APPENDIX 1: STATUTORY PROPOSAL AND STATUTORY NOTICE
Statutory Proposal by North Yorkshire Council to permanently increase the number of places that Springwater School can offer to pupils from 112 to 157 from September 2025
Full Proposal Document
Name and contact details of the Local Authority or governing body publishing the proposal
North Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8AE
Name, address and category of the school proposed for alteration
Springwater School, (Community special school), High Street, Starbeck, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 7LW
Proposed implementation date
1 September 2025
Description of alteration and evidence of demand
To permanently increase the number of places the School can offer to pupils from 112 to 157 from 1 September 2025.
There has been an increase in the number of children with EHCPs (Education Health and Care Plans) in North Yorkshire, by 95% since 2018 from 2606 to c.5100. Whilst the majority of children with EHCPs have their needs met in their local mainstream schools, special school places have increased from c.820 in 2018 to c1450 in 2024. The rise in EHCPs and demand for specialist places is forecast to continue on a similar trajectory in future years.
Objectives educational standards and parental choice
The objective of this proposal is to ensure that North Yorkshire Council fulfils its statutory duty to provide sufficient school places to meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The proposed expansion of Springwater School will help manage some of the school place pressures generated by the increase in the number of EHCPs funded by the Local Authority. It will also provide wider benefits in educating children closer to their local communities and reducing travel time and costs. It is expected to have a positive impact on the availability of special school places in the Harrogate area.
Springwater Special school is rated by Ofsted as a ‘Good’ school. North Yorkshire Council supports school expansions where schools are rated Good and above.
The proposed change would not adversely affect parental choice within Harrogate. If a child has an EHCP, parents and the council will consider the most appropriate type of school for their child. The council will then consult the school for places in line with its statutory duties.
Effect on other schools, academies and educational institutions within the area
It is not anticipated that there will be any detrimental impact upon other settings.
Project Costs
North Yorkshire Council’s SEND Capital Investment Programme has been meticulously developed to direct limited available capital resources to where it will have the best effect. As one aspect of the wider programme these proposals are expected to have a positive impact on the availability of special school places in the Harrogate area. This scheme has a projected cost of £3.2 million providing 45 additional places at the school, and refurbishment works at Oak Beck House.
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Longer term savings will be achieved by reducing the demand and high cost of placing children outside of North Yorkshire. Furthermore, providing locally accessible
places will greatly reduce pupil journey times to and from school, resulting in much greater convenience which will benefit both pupils and their families.
Implementation
Following a formal decision to approve additional school places at Springwater School, this would be implemented on the 1 September 2025.
Procedure for making representations (objections and comments)
Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal, any person may object to or make comments on the proposalby sending them to CorporateDirector- Children and Young People's Service, North Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AE or by email to schoolorganisation@northyorks.gov.uk by 5pm on 12 December 2024.
NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL
Proposal to increase pupil numbers Springwater School
Notice is hereby given in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 that North Yorkshire Council, County Hall,Northallerton, DL7 8AD is proposing to make a prescribed alteration to Springwater School (community special school), High Street, Starbeck, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 7LW by permanently increasing the number of places the School can offer to pupils from 112 to 157 from 1 September 2025.
The notice is an extract from the complete proposal. A copy ofthe complete proposal can be viewed at: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations.
Copies of the complete proposal can be obtained from: Strategic Planning - Children and Young People's Service, North Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AD and are available on the Council's website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations
Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal, any person may object to or make comments on the proposal by sending them to Strategic Planning - Children and Young People's Service, North Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AD, or by email to schoolorganisation@northyorks.gov.uk by 5pm on12 December 2024.
Signed B. Khan
Assistant Chief Executive
(Legal andDemocratic Services)
Publication Date: 14 November 2024