Purpose

In July 2023 the amalgamation of
Lyndhurst Infant and Chesswood Junior Schools onto one site to form
a new primary schools was approved (decision
OKD07 (23/24) refers). The
amalgamation was one aspect of a range of measures taken to address
surplus primary school places in the Worthing
area.
 
The newly formed
primary school came into effect in September 2024 and is now known
as Homefield Primary School, but is still currently operating
across both sites formerly occupied by Lyndhurst Infants and
Chesswood Junior schools.
 
The intention is
that works are carried out to the former Chesswood Junior school to
provide Homefield Primary school with an expanded site that
includes a 21 place Special Support Centre (SSC) for children with
Social Communication Needs, replacing and increasing the capacity
of the current SSC on the former Lyndhurst School
site.
 
A feasibility
study has been undertaken to develop proposed options for the
single site Homefield Primary school. 
Authority is now sought for the allocation of the capital funding
required to develop the design further, and progress with delivery
of the preferred option.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People
and Learning has approved:
 

(1) The allocation of
a total of £8.665m from the Basic Need and SEND Capital
budgets to develop the design and fund delivery of the works, as
set out in paragraph 2.2 of the report, to create a single site for
Homefield Primary School and a 21 place Special Support Centre.

(2)Following the design
being finalised, the delegation of authority to the Assistant
Director (Property and Assets) to submit a planning application,
commence a procurement process and award the contract to complete
the project, in accordance with the scope and financial parameters
set out in this report.