Droylsden Primary And Nursery Places Review:

Consultation Paper

Review of Primary School Places

Tameside Council is working through a process of reviewing primary school places on an area basis. This has already been completed in other areas of the borough and commenced in Droylsden in the spring term, 2007.

• The Need to Review Primary School Places
• Objectives of the Review
• Scope of this Review
• Current Pupil Numbers
• Capacity of Schools
• Predicted Pupil Numbers
• Situation at Individual Schools
• Voluntary Aided Schools
• Other Factors in the Droylsden Area
• Summary
• Options for Consideration for Reducing Surplus Places in Primary Schools
• Predicted Reduction in Surplus Capacity
• Nursery Education in Droylsden
• Options to Rationalise Maintained Nursery Places in Droylsden
• How to Make Your Views Known
• Download the Droylsden Primary and Nursery Places Review Consultation Response Form 27.68 KB

The Need to Review Primary School Places

We are undertaking this review of primary school places because of the current surplus capacity in schools and the changing birth rates across the borough. The Council has a statutory responsibility under the Education Act 1996, to secure sufficient and suitable places for pupils in its area. In addition, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) places a duty on Local Authorities to specifically consider action in relation to surplus places. The Council is required by the DfES to collect information on the number of schools with more than 25% surplus capacity and more than 30 surplus places, and have regard to schools with more than 10 % surplus places. Local Authorities are asked to report annually on the number of surplus places in individual schools and to explain what they propose to do about schools that have too few pupils on roll for the size of school. Schools in this situation incur disproportionately high unit costs on the maintenance of the building. In undertaking the duty to consider action in relation to surplus places, Services for Children and Young People is working through a process of review of primary school provision in Tameside.

It is important to stress that the options put forward in this consultation paper do not represent a final decision. They are options for consultation on ways to achieve a reduction in surplus places in Droylsden and are based on objective criteria. The consultation options balance a range of factors that are pertinent to the area. They consider the significant decrease in numbers since 1990 when birth rates in Tameside were at their peak; the fluctuating birth rate in the area over the last 10 years; educational standards; and the specific geography of the area.

Objectives of the Review

The main objectives of the review are:

• To reduce the number of surplus places by considering the balance between the supply and projected demand of school places
• To review the provision of nursery places
• To maximise the efficient and effective use of resources

The review will take into account

• The need to raise standards
• The demand for places in particular localities
• The need to maintain appropriate levels of denominational provision
• The need to ensure that resources are used cost effectively
• Key stage 1 class sizes
• The range of early years provision currently available

Scope of this Review

Within Droylsden, there are four community primary, one voluntary aided Church of England primary and one voluntary aided Roman Catholic primary school. The voluntary aided primary schools are included in this review in respect of nursery provision. With regard to school places, any issues regarding pupil numbers will be discussed with the relevant diocese, the schools and their governors.

Current Pupil Numbers

The birth rate in Tameside fell by 25% between 1991 and 2000. This downward trend in births has been mirrored by primary school admission numbers for the same period. There has been a slight upward turn in the birth rate in Tameside overall since 2000 which is concentrated in certain areas of the borough. The trend in births and admissions that is affecting Tameside as a whole has been mirrored in the data for Droylsden. The birth rate in Droylsden has fluctuated over the last 10 years but is currently at 31.1% less than the birth rate in 1990, when numbers where at their peak.

Capacity of Schools

The net capacity of a school is the number of pupil places available. By comparison with the number on roll, it can indicate the number of places that are surplus, or additional places that are needed in a school. When it is divided by the number of year groups, it indicates the admission number that can generally be accommodated. For primary schools, the net capacity is calculated on the basis of the number and size of spaces designated as 'classbases'. This is checked against the total usable space available, which must be measured, and ensures that there is neither too much nor too little space available to support the core teaching activities. The method also allows some flexibility to suit the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and admission arrangements.

Based on net capacity, there are currently 1,575 places in the four Droylsden community primary schools and 1,398 pupils on roll based on the January 2007 census. This represents a combined surplus capacity of approximately 8.8%. In all six primary schools in Droylsden including the two voluntary aided primary schools, there are 2,205 places and 1,989 pupils on roll. This represents a combined surplus capacity across all schools of 9.8%. All four community primary schools have surplus capacity ranging from 7.4% to 17.9%. The table below shows the current provision of places at each school and the level of surplus places:

School	Net capacity	PAN	Pupils Aged 4	Pupils Aged 5 - 10	Total number on roll	Surplus capacity	Surplus capacity %
Fairfield Road	315	45	30	250	280	35	11.1
Manchester Road	420	60	33	312	345	75	17.9
Moorside	420	60	50	339	389	31	7.4
Greenside	420	60	60	324	384	36	8.6
St Mary's Droylsden	210	30	30	193	223	-13	-6.2
St Stephen's	420	60	43	325	368	52	12.4
Droylsden Total	2205	315	246	1,743	1,989	216	9.8

Numbers as at January 2007

Predicted Pupil Numbers

The table below shows how the number of pupils entering Droylsden primary schools is predicted to remain generally steady over the next few years in line with the birth rate. 2008/09 sees an increase in pupil numbers, however, this is not expected to be an on going increase, rather that birth rates are likely to level out over the next few years. Predicted numbers are based on birth rate figures from the health authority.

All Droylsden primary schools

Year	Number of primary places per year group	Predicted number of reception admissions	Surplus number per reception intake
2006/07	315	246 (actual)	69
2007/08	315	259	56
2008/09	315	295	20
2009/10	315	263	52

The birth rate in all Droylsden wards has risen by 5.5% since 2000, but this still represents an overall reduction of 31.1% since 1990 when birth rates in Tameside were at their peak. This means that there will be an increase in pupils coming into Droylsden primary schools for 2008 but this will drop back again in 2009. Current indications show that there is likely to be an increase of approximately 36 pupils across all six schools coming into reception classes in 2008 and 4 pupils in 2009. This on its own, will not reduce surplus capacity in schools as the table below shows. This is because the number of pupils leaving schools is still greater than the number of pupils entering schools for several years.

All Droylsden community and voluntary controlled primary schools

Year	Net capacity	PAN	Pupils aged 4	Pupils aged 5-10	Total number on roll	Surplus capacity number	Surplus capacity %
2006/07	2205	315	246	1745	1991	214	9.7%
2007/08	2205	315	259	1685	1944	261	11.8%
2008/09	2205	315	295	1632	1927	278	12.6%
2009/10	2205	315	263	1619	1882	323	14.6%

In summary, the amount of surplus places in schools will remain, until there is a sustained period of years in which the numbers of children joining schools is greater than the numbers leaving.

Situation at Individual Schools

Fairfield Road Primary School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 45 and a current surplus capacity of 11.1% based on a net capacity of 315. Overall, the school has reduced its staffing through natural wastage to better reflect the declining numbers coming into the school over the last few years. The intake into reception in 2006 was 30 and 26 places have been allocated for September 2007. The school has some surplus classrooms which have been designated for other use, for example, an IT room and library.

The school is in close proximity to the Manchester City Council boundary and has a large percentage of pupils from Manchester. The school is close to Manchester Road Primary School but Manchester Road itself acts as a geographical barrier to some parents accessing the schools. The school has links with a before and after school club that operates from a nearby community centre. The school has a stable population but there has been some movement recently with the regeneration of Manchester City Council housing in the area. Families have been moved out of accommodation in the area whilst refurbishment has taken place. The school has a mobility rate in 2005/06 (pupils moving in and out of the school) of 16%.

The school has spent much of its devolved capital budget on refurbishments including a new roof and decoration. The old nursery building on the school site is to be redeveloped for a Children's Centre with a planned opening of October 2007. As part of the Children's Centre, existing playgroup provision will be relocated to the building. Fairfield Education and Childcare will be registered for 24 place sessional care.

The school was last inspected in November 2002 when the overall inspection judgement was that Fairfield Road provides a good standard of education.

Conclusion

Fairfield Road has a high level of surplus capacity that is likely to increase in the next few years as smaller numbers of pupils enter the school than are leaving. The school has some particularly large year groups in Key Stage 2 with 52 pupils in the current Year 6, 46 in Year 5, 42 in Year 4 and 41 in Year 3. Allocations for the last two years together with the allocation for September 2007 suggest that a Published Admission Number of 30 for the school would be a realistic option for consultation and would reduce the surplus capacity which will increase over the next few years without action being taken. There is the potential to reduce the net capacity at the school using existing accommodation for extended school activity and/or remodelling space to improve buildings and use of space thereby reducing the net capacity.

Manchester Road Primary School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 60 and a current surplus capacity of 17.9% based on a net capacity of 420. This is the largest surplus capacity in Droylsden. The intake into reception in 2006 was 33 and 46 places have been allocated for September 2007. The school is considering mixed age classes in response to reducing numbers in the last few years. This may release some classroom space in the future.

The school is in close proximity to the Manchester City Council boundary and has a large percentage of pupils from Manchester. The school had a mobility rate in 2005/06 (pupils moving in and out of the school) of 8.5%. The school has two separate buildings for the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 classes. The school has before and after school provision on site.

The school has spent much of its devolved capital budget on refurbishments and decoration.

The school was last inspected in May 2006 when the overall inspection judgement was that Manchester Road provides a good standard of education.

Conclusion

Manchester Road has the highest surplus capacity in the Droylsden area at 17.9%. This is likely to increase over the next few years as bigger year groups in Key Stage 2 leave the school. Allocations for the last two years together with the allocation for September 2007 suggest that a Published Admission Number of 45 for the school would be a realistic option for consultation and would reduce the surplus capacity which will increase over the next few years without action being taken.

There is the potential to reduce the net capacity at the school using existing accommodation for extended school activity or a maintained nursery and/or remodelling space.

Greenside Primary School and Early Years Centre

The school has a Published Admission Number of 60 and a current surplus capacity of 8.6% based on a net capacity of 420. The school admitted 60 pupils in 2006 and has 60 places allocated for admission in 2007. The school was rebuilt a few years ago following a fire. There is a Children's Centre on the same site which incorporates a private nursery day care provider (Wind in the Willows). The school operates a range of extended schools activities in conjunction with the private nursery day care provider. The school had a mobility rate in 2005/06 (pupils moving in and out of the school) of 7.8%.

The school was last inspected in February 2004 when the overall inspection judgement was that Greenside provides a sound quality of education with many good features.

Conclusion

Greenside has a current surplus capacity at 8.6%. This is likely to decrease over the next few years as smaller year groups in Key Stage 2 leave the school and are replaced by bigger year groups coming into the school in Key Stage 1. Allocations for the last two years together with the allocation for September 2007 suggest that there is no potential to reduce the surplus capacity at the Greenside and therefore no options are put forward in respect of pupil numbers.

Moorside Primary School

The school has a Published Admission Number of 60 and a current surplus capacity of 7.4% based on a net capacity of 420. The school admitted 50 pupils in 2006 and has 52 places allocated for admission in 2007. The school was a new build in 1998. The school has a 60 place (30 FTE) nursery and there is a private nursery provider ( Twinkle Star Pre School ) in the near vicinity, there are also many childminders in the area. The school operates a range of extended school activities, many of them in conjunction with St Mary's Church of England Primary School. The school had a mobility rate in 2005/06 (pupils moving in and out of the school) of 5.8%.

The school was last inspected in June 2006 when the overall inspection judgement was that Moorside is a satisfactory school that is showing good signs of improvement.

Conclusion

Moorside has the lowest surplus capacity amongst the community primary schools in the Droylsden area. The number of pupils in each year group is steady and the surplus capacity at the school is likely to remain consistent year on year. Therefore, there is no potential to reduce the surplus capacity at the school and no options have been put forward in respect of pupil numbers.

Voluntary Aided Schools

There are two voluntary aided primary schools in Droylsden, one Church of England primary school and one Roman Catholic primary school. Each school is its own admission authority and, as such, the Local Authority cannot propose changes to school admission numbers.

St Mary's Church of England Primary School has a Published Admission Number of 30 and an over capacity of 14% based on a net capacity of 210. This is the only school in Droylsden that is over capacity. The school has year groups ranging from 34 to 29. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 30 and 30 places have been allocated for September 2007. The school had a mobility rate in 2005/06 (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 8.5%.

St Stephen's Roman Catholic Primary School has a Published Admission Number of 60 and a surplus capacity of 12.4% based on a net capacity of 420. The school has year groups ranging from 69 to 37. The intake into reception in September 2006 was 43 and 45 places have been allocated for September 2007. The school had a mobility rate in 2005/06 (pupils moving into and out of the school) of 1.8%.

Other Factors in the Droylsden Area

Many children attending primary schools in Droylsden are residents of the Manchester City Council area, particularly the M11/18 postcode district which includes Gorton, Higher Openshaw and Abbey Hey. For example, 34% of pupils at Fairfield Road , 20% of pupils at Manchester Road , 13.5% of pupils at Moorside and 12.6% of pupils at Greenside are Manchester resident. It is therefore important to consider what is happening in the neighbouring area.

Manchester City Council have recently consulted on reducing the Published Admission Number at many primary schools some of which are nearby schools. They include, Seymour Road , and Varna Street community primary schools. The Manchester City Council consultation document makes reference to the regeneration work happening in East Manchester , particularly, the plans to increase the population of the area from the current 30,000 to 60,000 over the next few years. Manchester City Council are taking current surplus capacity out of some primary schools in the area but this is not seen as a permanent measure as the capacity will be needed to accommodate the planned population increases. The consultation report also identified schools that were in need of rebuilding in the next 3 to 5 years on the basis of their condition and suitability, three of the primary schools identified are close to the Droylsden border, being Higher Openshaw, Seymour Road and Varna Street primary schools. St Clement's CE primary school is identified as needing refurbishment beyond the scope of devolved capital allocations. Additional new schools are also being planned over the next few years to accommodate the increase.

Due to the large percentage of pupils currently traveling to Droylsden primary schools, it would be wise to anticipate that the numbers of Manchester resident pupils attending Droylsden primary schools in future years will potentially increase. Therefore, it is recommended that the Droylsden review is revisited in 2009 to ensure that the right number of places are available in the right areas.

There has been some new housing development in Droylsden, primarily at the Droylsden Marina and Railbrook sites. Audit Commission guidelines suggest that 100 new houses will generate 3 additional pupils per year group. The Railbrook site will have 76 one and two bedroom flats and 14 three bedroom houses, Droylsden Marina will have 92 three and four bedroom houses and 291 flats.

Summary

The birth rate in Droylsden has risen slightly since 2000, however this still represents an overall reduction of 31.1% since 1990 when birth rates in Tameside were at a peak. Surplus capacity in the area is predicted to increase over the next few years as larger year groups in Key Stage 2 leave the school and are replaced by smaller year groups entering Key Stage 1.

The Local Authority has to take action to reduce surplus places above 25% in a school. It also has a duty to have regard to all surplus capacity which impacts on the effective use of resources and where surplus places are above 10%. There are two community primary school with surplus capacity above 10% which is predicted to increase over the next few years. They are Fairfield Road Primary School (11.2%) and Manchester Road Primary School (17.9%).

There appears to be a relatively stable population in Droylsden and further significant new housing developments in the area are unlikely. However, the regeneration of East Manchester with the predicted doubling of the population of the area and some new housing may have an impact on the number of pupils coming in to Droylsden schools in future years. Experience from other area primary reviews shows any increase in pupil numbers largely come from family housing and less so from flats and therefore the amount of new development in the Droylsden area is unlikely to result in large numbers of additional pupils.

Each school has its own particular contribution to make to pupils and part to play in the community it serves. Any decision to close a school or reduce admission numbers is not a reflection on standards. The four community primary school all have strengths and each school has its own unique ethos. It is important to say that there are no failing schools in Droylsden.

Overall, the number of places that needs to be removed to address current surplus capacity is

Number of community places available	1575
Forecast number of community places required in 2009	1330
Places to accommodate 3% surplus capacity	35
Total community places required	1365
Places to remove = places available - places required	210

Options for Consideration for Reducing Surplus Places in Primary Schools

There is a need to remove 210 places from community primary schools by September 2009 (30 places per year group). The options set out reflect a cautious approach to managing surplus places. It is recognised that there are variable factors such as the impact of the East Manchester regeneration and the fluctuating birth rate which will require careful monitoring.

		Current net capacity	Proposed net capacity	Change in net capacity	Current PAN	Proposed PAN
Fairfield Road	Reduce to one form entry	315	210	-105	45	30
Manchester Road	Reduce to one and half form entry	420	315	-105	60	45
Totals		735	525	-210	105	75

As previously mentioned, the Droylsden review should be revisited in 2009 to ensure that the right number of places are available in the right areas.

Predicted Reduction in Surplus Capacity

The option shown above is predicted to reduce surplus capacity in Droylsden primary schools in line with the table below.

Year	Net capacity	PAN	Pupils aged 4	Pupils aged 5-10	Total number on roll	Surplus capacity number	Surplus capacity %
2006/07	1575	225	173	1225	1398	177	11.2
2007/08	1575	225	172	1186	1358	217	13.7
2008/09	1575	225	220	1135	1355	220	13.9
2009/10	1465	195	193	1145	1338	127	8.6

Nursery Education in Droylsden

It is the Council's long term aim that all primary schools have their own nursery provision wherever practical. However, this may be linked to other childcare facilities provided through the voluntary and private sectors, the aim being to have 0 to 5 years coverage across the borough, using all types of provision, for nursery education and child care. Manchester Road Primary School is the only school in Droylsden that does not offer maintained nursery provision but has a voluntary provider ( Sunshine Pre-school ) operating within a short distance. An analysis of the reception intake in 2007 into Manchester Road shows that a large number of pupils (13) have attended Sunshine Pre-school with a further eight pupils having attended Twinkle Star Pre-school. Other pupils in the reception intake come from nine other nursery providers, many of them within the Manchester City Council area. It would therefore be feasible to explore the possibility of establishing maintained nursery provision at the school.

Maintained nursery places are provided, following reviews, in ratios of 26 part time places to a 30 intake school, in line with staffing ratios of 1:13. There is currently 22.5% surplus capacity in the maintained nursery provision in Droylsden but this is concentrated in three schools, those being Fairfield Road , Moorside and St Stephen's although Fairfield Road does take some 3 year olds into nursery as they become eligible. Analysis of the intake into reception of Droylsden primary schools shows that pupils that have attended nursery provision at St Mary's Church of England Primary School then go on to attend a range of schools in the area.

School	Registered places (part time)	Full Time Equivalent (FTE)	Current occupancy (part time)		Occupancy 05/06 (part time)
			3 yrs	4 yrs
Fairfield Road	60	30	8	29	29
Moorside	60	30		43	46
Greenside	52	26	1	57	55
St Mary's	40	20		42	38
St Stephen's	60	30		40	39
Total	272	136	220		207

There are a number of private and voluntary sector providers in the Droylsden area. They are Fairfield Education and Childcare playgroup (sessional), Sunshine Pre-school (sessional), Twinkle Star Pre-school (sessional), Redcot Private Day Nursery (full day care) and Wind in the Willows Nursery (full day care). All of the providers offer Nursery Education Grant funded provision.

Provider	Registered places (part time) for 3 and 4 year olds	Full Time Equivalent (FTE)	Current occupancy (part time) 3 and 4 year olds
Fairfield Centre	24	12	14
Sunshine Pre-school	26	13	25
Twinkle Star Pre-school	30	15	38*
Redcot Private Day Nursery	10	5	14
Wind in the Willows Nursery	16	8	34*
Total	106	53	125*

* there may be more children attending than registered places due to some children attending less than five sessions a week of NEG funded provision

Options to Rationalise Maintained Nursery Places in Droylsden

The review of primary places in Droylsden provides the opportunity to rationalise nursery provision in line with the Council's long term aim to provide the equivalent of 26 part time (13 full time equivalent) places associated with each reception class of 30 wherever practical whilst being cognisant of provision in the private sector. In Droylsden, nursery provision funded through the NEG is available through a number of providers.

The options for consultation seeks to bring together historical demand, geographical considerations, current occupancy and staffing ratios of one to thirteen. Numbers will need to be kept under review as changes occur.

Option Nursery 1

School	PAN	Proposed PAN	Current number (part time)	Current occupancy		Occupancy 05/06	Proposed Number (part time)
				3 yrs	4 yrs
Fairfield Road	45	30	60	8	29	29	26
Moorside	60	60	60		43	46	52
Greenside	60	60	52	1	57	55	52
St Mary's	30	30	40		42	38	26
St Stephen's	60	60	60		40	39	52
Totals	255	225	272	220		207	208

Option Nursery 2

Manchester Road Primary School is the only primary school in Droylsden without a maintained nursery. Analysis of the reception intake for Manchester Road Primary School shows that pupils come from a wide number of nursery providers. It would therefore be feasible to explore the possibility of establishing maintained nursery provision at the school.

How to Make Your Views Known

It is important to stress that no decisions have been made. Tameside Council wishes to consult widely, particularly with parents and local schools. A response sheet is attached at the end of this webpage for you to comment on the proposals.

All those interested are invited to comment in writing, using the attached comment form, to:

Catherine Moseley, Senior Education Officer,
Services for Children and Young People, Room 2.111, Council Offices, Wellington Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6DL or Send a Message by 12 noon on Friday 10th August 2007.

The consultation process will take the following pattern:

Consultation Meetings

Meetings will take place with staff, governors, and parents from primary schools as appropriate as well as local councillors, unions and interested parties. There will be separate meetings for staff, governors and parents. LEA officers will consult with parents on a 1:1 basis at the school meetings.

Key Decision Report

At the end of the 8-week consultation period, the Council will prepare a Key Decision Report for the Cabinet Deputy for Lifelong Learning based on feedback received during the consultation process. At the Key Decision meeting, which will take place in September 2007 the Cabinet Deputy will make a decision based on recommendations contained in the Key Decision report.

Public Notices

Following the Key Decision, any proposals to make changes to school admission numbers will form part of the annual consultation on admission arrangements which takes place in the spring term each year. Once the consultation is completed a public notice is published in a local newspaper. There will then be another six week period during which formal objections may be submitted to the Schools Adjudicator regarding any aspect of the admission arrangements. Decisions relating to changes in nursery provision will be implemented by the Council in line with decisions made by the Cabinet Deputy.

Download the Droylsden Primary and Nursery Places Review Consultation Response Form 27.68 KB