§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment has been made of the need to build(a) new primary and (b) new secondary schools in the West Chelmsford parliamentary constituency and Great Baddow as a result of anticipated house building in the area until 2011. [2330]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Government believe that decisions concerning the organisation and supply of school places are best taken locally—by the main partners in the provision of education who have knowledge of local needs. It is the responsibility of Local Education Authorities (LEAs) to ensure that there are sufficient school places within their area.
Should a borough council propose new housing developments as part of its local plan, we would expect the LEA's School Organisation Plan (SOP) to reflect any projected increases in the pupil population. All LEAs are required to produce a SOP, which sets out how they propose to deal with deficits and surpluses of school provision over a rolling five year period. The SOP sets the context for proposals to change school organisation in the area, and may include proposals to establish new schools or enlarge existing ones.
If, as a result of housing developments, the LEA identifies a need for additional primary and secondary school places, we would consider any future capital bids from Essex that meet the published criteria for support.