Decision details

That the proposed expansion of the Glebe School with effect from 1^st September 2014 be agreed.

That Officers be authorised to undertake the formal statutory processes for the permanent expansion of the school as outlined in Section 6 of Report ED13030

The number of children now diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder is growing, and the proposed expansion will increase the places available in the Borough for secondary aged pupils with autism in a cost effective manner, enabling children to attend a local Bromley school which provides a high quality education.  The Glebe School already caters for a large number of children with autism and has developed a considerable level of expertise in this field.

If no action is taken to provide additional places in the Borough, further places will have to be commissioned outside Bromley at higher cost which could divert funds away from developing Bromley schools.  In addition, pupils may have to travel considerable distances to and from school, and attend schools where their peers may not be local resulting in the loss of links with the surrounding community of children and young people. There is also concern about the difficulty of monitoring the quality of this provision.