The meeting focused on the approval of funds for the SEND capital programme budget. The main discussion was about allocating £19.4 million for projects at three schools to improve specialist education facilities.

SEND Capital Programme Budget

The council discussed the allocation of £19.4 million from the approved SEND capital funding for projects at three sites: Fremantle Schools temporary satellite site, Pond Meadow School, and Phillip Southcote School. This investment aims to create permanent accommodation for 132 additional specialist school places and re-provide 24 existing places where current facilities are inadequate. The expansion will help Surrey resident children with additional needs and disabilities to be educated closer to home.

The projects are essential for the council to meet its statutory duties under various acts, including the Local Government Act 1999, the Education Act 1996, and the Children and Families Act 2014. Public consultations have been conducted in line with the Department for Education's statutory processes and planning consultations.

Budget Breakdown

• Fremantle Schools Temporary Satellite Site: £0.99 million for refurbishment at the former Ripley Church of England Primary School site. This figure remains unchanged from previous assumptions.
• Pond Meadow School: £7.34 million for refurbishment, adaptation, and a new build extension. This is a £1.46 million increase from the previously assumed budget of £5.88 million.
• Phillip Southcote School: £11.05 million for a new build extension and a hydrotherapy pool. This is a £0.88 million increase from the £10.17 million approved by the cabinet on March 28, 2023.

Delegation of Authority

The authority to finalize and approve the terms of all associated legal contracts and agreements for these projects is delegated to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Director of Land and Property.

Exclusion of the Public

The public was excluded from the meeting for the consideration of certain items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information under the relevant paragraphs of part 1 of schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.