Purpose

To expand the scope of improvement works at the existing Bishopswood School accommodation at Chiltern Edge Academy so that it remains fit for purpose for at least the next five years. The completed scheme is intended to accommodate 10 additional children and young people and includes asbestos removal, changes to WC and hygiene areas, removal of the hydrotherapy pool, and fencing and gate improvements to keep outside spaces safe.

Decision

Approval of the change request for Bishopswood School at Chiltern Edge Academy, increasing the approved capital budget from £0.204m to an estimated £1.243m, an increase of £1.039m. The revised scheme is funded from Section 106 contributions and SEN Grant 2021-26. The change request states that £1.313m has been identified from Section 106 contributions and £0.204m from SEN grant, providing £0.070m more than the required budget. The SEN grant is to be recycled into other SEN capital priorities once the project reaches Gate 2.

Reasons for the decision

The wider Bishopswood expansion scheme through the English Block is paused for the foreseeable future, so a larger package of works is required at the existing accommodation. The additional works respond to the need for local special-school capacity and to substantial asbestos identified during design. If the works are not undertaken, the school may need to reduce capacity to continue operating safely. Approval also enables priority works to proceed, with delivery phased where necessary because of the tight programme and academy approvals.

Alternative options considered

The previous, smaller improvement scheme with an approved budget of £0.204m was considered insufficient following the pause to the wider expansion scheme and the identification of substantial asbestos. A do-nothing option was considered but rejected because the school would need to reduce capacity to maintain a safe operating environment. If asbestos removal cannot be completed during the school holidays, encapsulation and containment may be required; this would keep the asbestos safe but would represent a missed opportunity and may require a design change.