Decision details

Newlands Primary School - Resource Base for Children with a Hearing Impairment

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To consider the report of the Cabinet member for Children and Learning seeking approval to open a resource base for children with a hearing impairment at Newlands Primary School.

Decision:

(i)  To approve the proposal as advertised in the statutory notice, without modification, subject to the granting of planning permission. For implementation from 1 September 2022.

(ii)  To approve the spend of £1.11M for this project.

Reasons for the decision:

1.  Southampton, in recent years, has seen an increase in the number of pupils with complex needs relating to their hearing impairments. Whilst the needs of the majority of these pupils can be met in mainstream schools, a number require more specialist provision. In order to meet the needs of primary aged hearing impaired pupils, it is proposed to open a new purpose built resource base at Newlands Primary School to cater for pupils aged between 4 and 11. The total number of places available will not exceed 14, increasing the available number of places by 6.

2.  The new resource base will be an extension of the current school. This will ensure that the pupils are fully included in all aspects of school life.

3.  This proposal ensures that the Council can meet the needs of all hearing impaired pupils in the City by increasing the number of available places.

Alternative options considered:

Decision makers can reject the proposal as advised.

 

A failure to invest in specialist provision locally would result in unnecessary out of county independent residential placements for these children. This would cost the LA up to £540,000 per pupil over the course of their education. Investment now produces a saving of up to £7.6M over the coming years. Additionally, children can be educated close to home giving them the best start in life. This links with the Council strategy.

 

Decision makers can approve the proposal with minor modification (such as start date).

Report author: Clodagh Freeston

Publication date: 15/12/2020

Date of decision: 15/12/2020

Decided at meeting: 15/12/2020 - Cabinet

Effective from: 24/12/2020

Accompanying Documents: