Consultation takes place Thursday morning and evening at Ark Wembley on their plans for a new 630 pupil primary school at the junction of Empire Way and the Royal Route LINK
New light is thrown on the proposal by figures obtained by FoI request for the number of vacancies in Reception for September 2017.
The figures show that some of the recently expanded schools are not filling up. A number of these expansions have involved controversy including Stonebridge (closure of the adventure playground) and Byron Court (vociferous opposition from residents).
The figures in the final waiting list column represent children who will have a school place in Septepmber but not their parents' first choice. Parents will waiting for a vacancy to arise to place them in the school of their choice, perhaps to join siblings or because it is more convenient for transport. Children can be on several waiting lists so the figures are of limited value.
When a school has vacant spaces and no waiting list the parents of children moving into the borough between now and September will be offered places there, which may involve a journey across the borough.
When children settle into a school, albeit not their first choice, make friends and settle into the routine, the parents desire for transfer is sometimes reduced: 'She is doing well, I dont think I want to move her now'
The 'churn' of pupils moving between schools creates instability and affects progress and achievement. A new school could have a destabilising effect on other esrtablished local schools.
A considerable amount of money has been invested in the expansion of schools. If they are not filling up the additional places then there is a question of value for money.
School places planning and school expansion seems a ripe topic for s Scrutiny Committeee investigation.
New light is thrown on the proposal by figures obtained by FoI request for the number of vacancies in Reception for September 2017.
The figures show that some of the recently expanded schools are not filling up. A number of these expansions have involved controversy including Stonebridge (closure of the adventure playground) and Byron Court (vociferous opposition from residents).
The figures in the final waiting list column represent children who will have a school place in Septepmber but not their parents' first choice. Parents will waiting for a vacancy to arise to place them in the school of their choice, perhaps to join siblings or because it is more convenient for transport. Children can be on several waiting lists so the figures are of limited value.
When a school has vacant spaces and no waiting list the parents of children moving into the borough between now and September will be offered places there, which may involve a journey across the borough.
When children settle into a school, albeit not their first choice, make friends and settle into the routine, the parents desire for transfer is sometimes reduced: 'She is doing well, I dont think I want to move her now'
The 'churn' of pupils moving between schools creates instability and affects progress and achievement. A new school could have a destabilising effect on other esrtablished local schools.
A considerable amount of money has been invested in the expansion of schools. If they are not filling up the additional places then there is a question of value for money.
School places planning and school expansion seems a ripe topic for s Scrutiny Committeee investigation.
