Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Feb 2013) - Runnymede Borough Council

Chapter 5. Education
Introduction
5.1 This chapter analyses the Borough’s existing provision of education and capacity, and
discusses factors which impact on this type of infrastructure such as increased birth
rates and housing development. Likely future provision over the plan period is also
discussed.
5.2 Education infrastructure is sub-divided into a number of components ranging from Preschool
through to Higher Education. Each component is considered in turn.
5.3 The capacity of the public education infrastructure is affected by a number of factors
that change across the education delivery points. Early years and pre-school appears
more sensitive to local housing provision and increased birth rates, than higher
education for example. In addition, families moving to an area to send their children to
a high achieving school with a good reputation can affect demand. This effect reduces
considerably as students’ progress through the education system.
5.4 Across Surrey, birth rates have increased since the millennium. An increase in births
has caused an increase in the number of 4 year olds requiring school places in Surrey,
putting pressure on educational infrastructure in the County.
5.5 In Runnymede, from the 2001 low point, births increased by an average of 162 per
annum up to 2008. This is an increase of 20%. Births are projected to continue to
increase based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) population estimates and
projected fertility rates.
5.6 The link between poverty and poor educational outcomes is very complex but in the
main is accepted 10 . The ‘Family in Poverty Needs Assessment’, Feb 2011 states there
are 1,640 children and young people living in poverty in Runnymede. This is 11.2% of
all 0-19s in the Borough, higher than the countrywide proportion. Egham Hythe and
Englefield Green West have the highest numbers of children and young people living in
poverty at ward level.
5.7 Evidence of family poverty in the Borough indicates that partner agencies should
continue to ensure that there are sufficient pre-school childcare arrangements available
for parents who require this support to be able to work.
Pre-school Childcare (Early Years Provision) and Children’s Centres
Existing Provision
5.8 As well as the provision of school places, SCC has a duty to ensure that there are
sufficient Early Years (EY) places for all 3 and 4 year old children across Surrey. In
practice, many 4 year olds attend schools, so the majority of EY places are for 3-yearold
children. SCC does not have a duty to be the provider of these EY places. There
are some maintained nursery schools in the Borough and some primary schools have
maintained nurseries attached to them. There are also a number of Children’s Centres
established across Surrey. The majority of EY settings are run by private providers.
There should be sufficient infrastructure to provide sufficient places for all 3 year olds in
Surrey.
5.9 There are currently 4 Sure Start Children’s Centres in the Borough which are located in
the following locations:
• Chertsey Children's Centre, Pyrcroft Road, Chertsey
• Sayes Court Children's Centre at Sayes Court School in Addlestone
10
See: http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/review-research-links-between-education-and-poverty
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Runnymede IDP DRAFT – February 2013