Agenda and minutes

To note any changes to the membership.

1.1           Councillors Christabel Flight and Lindsey Hall were unable to attend and sent apologies. Councillors Ian Adams and Jacqui Wilkinson attended as substitutes.

To receive declarations of interest by Members and Officers of the existence and nature of any pecuniary interests or any other significant interest in matters on this agenda.

2.1       Marina Coleman declared her role as a headteacher of a Roman Catholic school in Westminster and a Roman Catholic Diocesan Representative. Ms Coleman also confirmed that Mr Scott Cree (Head Teacher of Westminster Cathedral School) had been her Deputy Head for six years. Councillor Karen Scarborough declared her role as a school governor for two RC Westminster schools.

The minutes of the Business and Children’s Policy and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 2 February 2022 will be reviewed at the Committee’s next meeting on 31 March 2022.

3.1       It was confirmed that the minutes of the meeting held on 2 February 2022 would be approved at the next meeting on 31 March 2022.

To review the Cabinet Member Decision to Amalgamate Westminster Cathedral and St Vincent de Paul RC Primary Schools after the decision was called in by three committee members.

4.1       The Committee convened to review a call-in brought by three of the Committee’s members - Councillors Geoff Barraclough, Aicha Less and Tim Roca. The members stated their reasons for the call-in, identifying three key areas:

1.         What makes an effective amalgamation: why one site was chosen over the other.

2.         How the schools got to this point.

3.         Parental concerns relating to possible consequences of the merger e.g. additional school uniform costs, separation of siblings

4.2       A report responding to the reasons for the decision was presented by the Cabinet Member for Young People and Learning, Councillor Barnes and Ian Heggs, the Bi-Borough Director for Education. Both addressed members’ questions arising from the report.

4.3       The Council cited a 22-23% surplus in the number of places available in primary schools in Westminster as the main reason for the amalgamation (3.2 of the report). This figure extended to up to 25% in the South of Westminster. Schools needed to obtain a certain number of pupils to ensure the viability of the school. It was concluded that it was in the young people’s best interests to amalgamate the schools. The Council stated that their role was to recognise and agree to the recommendations put forward resulting from the numerous discussions that had been held between governors and the RC diocese.

4.4       Call-in members queried the reasons for the site selection. The Council stated that the decision was made by the governors and diocese, who recognised that the Vincent de Paul site had “better” facilities to be able to continue as a Catholic school. The Council confirmed that both sites would be used for educational purposes.

4.5       Following queries from the call-in members on the issues of school uniform costs and class sizes, it was confirmed that discussions were ongoing on uniforms, but that additional support would be provided for parents where needed. It was explained there was sufficient space at the new site to take in additional pupils with no issues anticipated. It was confirmed that disabled access would be improved.

4.6       Regarding the staffing of the new school, it was explained that a consultation was currently underway to discuss the arrangements going forward.

4.7       Concerns were raised about the possible separation of siblings if one sibling had to be educated elsewhere, due to “overcrowding”. It was stated that the risks of this happening were low, owing to the surplus of school spaces already available. This was unlikely to result in future school openings.

4.8       Members enquired about the marketing process to invite pupils from other parts of the City. The Council confirmed that a thorough marketing strategy had been utilised and explained that there were not enough pupils to enrol overall. The Council stated that over 40% of children attending were from outside the City, with the reputable school system mentioned as being a key factor in attracting pupils.

4.9       Call-in members reported parents’ concerns that they were not fully informed about the schools’ financial position prior to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To review any other business which the Chairman considers urgent.

5.1       The Committee noted that its next scheduled meeting would take place on 31 March 2022.