Purpose

Converting underutilised primary school provision into specialist SEND provision of up to 40 pupils with SEMH. 

Decision

Cabinet unanimously RESOLVED to:

1)     Authorise the school refurbishment of underutilised space at Wittering Primary School into a special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Specialist Provision;

2)     Agree the project budget of £2,100,000.00

3)     Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Children and Young People’s Service to authorise the award of contract for the works, subject to approval from legal, finance and procurement, or allocate funding to the academy trust.

4)     Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Children's Services in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance to take all necessary steps to give effect to the recommendations, including  authorising the Council to enter into any necessary legal agreements.

Alternative options considered

Status quo – ‘do nothing’ – this option was rejected given the number of pupils

already on the waiting list for a SEND provision within PCC.  The Council needs

to comply with its statutory requirements to provide school places.