Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 15, 2025

Purpose: To seek urgent approval for financial and land agreements relating to Woodeaton Manor School to enable its conversion to academy status, as directed by the DfE, scheduled for 1 June 2025.

Content: Amended recommendations approved as follows:-   RESOLVED to:-   a)   approve the proposal for Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) to retain maintenance and repairs of Woodeaton Manor School building after it converts to academy status and until the lease is terminated, at an annual cap of up to £0.2m per annum, for a period of between 2-4 years until the school can be relocated to new accommodation. the maximum cost to the general fund is £0.4m to £0.8m. b)   approve the proposed funding, subject to conditions, as detailed in the annex, to support the trust with adaptations to the building to meet the special educational needs and disabilities (send) requirements of current students. c)   approve an enhanced level of revenue funding for Woodeaton Manor School, as detailed in the annex, starting on the date of academy conversion (scheduled for 1 October 2025) and being reviewed on an annual basis, with any changes taking effect from 1 April each year. d)   note the options relating to the land transfer set out in this report and to approve the delegation of authority to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Director of Law & Governance and the Director of Property & Assets as appropriate, to finalise and execute the necessary documentation to meet the Department for Education (DFE) timescales for academisation. this includes the final decision relating to the transference of insurance excess costs in the case of negligence by the trust employees, and the final processes relating to freehold transfer.