Local Authorities have a statutory duty to secure sufficient school places within its area.  The key role of the planning function is to maintain a balance between the supply and demand of school places, with regard to future projections of pupil numbers, demographic trends and policy priorities and priorities identified by the Asset Management Plan.

This is another area where Local Authorities can share best practice for instance via EBDOG regional groups.  We would also encourage you to use the EBDOG discussion forum.

Identified sources of information include:

Net Capacity
AMP Guidance Note Section 5 Sufficiency Assessment. Information is also available at www.dfes.gov.uk/amps

Projections and Forecast Methodologies
Projections of future numbers on roll are submitted annually to DfES in the Annual Surplus Place return.  Discussion around methodology etc can be raised at regional EBDOG groups.  Web based information is available via the Education Research Council web site.

Area Review and School Organisation
Guidance and information on consultation and statutory publication process are available on www.dfes.gov.uk/schoolorg, which includes a DfES hosted discussion forum.

Developer Contributions
These are normally negotiated locally (Section 106, planning gain) and are often the subject of discussion at regional EBDOG group meetings.