The Cabinet has decided to commence a pre-publication consultation on the proposal to relocate primary aged pupils of Silverdale School to the Forest Hall Primary School site.

URL: https://democracy.northtyneside.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=573

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Request to move to Pre-publication consultation with interested parties regarding the future use of the building, which will become vacant at the end of the 25/26 academic year - August 2026

Content: Cabinet received a report to seek approval to commence a pre-publication consultation on a proposal to relocate the primary aged pupils of Silverdale School (“the School”) currently located at the Langdale Centre, Wallsend into the Forest Hall Primary School site at Delaval Road, Forest Hall when it becomes vacant.   Cabinet were advised that the proposal aims to:   ·       Enhance educational provision for pupils at the School with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND); ·       Make effective use of a vacant school site; and ·       Support sufficiency and suitability of specialist provision across the Borough.   Cabinet were advised that pre-publication consultation would enable full and proper engagement with families, school teams and other stakeholders, to inform the development of a potential statutory proposal.   Cabinet RESOLVED to:   (i)              Agree to the commencement of a pre-publication consultation with parents/carers, staff, governing bodies, local residents and other stakeholders on the proposal to relocate the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils of Silverdale School, from the Langdale Centre, Langdale Gardens to the Forest Hall Primary School site at Delaval Road, Forest Hall; (ii)             Authorise the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Director of Housing and Property Services and the Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion, Employment and Skills to: a.     Consider the responses received during pre-publication consultation period; and b.     Determine whether to proceed to Statutory consultation in accordance with Department for Education (DfE) guidance. (iii)           Agree that should the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Director of Housing and Property Services and the Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion, Employment and Skills, determine that there should be statutory consultation with the Schools, parents/carers, the governing body and other stakeholders, the Director of Children’s Services will present a further report to Cabinet on the outcome of the statutory consultation and determine next steps.   Reason for the Decision:   This will enable the Authority to explore options that may address the known challenges faced by Silverdale School because of being located in the Langdale Centre and the possibility of it being able to move to a more suitable site.  The recommendations also supports SEND sufficiency and schools improvement, ensuring that such provision remains sustainable and appropriate for local need.  The recommendations will also enable engagement with parents/carers, staff and other stakeholders who would be part of the development of the proposal.

Date of Decision: July 27, 2026