Decision Maker: Executive Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 18, 2026

Purpose: The report sought approval for capital investment of £5.3m to establish three new Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) within  mainstream schools in Tameside, at Laurus Ryecroft Secondary School, Ashton West End Academy and St Stephen’s RC Primary School (Droylsden) and establish a satellite site at Cromwell High School. The schemes would deliver 118 new specialist places across primary, secondary and post‑16 phases, strengthening local capacity and supporting the Council’s statutory duty to ensure sufficient, appropriate school places.

Content: RESOLVED (i)            Approval be given to the allocation of £4.3 million from the High Needs Capital Grant to fund the adaptation, fit-out, and associated works required to be undertaken at the Laurus Ryecroft, Ashton West End Primary Academy and St Stephen’s RC Primary School with an allocation to each as set out within section 3 of the report (ii)          Approval be given to the allocation of up to £1 million from the High Needs Capital Grant to fund the adaptation, fit-out, and associated works required to be undertaken at the Kingfisher Learning Trusts Cromwell High School, as set out within the report, in order to make the site operational for September 2026. This approval is subject to receipt of detailed costings and confirmation that proposed use of funding is compliant with the terms of funding from the Department for Education. (iii)        Approval be given to the entry into a Grant Funding Agreement of funding of £3m to the Academy Trusts for Laurus Ryecroft, £0.450m for Ashton West End Primary, £0.850m for St Stephens RC Primary and £1m for Cromwell High School, through a Grant Funding Agreement, subject to appropriate due diligence regarding the scope of works and cost estimates, in order to make the sites operational for September 2026. (iv)        To Delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Children’s Services to undertake the necessary due diligence.