Content

This Key Decision report recommends entering
into a construction contract with Cubby Construction Limited for
the sum of £567,078.92 to construct an additional classroom
and supporting facilities, i.e., storage, toilets, etc., at
Cumwhinton Primary School, Carlisle.
 

Reasons for the decision

The Council has a statutory obligation to
ensure that sufficient primary and secondary school places are
available to meet the needs of the population in the
area.
 
This can be achieved by either
creating new spaces, permanently or temporarily at Cumwhinton
Primary School or potentially by transporting pupils to next
nearest primary school.
 
Whilst the Council would never
provide a guarantee of a place to children living in any
school’s catchment area, it does have a responsibility to
meet as many parental preferences as possible and, clearly, would
prefer to do so in the catchment area school where
possible.  Transporting these children
elsewhere at the Council’s expense is not a good use of
resources, increases the number of journeys being made as well as
our carbon footprint, and is not supportive of the local rural
community.  The data indicates that
there is a long-term need for additional space at this village
school and providing additional space will ensure that the school
is able to thrive.
 
Awarding the construction
contract to Cubby Construction Limited, who have successfully
delivered many similar projects, will allow the Council to meet its
statutory obligations.
 

Alternative options considered

The following options were considered:
 
a.    
Do Nothing – this is not an option as the Council has a
statutory obligation to ensure sufficient school places are
available to meet the needs of the population in the local
area.
 
b.    
Temporary classroom (least favourable) – this option would
require revenue funding which is not available.
 
c.    
Build new permanent classroom (preferred option) – the
data indicates that there is a long term need for additional space
at this village school and by providing the additional space this
will ensure that the school is able to thrive and meet the future
needs of the local rural community.
 
d.    
Transportation (least sustainable option with no tangible benefits)
– transport pupils to the next nearest schools. This option
also extends the school day for young children.
 
 
The following key
risks have been identified:
 

a.    
Working in a live school environment – segregation of pupils
and tradesman must be maintained at all times during the
construction phase.  A preconstruction
Health & Safety plan has been developed to allow works to be
undertaken to maintain this segregation.  The plan will be further developed by the
contractor and then managed regularly throughout the duration of
the construction phase.
 

b.    
Autumn 2024 – the new classroom is required for the start of
the autumn term 2024, when the new pupils are expected to
arrive.  Therefore, it is critical that
the proposed programme is maintained to ensure that the classroom
is delivered on time.