolved:

That Council notes:

(1)That Kent County Council has advised that there is a forecast shortfall of secondary school places in Swale from 2026 onwards, with a deficit of up to five forms of entry (approximately 150 places).

(2)That some children are already travelling significant distances to access education.

(3)That children from the east of Sheppey are often required to travel past several schools before reaching their allocated school

(4)That Kent County Council’s Commissioning Plan identifies continuing pressure on secondary school places in Swale and states that expansion of secondary school education will be required to meet future demand.

That Council believes:

(1)Every child should have access to a suitable local school place.

(2)Long-distance travel places unnecessary burdens on pupils and families.

(3)Education infrastructure must keep pace with population growth and future demand.

This Council resolves:

(1)To express its concern regarding the projected shortage of secondary school places.

(2) To request that Kent County Council provides a clear plan and timetable for delivering the additional secondary school capacity required on the Isle of Sheppey.

(3) To ask the Leader of Swale Borough Council to convene an urgent meeting involving Kent County Council, local Members of Parliament, Swale Borough Council representatives, academy trusts and secondary school leaders to discuss current pressures and agree a long-term strategy to ensure sufficient secondary school places for children of Swale.

(4) To ask Kent County Council and local MPs for their support in securing the necessary investment and educational provision for Swale.