Agenda item

10.05pm – Councillor Sue Macmillan moved, seconded by Councillor Stephen Cowan, the special motion standing in their names:

“The Council notes that The Conservative government designed free schools to be totally free of locally authorities but despite that will do all it reasonably can to support Fulham Boys School.”

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Sue Macmillan moved, seconded by Councillor Alan De’Ath, an amendment to replace the original motion as follows:

““Delete all after "This Council" and insert:

"welcomes the news that Fulham Boys School will now be opening in September 2014 and notes that the Conservative-Lib Dem Government designed free schools to be totally free of local authorities.

The Council recognises that the two weeks of uncertainty over whether the school was opening or not, after the DfE cancelled and then reinstated its funding, caused unacceptable anxiety and concern for children, parents and teachers.

The Council notes that rather than try and help that situation the borough's current and former Conservative councillors sought to spread absolutely false rumours such as the council was "blocking FBS' talks with CapCo" or that the Watermeadow Court was legally available for use as a school - despite the former administration disposing of that site on 28 March 2014. There was no substance to these and other rumours which were no more than ill-advised and dishonest political mischief making. The Council regrets that.

The Council further notes that despite the free schools legislation making it absolutely clear that it is the role of the Government's Department for Education Funding Agency to ensure that free schools can be housed, temporarily and permanently, it was actually this Council and the London Mayor who were called upon and ended up sorting this problem out demonstrating clearing flaws in the government's approach.

The Council re-affirms its commitment to work with schools of all types, including free schools and academies, to promote excellent teaching and the best outcome for the Borough's children."

The amendment was unanimously agreed and declared CARRIED.

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Caroline Ffiske moved, seconded by Councillor Robert Largan, a further amendment to motion as follows:

“Delete all after "This Council" and replace with:

·         Welcomes the wonderful news that the Fulham Boys School will be opening this September on a temporary site in the borough.

·         Acknowledges the challenge of finding a permanent site for the School in Fulham.

·         Commits itself to engage pro-actively with the Mayor of London, Fulham Boys School, the Education Funding Agency and all other relevant parties to ensure that a permanent home is found as soon as possible for the Fulham Boys School.”

The amendment was put to the vote:

FOR                            19

AGAINST                   25

NOT VOTING            0

The amendment was declared LOST.

The substantive motion as amended was put to the vote:

FOR                            25

AGAINST                   19

NOT VOTING            0

The substantive motion as amended was declared CARRIED.

10.09pm – RESOLVED:

This Council welcomes the news that Fulham Boys School will now be opening in September 2014 and notes that the Conservative-Lib Dem Government designed free schools to be totally free of local authorities.

The Council recognises that the two weeks of uncertainty over whether the school was opening or not, after the DfE cancelled and then reinstated its funding, caused unacceptable anxiety and concern for children, parents and teachers.

The Council notes that rather than try and help that situation the borough's current and former Conservative councillors sought to spread absolutely false rumours such as the council was "blocking FBS' talks with CapCo" or that the Watermeadow Court was legally available for use as a school - despite the former administration disposing of that site on 28 March 2014. There was no substance to these and other rumours which were no more than ill-advised and dishonest political mischief making. The Council regrets that.

The Council further notes that despite the free schools legislation making it absolutely clear that it is the role of the Government's Department for Education Funding Agency to ensure that free schools can be housed, temporarily and permanently, it was actually this Council and the London Mayor who were called upon and ended up sorting this problem out demonstrating clearing flaws in the government's approach.

The Council re-affirms its commitment to work with schools of all types, including free schools and academies, to promote excellent teaching and the best outcome for the Borough's children.