Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting proposals to expand Broomfield South Special Inclusion Learning Centre (SILC) by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild, and through the establishment of a permanent satellite site for post-16 provision. Specifically, this report provides details of the outcome from the public consultation undertaken and seeks the Board’s approval to publish a Statutory Notice on the proposals.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting proposals to expand Broomfield South Special Inclusion Learning Centre (SILC) by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild, and through the establishment of a permanent satellite site for post-16 provision. Specifically, the report provided details of the outcome from the public consultation undertaken and sought the Board’s approval to publish a Statutory Notice on the proposals.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member highlighted the key aspects of the proposal. It was noted that whilst the Council had established 450 specialist learning places across the city since 2020, the need for specialist education in Leeds continued to increase.

Members highlighted their support for this proposal.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, an update was provided on the arrangements in place regarding associated consultation, and it was confirmed that local Ward Councillors were supportive of the proposals.

Also, responding to an enquiry regarding how the proposals may impact upon post-16 transport costs, it was noted that any impact would be dependent upon where children and young people using the facility lived. However, it was felt that the benefits which would be realised by the new provision would significantly outweigh any potential risks caused by potential increased transport costs in the future. It was thought that in terms of post-16 transport costs, the proposals were likely to be cost neutral. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcome of the public consultation undertaken for the proposals, as presented within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the publication of a Statutory Notice on the proposals to expand Broomfield South SILC by 100 places, as part of a school rebuild, and establish a permanent satellite site of Broomfield South SILC for post-16 provision at Arlington Business Centre, White Rose, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that the implementation of the proposals will be subject to the outcome of the proposed Statutory Notice and future decisions by Executive Board;

(d)  That the intention for a further report to be presented to the December 2024 Executive Board meeting detailing the outcome of the Statutory Notice, be noted;

(e)  That it be noted that the implementation of the rebuild and expansion of Broomfield South SILC will be subject to the outcome of further detailed design work and planning applications, as indicated in paragraphs 26- 29 of the submitted report;

(f)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Deputy Director for Learning.