Purpose

This report seeks approval to allocate an additional £0.100m of High Needs Capital Allocation to a previously approved project at St Stephens’s RC Primary School, which will provide a Specialist Resource Provision for up to 16 children with SEND.

Decision

RESOLVED

(i)                That Approval be granted for a budget virement to allocate £0.100m from the unallocated High Needs Capital Allocation towards the approved project at St Stephen’s RC Primary School

(ii)             That Approval be given to enter into a grant agreement with Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust to enable delivery of the works.

Reasons for the decision

The proposed works are essential to meet the care and accessibility needs of the pupils with special educational needs in a mainstream setting. The investment supports inclusive education, promotes dignity and independence, and aligns with the council’s statutory responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the SEND Code of Practice.

The facility will also ensure future readiness to accommodate other pupils with similar needs, contributing to long-term sufficiency and reducing reliance on out-of-borough placements, the plan also offers a reduction in SEND transport costs to these out-of-borough placements. 

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing – this option was rejected as this would not address the identified SEND need and would leave the Council unable to meet its statutory duty under the Children and Families Act 2014 to secure sufficient suitable places.