Purpose

To seek delegated authority to undertake procurement to expand
Avenue Infants school

Content

RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION
 
That the Executive:
 

a)       
Delegated authority to the designated Director of
Children’s Services, the Director of Law and Governance
(Monitoring Officer) and Executive Director of Finance (s151
officer), in consultation with the Executive Member of Children,
Education & Families, to procure, negotiate, award and enter
into a contract and secure any planning approvals required to
deliver the scheme for The Avenue Infant School Extension to ensure
that there is suitable accommodation for SEND unit pupils and
staff. The procurement will be sought through a competitive
flexible tender process to appoint a contractor. 

 

b)       
The Council has a statutory obligation to provide school
buildings that are safe and fit for purpose and conducive to
teaching and learning. If the Council cannot provide safe school
buildings in its maintained provision in North Northamptonshire,
then it could be subject to health and safety breaches.

 

c)        
Noted that the scheme, which has already been approved, will
be funded primarily by the High Needs Grant.  
 
Reasons for
Recommendations:
 

·               
To create additional SEND teaching and ancillary space to
meet increasing demand for SEND provision including physical
requirements. 

 

·               
The Council has a statutory obligation to provide school
buildings that are safe and fit for purpose and conducive to
teaching and learning.  If the Council cannot provide safe
school buildings in its maintained provision in North Northants,
then it could be subject to health and safety breaches
 
Alternative Options Considered
– If nothing is done the school would not have the adequate
accommodation to teach pupils.  This option has
therefore been discounted.