Purpose

This report seeks approval to vire up to £0.250m of High Needs Capital Allocation to Hawthorns School to convert two rooms into classrooms and adapt existing spaces to provide up to 20 additional special school places for children with SEND.

Decision

RESOLVED

(i)                That Approval be granted to allocate £0.250m through a budget virement from the High Needs Capital Allocation to fund the proposed capital works at Hawthorns School

(ii)             That Approval be given to allocate a grant agreement with New Bridge Multi 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 Special School 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.

Expanding Hawthorns School will also ensure future readiness to accommodate more 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

None.