Purpose

To deliver a SEND Resource Base (RB) at Ralph Allen School, providing new and additional accommodation for 20 pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in line with the Council's priorities as set out in the SEND Education Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2024.

Decision

To fully approve £1,906k capital grant to Palladian MAT/Ralph Allen School, fully funded by High Needs Capital Provision Allocation.

Alternative options considered

BANES MATS/schools were approached and asked to put forward their “visions" to provide a SEND RB. The visions were considered jointly between the LA, BPCF and the MATS/schools. A number of schools and Trusts were interested and feasibility studies were carried out at schools that have available space to build or accommodation which can be adapted. Ralph Allen School is identified as having the available space to build and the is in the right area for an ASD RB.