Maidenhead & Windsor

Plans to provide more first school places in Windsor to meet predicted rising demand look set to go out to consultation later this month.

A report for discussion by the children's services overview and scrutiny panel on Tuesday (January 29) proposes that parents, teachers, governors and other interested parties should be asked for their views and the consultation will go ahead if cabinet gives its approval on February 21.

The expansion plans would address the predicted rise in pupil numbers over the next five years – with 300 more children expected to need first school places by summer 2012.

Among the Windsor first schools identified as potentially 'under pressure' by 2012 – and included in the proposed consultation for expansion – are:

· Dedworth Green First – to be expanded from 30 to 45 (60) places per year group
· Oakfield First – from 45 to 60 places per year group
· Clewer Green First – from 38 to 45 places per year group
· Alexander First – from 24 to 45 places per year group
· The Royal First – from 20 to 30 places per year group.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for children's services, said: "We simply cannot ignore the fact that there is going to be a substantial 'bulge' in first school numbers in a few years, resulting in a shortage of places.

"By carrying out this consultation we are beginning to address these predictions in a practical way by asking Windsor parents and teachers for their views.

"We are initially consulting with these five schools because their sites are big enough to allow for expansion. We hope that as many people as possible will take part in the consultation and help us to make the best decisions for our young school starters."

Changing demographics – including a national increase in fertility rates – are just one of the reasons for the predicted growth. Other local factors include:

· new housing – the forecasts take into account housing due to be built in Windsor over the next five years
· army moves – the two army barracks in the town can generate substantial movement of pupils in and out of Windsor schools
· rising fives – if the Royal Borough decides to admit 'rising fives' more space in first schools may be needed in some schools
· migration from Slough – some parents who live in Slough choose to send their children to Windsor first schools.
If the consultation is approved it will run from Monday February 25 to Friday April 4, with a report to cabinet in May.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead