Purpose

The purpose of this report is to ensure that Sefton Council fulfils its statutory duty, under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, to provide sufficient good?quality school places. Specifically, it outlines the proposal to expand the number of school places at Litherland High School for September 2026 and September 2027, in order to accommodate the Year 7 cohort over this two?year period. Litherland High School is part of the Heath Family Trust.

Decision

Decision(s):

(1)  The approved delegated authority a supplementary capital estimate for £119,341.00 for the scheme to expand school places at Litherland High School funded by Basic Needs capital grant, be noted.

(2)  The approved allocation of £119,341.00 to the Heath Family Trust towards the overall costs of the improvement and refurbishment works to the school building, be noted.

Reason(s) for the Decision(s):

The Department for Education provides Basic Need capital grant funding to local authorities to support them to meet that statutory responsibility. In relation to Litherland High School the building work will need to commence immediately to accommodate the places for the additional children.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

There are no alternative options for the Council to continue to fulfil its statutory obligations to provide sufficient school places in the Bootle and Litherland planning area.