Pupil Roll Numbers and School Closures: London — [Mr Philip Hollobone in the Chair]

The MP discussed the impact of rising living costs and falling budgets for London schools, leading to a decline in birth rates and fewer households with school-age children. She highlighted that empty desks mean debts for schools and local authorities, affecting teachers and their families. The MP expressed concern over the closure of two state-funded schools in Lambeth due to soaring housing costs and lack of necessary powers from the Government to address these issues. The MP asks the Minister to define what he means by 'affordable' housing, questioning how constituents can afford homes that are deemed affordable when many still struggle financially.

He discussed the potential closure of the Harris Academy school in his constituency, expressing concern over surplus places and the financial implications for schools facing falling rolls. He highlighted the need for affordable housing to prevent essential workers from being priced out of London and urged the Government to address the decline in birth rates specific to central London.

Discussed the history of school place provision in London, outlined challenges such as reduced pupil numbers and pressure on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) places, and suggested enhancing local authority flexibility to ease transitions when schools downsize. He noted that some free school programmes are behind schedule, increasing cost pressures.

Supporting the debate despite its focus on London, Jim Shannon emphasised the importance of funding for children with special needs in his constituency. He noted an increase in recognition and support required for these children to succeed in education and beyond.

The MP emphasized that school closures can lead to a ripple effect across London boroughs due to reduced parental choice. He highlighted the importance of addressing this issue now before it worsens.

Headteachers in Battersea have raised concerns about the viability of their schools due to inflation and a decrease in pupil numbers. She highlighted factors such as the pandemic, unaffordability of living in London, lack of affordable housing, and Brexit that contribute to falling school enrolment.

She congratulated the hon. Lady for securing the debate and raised concerns about childcare and housing costs driving families out of London. In her constituency, eight reception classes had to close last year and seven this year. She proposed that local councils should be given strategic powers to coordinate school admissions and places. Ms Wilson intervened to point out a potential funding issue related to pupil admission numbers, suggesting that the Department for Education provide additional funding for underfilled classes.

Ms Cadbury highlighted the challenges faced by schools in Hounslow, including staff shortages, difficulties recruiting new teachers, funding cuts, and a decline in school places. She mentioned that primary school places have declined by 10% over three years due to families moving out of London because of housing issues. Ms Cadbury also raised concerns about children not being registered in any schools and the impact on local authorities' ability to plan for school places. The MP is concerned about the impact of the free schools programme on local authority planning, particularly in her constituency where resources intended for a non-faith school were diverted to a faith-based institution far from its designated catchment area.

Ms Olney expressed concerns about the financial sustainability of schools in Richmond and Kingston due to falling pupil numbers. She highlighted that single-form entry schools face disproportionate budget cuts as they are funded on a per-head basis, leading to impossible decisions for headteachers regarding staffing and resources. Parents and teachers have reported difficulties in providing necessary services such as special educational needs support and extracurricular activities. Ms Olney also raised the issue of empty classrooms being underutilized and suggested they could be used for community benefits like wraparound childcare and youth work.

School closures are impacting communities, especially in London where the number of primary school pupils has dropped by over 23,000 since before the pandemic. Contributing factors include rising housing costs and a decline in birth rates due to financial pressures.

Mr Sharma highlighted the issue of mainstream primary schools not being inclusive enough for children with special educational needs and disabilities. He suggested that local authorities should be supported to expand specialist provision where necessary.