Purpose

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

Decision

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.