{"id":18196,"date":"2024-03-15T17:52:54","date_gmt":"2024-03-15T17:52:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/educationandfamilies\/?post_type=dcc_docs_document&amp;p=18196"},"modified":"2024-03-15T17:52:54","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T17:52:38","slug":"soca-group-notes-of-meeting-05-march-2024","status":"publish","type":"dcc_docs_document","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/document\/soca-group-notes-of-meeting-05-march-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Schools Organisation, Capital and Admissions Group: Notes of on 5 March 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#key-items-for-def-to-note\">Key items for DEF to note<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#attendance\">Attendance<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#dcc\">DCC<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#devon-schools-leadership-services\">Devon Schools Leadership Services<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#dag\">DAG<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#union-representative\">Union Representative<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#diocesan-representatives\">Diocesan representatives<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#apologies\">Apologies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-minutes-of-previous-meeting-5-december-2023\">1. Minutes of previous meeting &#8211; 5 December 2023<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-admissions-determined-admission-arrangements-2025-26\">2. Admissions &#8211; Determined Admission Arrangements 2025-26<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-admissions-flexi-schooling\">3. Admissions &#8211; Flexi-Schooling<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#4-early-years-update\">4. Early Years Update<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#5-school-organisation-update\">5. School Organisation Update<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#6-capital-programme-update\">6. Capital Programme Update<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#7-sw-norse-update\">7. SW Norse Update<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#future-meeting-dates-via-teams\">Future meeting dates (via Teams)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"dcc-documents-cpt-fixed dccdocs-sticky dccdocs-hidden\">\r\n    <div class=\"grid-container\">\r\n        <div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x\">\r\n            <div class=\"cell medium-12\">\r\n                <a class=\"back-to-top hide-for-print\" href=\"#content\"><svg class=\"app-c-back-to-top__icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"13\" height=\"17\" viewBox=\"0 0 13 17\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M6.5 0L0 6.5 1.4 8l4-4v12.7h2V4l4.3 4L13 6.4z\"><\/path><\/svg> Contents<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:41.333%\"><div class=\"document-meta-acf-block clearfix \" id=\"block_acf-block-662227bf8a35b\"><div class=\" dcc-documents-meta\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget dcc-documents-widget-block\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget-box2\"><p class=\"dcc-documents-published\"><span>Published<\/span> <time datetime=\"2024-03-15T17:52:54+00:00\">15\/03\/2024 5:52pm<\/time><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58.666%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-items-for-def-to-note\">Key items for DEF to note<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Item 4.  Early Years<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New Early Years entitlements are due to roll out from April 24.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take up of Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification has exceeded expected demand; further training planned for summer term.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Team investigating where additional 2-year old places will be required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government Wraparound programme progressing, providing term time childcare from 8am-6pm to be in place by 2026.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. School Organisation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Updated DfE guidance to be introduced from April 24 on Making Significant Changes to an Open Academy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SOCA considered current position and issues facing small rural schools in Devon.&nbsp; Currently 36 primary schools with under 50 on roll, 15 of which are LA maintained schools. 116 primary schools with under 100 on roll.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SOCA considered the Education South West and DfE in-principal agreement to close Kingswear Primary Academy School.&nbsp; An informal consultation is currently live until 22 March to provide DCC Cabinet with further information as the LA has been asked to support the closure.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6.  Capital Programme<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All Devon maintained schools are confirmed RAAC-free.&nbsp; Colyton Grammar, Exmouth CC and Petroc (FE) have been identified with RAAC and are being supported by DfE.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LA capital funding allocation still to be announced by DfE. Exeter CofE Diocese has identified a reduction in capital funding of 51% over last 3 years.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"attendance\">Attendance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dcc\">DCC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Katherine Crompton (Chair) &#8211; Capital Programme Manager,&nbsp; Shona Meek \u2013 Senior School Organisation Officer, Andrew Brent \u2013 Senior Policy Officer, Nikki Phillips &#8211; Early Years &amp; Childcare Team Manager, Heidi Watson-Jones \u2013 Safety Valve Project Officer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"devon-schools-leadership-services\">Devon Schools Leadership Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Primary<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Penny Hammett &#8211; FORT Federation, David Perkins \u2013 Littletown Primary<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Secondary<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Graham Hill &#8211; Pilton Community College<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dag\">DAG<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ian Rogers (part)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"union-representative\">Union Representative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nigel Williams (part) \u2013 Corporate Forum (Education) NASUWT<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"diocesan-representatives\">Diocesan representatives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Christina Mabin \u2013 Exeter Anglican Diocese (Admissions) (part), Richard Power &#8211; Exeter Anglican Diocese (Capital) (part), Kirsty Wright &#8211; Diocese of Plymouth<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"apologies\">Apologies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DCC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fran Butler \u2013 Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency Lead, Simon Niles &#8211; Strategy, Schools Planning and Admissions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Special Schools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stuart Allman &#8211; Pathfield School<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>South West Norse<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nick Cook \u2013 South West Norse,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-minutes-of-previous-meeting-5-december-2023\">1. Minutes of previous meeting &#8211; 5 December 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Online presentation of school term timetable has been updated to improve clarity and encourage parents to refer to school websites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was previously noted that TUPE meetings had not taken place prior to academisation of Trinity Primary.&nbsp; SM and CM confirmed that TUPE meetings had taken place at the time, with HR and Union present.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minutes were agreed as an accurate record.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-admissions-determined-admission-arrangements-2025-26\">2. Admissions &#8211; Determined Admission Arrangements 2025-26<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Co-ordinated admissions schemes and other admission arrangements have been published at <a href=\"http:\/\/devon.cc\/lapolicies\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/devon.cc\/lapolicies<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Own admission authority schools have until 15 March 2024 to confirm to the LA and Diocese, and publish on their school websites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draft policies for 2026\/27 will be available before the summer break and schools should schedule governance meetings in September to consider this, noting the draft documents are not compulsory for own admission authority schools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documents to be shared with Dioceses should be available by 1 October 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All admission authorities mush schedule a determination meeting before the statutory deadline of 28 February 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SOCA noted the amendments to the Coordinated Admissions Scheme, particularly relating to staff priorities, these have previously been raised.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-admissions-flexi-schooling\">3. Admissions &#8211; Flexi-Schooling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A survey was circulated to secondary schools only.&nbsp; <strong>ACTION: DSLS<\/strong> to recirculate to obtain primary views.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secondary responses have indicated that some schools are aware of flexi schooling as an option for parents to request, and would be grateful for the LA to provide a template and guidance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Further discussion at the next meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Action:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DSLS<\/strong> to recirculate Flexi-Schooling survey to obtain primary views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-early-years-update\">4. Early Years Update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New entitlements due to roll out from April 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotion of careers in Early Years and Childcare being developed with Reddoor Film and Media.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification course has started with excellent take up.&nbsp; Hoping for a second course during the summer term to manage the demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provider Self Update and Early Years census now live.&nbsp; Some issues with parents accessing information about local childcare provision now that PinPoint has ceased.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Childcare Sufficiency Report was considered at December Cabinet and is now available to view on DCC website.&nbsp; There should be sufficient 2-year-old places for April 2024 but more places for under two-year-olds will be needed from September 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Capital funding is available, and the team are considering areas of highest need, and requirements to manage the new Wraparound programme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information on this has been circulated by DfE to ensure access for children from 0800 \u2013 1800 by 2026.&nbsp; A secondment opportunity for a Wraparound Provision programme lead is currently being advertised.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>School survey to be shared shortly to gather comprehensive information on the available offer.&nbsp; Primary Schools do not have to provide this themselves, however all children must be able to have access (e.g. via childminders or other local providers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>HAF Easter holiday provision now live for parents to access. Extended criteria have been slimmed down to cover only children with benefit-related income.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-school-organisation-update\">5. School Organisation Update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Small Schools:<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>36 primary schools with under 50 on roll, 15 of which are LA maintained schools. 116 primary schools with under 100 on roll.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Currently facing a falling demographic in the primary sector, volatility in pupil numbers, along with other factors, are having a significant impact for rural schools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ongoing drive from DfE for all schools to be part of a Multi Academy Trust, and Devon continues to see conversions.&nbsp; LA continues to support local families of schools, whether MATs, or Federations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>School Place Planning team identify and can support schools with place planning concerns which are highlighted through a wide range of demographic, pupil and performance data and information on emerging Local Plans on a Local Learning Community basis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>School Organisation team can provide support for schools to manage statutory processes to review PANs, possible amalgamations or mergers, Early Years provision, Resource Base provision and formal partnership arrangements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SOCA noted schedule of small Devon schools including the forecast Number on Roll for future years.&nbsp; Figures suggest a generally static position, without the expected drop off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was concerning that a number of the small schools identified had not received any admissions preferences, which could impact on future numbers, particularly where there is a significant Year 6 cohort leaving in summer 24.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SOCA welcomed the information \u2013 additional illustration of the overall impact on the school NoR would be helpful.&nbsp; <strong>ACTION: SM<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Changes to DfE Guidance:<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DfE have brought in new guidance from April 24 on \u2018Making Significant Changes to an Academy\u2019.&nbsp; A summary of the changes was considered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New thresholds will be in place for: removal of physical capacity in mainstream, decreasing \/ increasing number of pupils in Resourced Provision, decreasing places in special or AP, change of age range (incl. adding nursery provision)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three tier system for significant change applications will be introduced, which should simplify the current system and not all changes will require a full business case.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All proposals will continue to require an Impact Assessment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LAs will be expected to set out a Sufficiency Framework setting out medium term forecasts on demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LAs will be required to set out a high level school place strategic plan, which will be part of a continuous process of strategic assessment and planning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expecting that strategic place planning conversations between the LA and DfE will be established more formally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All schools are encouraged to contact the School Organisation Team if there are any queries with regards to the changing thresholds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>School Closure: <\/strong>SOCA noted the DfE in-principal agreement to close Kingswear Primary Academy School.&nbsp; An informal consultation is currently live until 22 March to provide Cabinet with further information as DCC is being asked to support the closure.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noted Kingswear had not featured on the small schools data spreadsheet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resource Bases:<\/strong> approved at Holsworthy CC and Brixington Primary.&nbsp; Currently consultations live for provision at Torrington Bluecoat Primary and West Croft Primary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pathfield:<\/strong> Noted reduction in registered places from Sept 2025 at Pathfield Special School, linked to Pathways Post 16 provision.&nbsp; A number of concerns and objections had been received as part of the consultation, and the school is pausing the proposal to consider this.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cranbrook new Special School :<\/strong> no update available at this time regarding sponsor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Glendinning<\/strong> \u2013 removal of post 16 offer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awaiting Regional Director decision on: Lady Seawards (age range), Clyst Vale (Hearing Support Centre closure), Axminster Primary (expansion)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SOCA noted proposed Multi Academy Trust changes and academisation proposals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SM (Bill Aplin)<\/strong> to provide data on the overall impact on the small schools\u2019 NoR as identified in forecasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-capital-programme-update\">6. Capital Programme Update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>RAAC:<\/strong> confirmation that all Devon maintained schools are RAAC-free.&nbsp; Colyton grammar, Exmouth CC and Petroc FE have been identified with RAAC and are being supported by DfE<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Net Capacity Tool<\/strong> update issued by DfE. This changes designation of certain room types, which does not seem to have changed net capacity of maintained schools.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Special Schools Net Capacity <\/strong>still awaited<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CDC Reports<\/strong> ongoing, led by DfE.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Team experiencing <\/strong>increasing pressure on LA team to provide condition surveys and capital maintenance in advance of academy conversion affecting capital maintenance scheme budget.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adaptation capital work requests<\/strong> being received for capital work to enable children with physical needs be educated in mainstream settings.&nbsp; Noted that there is no specific budget available to address this, which is adding additional pressure to the capital maintenance programme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Capital Maintenance Scheme<\/strong> planning continues.&nbsp; KC planning to survey schools to establish what work schools are undertaking between quinquennial surveys which can feed into programme planning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mindful that challenges at school-level with rising costs and school funding has not supported smaller scale capital work to be undertaken between quinquennial surveys in schools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Basic Need programmes<\/strong> at Cranbrook include Cranbrook Education Campus, a 70 place special school, and a feasibility for a new primary site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information at a future meeting detailing capital maintenance projects being planned at specific school sites would be helpful.&nbsp; <strong>ACTION: KC<\/strong> to consider<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noted that LA capital funding allocation is yet to be announced, but have already identified a significant reduction of 51% to Diocese capital funding available over last 3 years.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noted that several emergency works have had to be managed in addition to the agreed programme this financial year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Actions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>KC<\/strong> to consider presentation of planned capital maintenance works at next meeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>KC<\/strong> to present information around capital funding allocations at next meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-sw-norse-update\">7. SW Norse Update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No update available at this meeting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"future-meeting-dates-via-teams\">Future meeting dates (via Teams)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tuesday 14 May 2024 (09.30 &#8211; 11.30)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tuesday 24 September 2024 (09.30 &#8211; 11.30)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tuesday 3 December 2024 (09.30 &#8211; 11.30)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tuesday 4 March 2025 (09.30 &#8211; 11.30)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key items for DEF to note Item 4. Early Years 5. School Organisation 6. Capital Programme Attendance DCC Katherine Crompton (Chair) &#8211; Capital Programme Manager,&nbsp; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"documents_category":[],"class_list":["post-18196","dcc_docs_document","type-dcc_docs_document","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"updated":"","dccdocs_documents":null,"section-guidance":"","sections":null},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/documents\/18196","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/documents"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/dcc_docs_document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/documents\/18196\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18196"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"dcc_docs_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/documents_category?post=18196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}