Purpose

St Teresa’s School building became vacant on 31st August 2022 when the school closed. The site of the school is owned by the Archdiocese of Liverpool. As a result of a trust with the Ince Blundell family the school should be used for educational purposes. The Archdiocese have been keen for the building to remain in use for the children of Sefton. A short-term lease was granted in 2022 to enable time for the Local Authority to consider the modifications and building work required to the site to enable it to be used for Newfield School. The proposal was to open St Teresa’s building as a provision for 28 primary aged children which would provide additional capacity both at the primary age and secondary age as space would be freed in Newfield School. This was agreed to proceed with previously.

The purpose of this report is to take forward agreement for a 25-year lease and to agree the building costs required to enable the school to open from October 2023.

Decision

Decision(s):

i)               That the Council takes a Lease of the former St Teresa’s School premises on the terms detailed within the report. Funding streams have been identified to cover the operational running costs associated with the occupation and the operation of the school for the duration of the Lease.

ii)              It be noted that funding from the SEND Capital Grant is to be approved by Cabinet / Council for the capital costs associated with modifying the building to make it fit for purpose.

iii)            That the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer be authorised to enter into a Lease to document the Councils occupation of the premises.

iv)            That the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer be authorised to enter into a Licence for Alterations in respect of the alteration works to adapt the premises should the Archdiocese of Liverpool so require.

Reasons for the Decision(s):

To enable Sefton to fulfil its statutory duties in providing education for children in a good or better school with the added benefit of delivering cost savings in comparison to children attending Independent School provision.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: (including any Risk Implications)

If we did not lease the building to provide accommodation for KS1 and KS2 children with an EHCP for SEMH this would result in a continued shortage of places within borough and then children would need to be educated out of borough. This option is considered more costly on a like for like comparison and will most likely rise as requirements / numbers increase. Cost comparisons are set out below in paragraph 3.4.