Purpose

Proposed decision:

That the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, be asked to:

1) APPROVE the allocation of £1,400,000 from the Children’s, Young People and Education Modernisation Capital Programme to enable the replacement of mobile buildings at Dover Grammar School for Girls.

2) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Director of Education and SEND, /Head of Law (or other officer with delegated authority) to enter into any negotiations, and contracts, contract variations or other legal agreements, as required, to implement the decision

3) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant contractual agreements and to enter into such variations as envisaged under any of these contracts.

Reason for the decision

The cost of the proposal will be in excess of £1,000,000.

The replacement of two existing mobile buildings is required to ensure that the school can continue to provide education in safe, fit-for-purpose accommodation.

Replacement of the modular builds supports KCC’s statutory duty regarding ensuring there are sufficient school places for all who require one.

Background

KCC has a mobile refurbishment/replacement programme as part of the modernisation programme. The condition of each mobile building on a maintained school site has been assessed. From the assessment, the refurbishment or replacement of each modular building has been prioritised.  Two mobile blocks at Dover Grammar School for Girls have been identified as needing replacement in the next 12 months.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Refurbishing the mobile units was considered and rejected. The condition of the buildings is such that refurbishment works would not provide good value for money. 

The option of doing nothing was discarded. The buildings are life-expired and the space they provide is required by the school.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

The proposal supports the following:

Aim 2 objective 2 in that the rebuilding of the mobile classrooms with fit for purpose facility is a responsibility expected by, and is in the best interest of Kent residents.

Aim 2 objective 2 in that this proposal is part of a strictly managed capital programme.

Decision

As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills,  I:

1) APPROVE the allocation of £1,400,000 from the Children, Young People and Education Modernisation Capital Programme to enable the replacement of mobile buildings at Dover Grammar School for Girls;

2) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Director of Education and SEND, and the Head of Law to take relevant actions, including but not limited to negotiating, entering into and finalising the terms of  relevant contracts, contract variations or other legal agreements, as required, to implement the decision; and

3) DELEGATE authority to the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant contractual agreements and to enter into such variations as envisaged under any of these contracts.