Purpose

This report seeks approval to allocate up to £0.380m of High Needs Capital Funding to Thomas Ashton School for the adaptation of an additional 2 classroom spaces.  The project will provide an additional 20 special school placements for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties who are struggling to attend in mainstream settings. It will also ensure the school is equipped to support future cohorts with similar requirements. This facility will also help meet future need as the number of SEMH children is predicted to increase 63% by 2029/30.

Decision

(i)     Approval was granted for a budget virement of £0.380m from unallocated High Needs Capital Grant to fund the creation of classroom spaces at Thomas Ashton School to support the needs of pupils with special educational needs.

(ii)   That the Council enters into a grant agreement with Thomas Ashton School to enable the delivery of the works.

(iii) That the works are to be delivered by the school under the oversight of the Education Capital Project Team, with costs monitored to ensure best value.

Reasons for the decision

Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of all children and young people in their area, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The proposal is in line with the Council’s ambition that all children within the borough should have a school place as close to home as possible, able to meet their individual learning needs, and for as many children as possible with an Education Health and Care Plan to have a suitable place within a mainstream setting. This algins with the Council’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2025-2030. 

Alternative options considered

Maintain current provision without creating additional Specialist places. This would not address the growing demand for specialist places within mainstream settings. It risks non-compliance with the Council’s statutory duty to ensure sufficient and appropriate school places.

Commission additional specialist places from independent providers or neighbouring authorities. This would result in significantly higher costs, reduced local control over quality and provision, and increased travel for pupils.