URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2070

Decision Maker: Children and Young People Portfolio Holder

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The report is seeking approval for the proposed ‘prescribed alteration’ to Greenbank School (the School) to permanently discontinue (close) the residential provision at Greenbank School, Northwich.

Content: The report is seeking approval for the proposed ‘prescribed alteration’ to Greenbank School (the School) to permanently discontinue (close) the residential provision at Greenbank School, Northwich. That the permanent discontinuance (closure) of the residential provision at Greenbank School, Northwich be approved. 1)           The proposal is a response to the request by the Governing Body of the school to undertake the process of closure of its residential provision as set out in statutory guidance.   2)           While acknowledging that residential provision is valued by pupils and families, the school recognised following the end of the Extended Day/Residential funding grant that supported the residential provision, it would become increasingly unaffordable to maintain from the schools delegated budget. The governing body recognised that any proposal affecting residential provision may be of concern to pupils, families and staff. As such, the school carried out an informal consultation between 8 June and 6 July 2026 seeking views on the proposal and allowing an opportunity for stakeholders to understand the rationale for the proposal and to share their views before any formal statutory process was considered.   3)           The School and its Governing Board wished to not only maintain the current provision but also re-establish provision to 2013 levels. Following the decision by the Council to discontinue the Extended Day/Residential funding grant, the school considered the feasibility of whether the provision should continue to operate via existing budgets/alternative funding or cease in its entirety. The Council signposted the school to other funding opportunities as part of discussions. The school outlined if it were to fund only the current residential provision and retain the minimum staffing structure to run and manage residential safely and effectively, by 2027-28 the school budget would be in deficit. A deficit that would progressively worsen in the years afterwards, thereby materially affecting meeting the needs of the main student body. In the absence of any alternative funding streams the school concluded to progress the proposal for closure of the provision from August 2026.   4)           At the request of the governing body the Council carried out a formal consultation (Notice and representation period) between 14 July and 11 August 2026 proposing closure of the provision. There are no further options appropriate for this proposal.

Date of Decision: August 21, 2026